One more to go

I just finished up my first year Indian music theory exam and my Abnormal Psych exam. Both went well and a lot of pressure has been released. Jesse is in Chennai until tomorrow. He's making all of his rent money in one night. I have my practical exam on Wedensday. It's actually kind of cool to be held responsible for what I'm learning. Oh, I went to a great concert last night in honor of Ustad Amir Khan, one of the greatest Hindustani singers. The performers were Rashid Khan (Vocal) and Hariprasad Chaurasia (Flute). It was quality! And in between they had a very well made short film about Ustad Amir Khan with black and white photos and recording from back in the day. Really special... Not to mention the way I got there: on the back of Tali's, an australian tabla student, Honda Motorcycle. I was so proud to be riding across Mumbai - 2 western women on a bike! On the way back we rode past a lot of drumming and celebrating and Ganeshes, apparently it's Ganesh-ratri or something. I'm telling you, this city is one big pratyahata nada (the Indian word for non-musical sound or NOISE). Outside our window they have been destroying a concrete building every morning at 9:15 sharp. We no longer need an alarm clock. It's not a very big building so hopefully by the time Liat gets here (2.5 weeks!) they'll be done with that. But there's definitely enough banging and sawing noises around the neighborhood for everyone to enjoy year round. And for every pratyahata nada in my life, there is just as much madhura nada (pleasing musical sound!). Love to all. Y