''So, how is India?''

36000 feet up, somewhere above Ukraine.

8:40 PM, Mumbai time.

Three hours left of the Mumbai-London flight. Then, a ‘hope-I’ll-make-it-on-time’ connection at Heathrow, and the final journey from London to Lyon.

It feels so strange to be heading back, especially as it feels like I only just arrived in India. I don’t dare imagine what it’ll be like in a year and a half, when this chapter of our lives will close and ‘goodbyes’ will be more significant.

But for now, I’m choosing to look back on this first term, enjoy the memories (and try not to think about how fast the whole thing is going.) J

So. As the title of this post may suggest, the thing I’m dreading most about returning home is that one question: “So, how is India?”

Why? Well, this is a question it could take me days to answer in full, and our lives at MUWCI cannot be summed up in a simple “yeah, it’s good, thanks”.

I could write once again about diversity, culture, special bonds, fantastic experiences and crazy fun, because in essence, that’s what characterises MUWCI at first glance. But MUWCI is also about sitting on the roof at 4:30 AM, still nowhere near concluding the debate about whether or not marijuana should be legalised. It’s about the spontaneous 2-minute dance parties with your roomies, singing along to bad music, and head banging like you didn't know was possible. It’s about the principal showing up to College meeting in a ridiculous wig, and for it to be considered normal. It’s about being told to get the hell out of your friend’s corner by their roommate, because it’s 5AM and you are STILL jamming together. It’s about coaxing frogs off your bed, and out of your laundry. And your cupboard. And shoes. MUWCI is about learning the hard way that if you’re white, you really do need to wear mosquito repellent and sun-screen. And that the others will give you shit for it.

But, as with all of these things, we learn to live with it, because it’s MUWCI, and to put it bluntly, that’s kind of what we signed up for.

Ask me if I would have it any other way, I’d say no. That may not be the case for everyone, but something tells me these little things are what make this place genuinely special for all of us. Different. Crazy. A bunch of weirdos from all around the world, living together in the ultimate mish-mash of ideas and identities.

MUWCI, I’ll miss you over winter break. :’) Thank you for this first term. Please, let next one not go by so fast. 

See you all in a month’s time!

Maria xXx

Project Croc.

Project week is a major part of all UWC experiences, and an aspect of which we have all been excited for from the very beginning.

Before even coming to MUWCI, we were sent an email with all the proposed project weeks, and as students we chose which one to participate in. From Himalayan hiking, to working with sexual minorities, to teaching young children, to interacting with the tribal communities of India, each Project has a unique angle, mission and interest.

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, home to 27 reptilian species including 2546 individuals, was set up with the aim of promoting the conservation of reptiles and amphibians on the Indian subcontinent.

Last week, we travelled in a group of ten MUWCI students and two faculty to Tamil Nadu, in South India, for seven days of sweat, bad smells, cold showers, more mosquitoes than we knew existed, early mornings and shovelling shit. 

Sound like fun?

Well, upon return, I can tell you that 'fun' doesn't even begin to describe it.

Night walks on the nature trail, learning about the animals and their conservation, amazing wildlife everywhere, jumping in a pit with the largest captive crocodile in Asia, feeding the magnificent gharials and pythons, butterfly surveys, good food, sightseeing, chill time on the beach, seemingly endless games of 'never have I ever'... these just a few of the many activities that kept us (very) busy during our stay at croc bank.  

The staff on hand were fantastic- so interesting and keen to share their knowledge, as well as facilitating numerous activities and talks for us.

A five o' clock start on one morning saw us on a walk with two members of the Irula tribe- known across India for their snake tracking and catching techniques. After environmental legislation outlawed the catching and killing of wild snakes, the Irulas were left somewhat stranded. Thankfully, they were able to continue their practice, by using their unique skills to track snakes for venom-extraction, used later for antidotes to snakebites. On our walk, we witnessed these skills first hand- something truly special.

The same afternoon, we met with some of the women of the tribe, and learnt about their work, in the growing and production of medicinal plants. ITWWS (Irula Tribe Women's Welfare Society) was set up for the documentation of Irula knowledge and culture, as well as the creation of strong leadership amongst Irula women, allowing them to carry on their practices and increasing opportunity for them. 

I could go on for four volumes about our project week, but instead here are some pictures, which will probably give you a better idea of what this incredible week was really like:

So there you have it.

Thank you so much, croc bank!

I'll be back soon...

Thanks for reading,

Maria xXx

B. D. Somani MUN 2013

On Friday, a group of first year MUWCI students travelled to Mumbai for the B. D. Somani MUN 2013 conference. Apart from the MUN conference itself, for many of us it was our first time in the city (excluding landing at the airport, which doesn't count).

It was a great experience, and this post will be about our weekend :)

MUN (Model United Nations) is one of the many extra-curricular activities offered at MUWCI. 

Let me briefly explain the concept.

MUN consists of a stimulation of UN conferences, as students represent various countries (and their particular policies) in different councils. A particular topic of discussion is proposed beforehand, and delegates are expected to prepare and research prior to the conference. There is then debating, with the aim of coming up with a resolution to the issue.

