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Food as cultural heritage

Surprise-surprise

8/27/2018

5 Comments

 
All 13 of us, plus Alrik the honorary cohort member, are getting oriented in Dallas. We went to a ballet last night in the Arts District. Wild bunch that we are, we stayed out for a glass of wine afterwards. When we left the bar--crickets. Our voices rang against the empty performance buildings. Lincoln Center hasn't had that effect on Broadway.  What's going on here?

The sun flattens SMU. When the bell rings, the Kens and Barbies climb back into their BMWs and Jeep Grand Cherokees to join the stream of machines heading to the suburbs. I've never seen such a listless campus. We don't quite know yet why we're here. Some of us have big voids to fill. Others, urgent dreams to fulfill. 

I've unplugged from the necessity of a paycheck. I get just 380 days to make something happen. I have to trust that the logistics I've set up will carry me through--network, vaccinations, budget, bank accounts, storage, tax prep, stay permits. The structured discussions about arts and culture fascinate me as much as this past year's reading did. I've landed in the right place. What better thing could I be doing at this stage of my life?  

Then, surprise-surprise. It takes 4 professors and 2 directors to jumble the journey I thought I was on. The prospects for the whole year changes. I listen, excited, disbelieving. I told you we would visit 4 cities in the next year. Insert three more. Brace yourself: I'm going to India and China. This is no longer a program. It's an adventure. 

At my age, this is a once in a lifetime chance. I mobilize everything to honor this opportunity extended to me What about family, partner, dog? As my aunt said, "my job is to focus on me, and I've got big plans."

We got Tibby a quinceañera carriage to pull her behind our bikes all over Dallas. Hang in there baby, this year's going to be a bumpy ride. 




5 Comments
Brian Whang
8/27/2018 06:32:45 pm

Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by, water flowing underground
Into the blue again after the money's gone
Once in a lifetime, water flowing underground

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Margie
8/29/2018 08:47:37 am

How exciting! So happy to be riding sidecar via blog. This is going to be a great adventure!

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Karen C.
8/31/2018 01:41:36 pm

Hello A.C., nice to know what you are up to! All the best for getting the most out of your program. Sounds very very exciting and worthwhile.

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Helen link
9/1/2018 05:39:00 am

How amazing China and India! What an adventure! I am beyond excited for you!!! Just survive Dallas and then it will be good from there. In the meantime I'm thinking of Tibby's adventure! Love you!

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Jen Shakti?⚡?☀
9/1/2018 12:20:41 pm

What a culture shock! In some ways you expected but now you’re in the middle of it!! I love that you got Tibby a trailer! You’ll make the most of this adventure, it will be interesting to hear your take on why this portion starts in Dallas. I’ve never been there but from a biased Californian who’s been with you in NYC- *record scratch* But you got this!!!

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