![OTHERLANDS: India [Recap]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cceb1d90b77bd4d385a5a2d/1586773391757-ZK5VHP86TX6CLQHMLDHQ/Artboard+1+copy+4.png)
Mysuru, India
We boarded a train in Bengaluru and traveled southwest a few hours to spend the final week of our 2-month trip in Mysuru (Mysore). This modestly-sized city hosts an amazing palace, is easily walkable, and had a relaxed atmosphere. It was a great way to wrap up our trip in India.
Chennai, India
Arriving to India, I discovered that my passport was nearly full, and I would need another. To pick it up, one morning I bounced from Bengaluru to the consulate in Chennai (eastern coast), and walked the city until my return flight later that afternoon. I met some great folks along the way.
Schooled in Rhythm • "Garfield's Blackberry" • with Bangalore Amrit
Amrit Khanjira, master of the khanjira, an Indian percussion instrument from the Carnatic (South Indian Classical) tradition gave me a lot to think about, and practice. I came away with great new rhythmic concepts, and we put the American old-time tune “Garfield’s Blackberry” through the paces…reinterpreting in 5 different time signatures.
“Baaro Saadhanakerige” • with Raghu Dixit
I met and immediately locked with the amazingly powerful and soulful singer Raghu Dixit in Bengaluru, India. We played a piece of poetry by Dr. Da. Ra. Bendre that he had set to music — a traveling song of of leaving your home to search for what may be better, only to return to your home and find that it has been the true place for you all along.
Goa, India
A week after arriving to Bengaluru, we took a 1wk side trip to Panjim, in the western coastal state of Goa. The Sur Jahan festival was taking place, and we went to hang out. It's run by my Kolkata friends at Banglanatak dot com, and I would meet, hear, and hang with musicians from Sweden, South Korea, Denmark, Reunion, Hungary, and India.
Bengaluru, India
After spending 4 weeks in northeastern India, we headed to the southern city of Benglauru, capital of the state of Karnataka. We would make this our home base for two weeks, with side trips to Goa, Chennai, and Mysuru (photo albums on their way).
Paruldanga, India
For one day and one night, I took a trip to the village of Paruldanga, near Shantiniketan, a few hours outside of Kolkata. There I stayed at the home of Rina and Dibakar Das Baul, spending the evening playing music with them and other members of their community.
