Capstone project: A rainbow of sweet contradictions
Marta Allegue Souto
June 7, 2018
A few days ago, I organized a photography exhibition under the name of “A rainbow of sweet contradictions”. On it, I decided to share the stories of several people within my in-country community to try to explain certain aspects of how tradition and innovation are shaping India’s culture and society. These “contradictions” helped me navigate...
Read MoreIs that a yes?
Marta Allegue Souto
June 6, 2018
“Is that a yes? Maybe a way of politely saying no? Is she doubting? Why would she doubt? Have I said something wrong? Have I done something wrong? What does she mean with that continuous tilt of her head? She almost looked like a bobble head figurine.” A million thoughts welled up...
Read MoreLooking back
Marta Allegue Souto
June 6, 2018
It has been about a month. One month since I last saw India. One month since I last hugged my host family. To be precise, it has been 39 days. 39 days that came, each, with a special memory from my year in Pune. Every single day brought me something new, something to be grateful...
Read MoreHappiness is having chai with you
Marta Allegue Souto
June 5, 2018
India taught me that real tea is very different from the sad little tea bag that we dip in hot water. Indian tea is flavorful, strong, sweet, warms you up when you are cold, cures you when you have a slight fever, gives you the strength needed to teach 5th grade kids for two more...
Read MoreMy favorite (untranslatable) Hindi words
Marta Allegue Souto
June 3, 2018
1. Golmaal गोलमाल Chaos. This word is formed by two other Hindi words: gol (round, circle) and maal (wealth). 2. Rishta रिश्ता An inexplicable connection with another soul. 3. Masakali मसाकली Aspiring to fly high through peace and liberation. 4. Gulcharrey गुलचरे Enjoying life to the fullest with no aim, target or desire...
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On my way to school
Marta Allegue Souto
May 17, 2018
I blow one more time on my sugary ginger chai before I leave to school, as if trying to avoid getting my tongue burnt was going to prove how strong I was feeling that morning. I say a quick goodbye to Neha, my host mum, and I close the door. After the first stretch of...
Read MoreFirst uncertainties
Marta Allegue Souto
September 2, 2017
Confusion. भ्रांति Uncertainty about what it is happening. It was a warm August morning. I found myself alone, seated in a plane towards San Francisco airport. A 12 hour-long spiral of emotions overtook me as I saw Europe for the last time. Goodbyes had started feeling normal to me. After attending a UWC school in...
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