Life here in India has been going well. We live 200m from the border with Nepal in a dusty and crowded corner of the world. The Lonely Planet suggests travelers just pass through. Another guidebook describes Raxaul as having "All of the dust and dirt of India, with none of the charm."
Our work is fun and keeping us busy. We supervise five therapists. Most days involve cruising around the countryside on the back of motorbikes to visit disabled children. The other facets of our work involve advocacy, family support, running groups and education.
The weather is pretty hot and taking time to get used to. It is also hard wearing so many clothes in heat like this! The food is simple but nice and we share all of our meals in the Doctor's mess. Tyson talks about cricket everyday. Talitha adds Vegemite to Chapattis.
We miss you all.
Love Tyson and Talitha
........................................................................
Ramblings......
The recent racial attacks on Indian students in Australia has been in the newspaper here everyday. Often the front page.
You could argue that Indians are probably making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. Especially given the segregation on caste and ethnic grounds, political violence and injustice that is a part of everyday life here (this must make Gandhi turn in his watery grave).
I don't know if it is just me, but there does seem to be a sharp rise in extreme patriotism in Australia. This especially seems have been the case following events like 9/11, the Tampa crisis, and Cronulla riots. Our conservative government responses to these issues was also of concern. I find this an extremely worrying trend.
Australia is founded on immigration and multiculturalism. Our rhetoric implies that we are proud of this. Unfortunately all too often high profile events and subsequent government responses do not reflect these ideals.
To me, Southern Cross tattoos and Aussie flag capes now have dark symbolism. They are no longer just harmless displays of being Australian at the Big Day Out or cricket.
Our work is fun and keeping us busy. We supervise five therapists. Most days involve cruising around the countryside on the back of motorbikes to visit disabled children. The other facets of our work involve advocacy, family support, running groups and education.
The weather is pretty hot and taking time to get used to. It is also hard wearing so many clothes in heat like this! The food is simple but nice and we share all of our meals in the Doctor's mess. Tyson talks about cricket everyday. Talitha adds Vegemite to Chapattis.
We miss you all.
Love Tyson and Talitha
........................................................................
Ramblings......
The recent racial attacks on Indian students in Australia has been in the newspaper here everyday. Often the front page.
You could argue that Indians are probably making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. Especially given the segregation on caste and ethnic grounds, political violence and injustice that is a part of everyday life here (this must make Gandhi turn in his watery grave).
I don't know if it is just me, but there does seem to be a sharp rise in extreme patriotism in Australia. This especially seems have been the case following events like 9/11, the Tampa crisis, and Cronulla riots. Our conservative government responses to these issues was also of concern. I find this an extremely worrying trend.
Australia is founded on immigration and multiculturalism. Our rhetoric implies that we are proud of this. Unfortunately all too often high profile events and subsequent government responses do not reflect these ideals.
To me, Southern Cross tattoos and Aussie flag capes now have dark symbolism. They are no longer just harmless displays of being Australian at the Big Day Out or cricket.