This MUN was hosted by an international school in Mumbai, and lasted through three full days of conference. (the link: http://www.bdsmun2013.com/)

Being the first MUN I have attended, I don't have a frame of reference to compare with. But my personal experience was exciting and interesting, not just during the conference, but also meeting and spending time with the other delegates from Mumbai.

Then, of course, there's Mumbai itself!

As I said, this was for many of us our first time in what is India's largest city. Unfortunately, as the conference took up most of our time, we didn't have a whole lot left to explore the place. 

However, from where we did go, and what we did manage to see, I know that personally I can't wait to return!

Mumbai is unlike any place I have ever set foot in before. It isn't just physically miles away from my life in Lyon, but in all other aspects as well. The colours, the markets, the streets, the sea... all this produced for me an atmosphere like no other.

The wonderful family that hosted us said: 'Mumbai is somewhere that really gets under your skin', and honestly, I couldn't agree more!

I am hoping to go back in November, over our Diwali break :)

But for now, I have a hundred other things to be thinking about, so I'll leave it there for this time!

Thank you so much for reading,

Maria xXx

One month after

I like these times when campus is quiet. When all I can hear is the song of some bird I don't know the name of, and the snoring of my roommate, of whom I do, but won't share here ;)

It's Sunday morning. Lie in day.
But this particular Sunday, I am not catching up on desperately needed sleep.
Instead, I'm sat on my windowsill, reflecting upon the last 30 days, my first month at MUWCI.
Trying to think how I can possibly convey through words the experiences  and emotions of living so far away from everything I know, in such a place as this.
It probably won't work. But I'll give it a shot.

It's scary to think how quickly this month has gone, considering there are now only two and a half left before the end of term. This term, the first of four, in our MUWCI journeys.
After the initial excitement of integration week, along with meeting and getting to know everyone, we started to settle down into our new home, our new lives. (Not that everyday didn't bring a new surprise, of course. In a place like this, where everything is so different, new, and undiscovered, surprises are pretty much routine!)

Now, a month in, with pretty much all our trivenis (non-academic activities) and classes started, we are beginning to find our rhythm. I can't get my head around how different this place is to school back home. In fact, sometimes it's easy for me to forget it's school at all.

I couldn't possibly tell you about everything that has happened since we arrived here. For one, I'd have to go into detail about every day, as each one has been meaningful in one way or another. For two, I hope to describe most aspects of MUWCI in posts to come, over the next two years.

But for one, these first 30 days have confirmed that the diversity of the student body makes a UWC experience what it is. So many backgrounds, cultures, languages I can't make head or tale of, so many people with so many stories to tell.
Out first moth here has seen many late night discussions, sharing experiences, opening our eyes to parts of the world we thought we knew about. Everyone so different, yet perhaps even more strikingly, so similar in so many ways.
I think this aspect of our MUWCI journeys is one we'll always treasure, even when, years from now, the school work is long gone, the photographs faded and other memories buried in the back of our minds.
Because it is this diversity and exposure to so many different people that will shape our lives here at MUWCI, and ultimately shape who we are later in life.

Now, on another note:
Yesterday marked the 32nd International Day of Peace, or World Peace Day.
Here at MUWCI, we celebrated by having a day of action, with the aim of making our beautiful campus more sustainable, and conserving the biodiversity we are so lucky to have.
Similar projects were undertaken worldwide, on large and small scales.

But unfortunately, in other parts of the world, things are not looking so optimistic.
Yesterday, the tragedy in Kenya took us all by surprise.
All over the world, prayers and sympathies are going out towards Nairobi, and the families of the victims in Westgate Shopping Mall. One MUWCI alumnus was eye witness to these events. Please take the time to read this, her account of yesterday's tragedy.
http://lifeonthedirt.blogspot.in/2013/09/terror-at-westgate-shopping-mall-2111.html

Thank you so much for reading,

Maria xXx

Welcome to MUWCI...

When you're woken up at 6:30 AM to wrestle in the mud and rain.

When your classroom turns orange overnight.

When you climb a hill and feel like you're in a picture book.

When frogs invade your laundry.

When a Norwegian makes a Mexican burrito out of Indian chapati, rice and dal and explains it all in English.

When it's normal to do homework on the roof. Or in a tree.

When you're happy to find time to sleep anywhere.
Anywhere.

When sunsets look like this:

...and these guys are your teachers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBJ0btv85kg

That's when you know. 

There's only one place you can be.

MUWCI has now been my home for exactly 23 days.

Integration week kicked off with seven amazing, crazy days of 200 new people, new faces, new names, various activities, discussions, lots of mud, lots of laughter, lots of getting lost and not much sleep!

The first and second year shows were a magical opportunity for students from all around the world to share their talents, interests, and cultures. The richness and diversity of the student body here made the overall show as colourful and exciting as it was.

A homestay in this first week saw us submerged into rural Maharashtran life. Although for one night only, it was an experience we'll hold onto for years to come. We were taken down the valley into local villages, where families welcomed us into their homes, showed us their village and introduced us to several aspects of the lives and culture. Although at first the language barrier was an obstacle (their English being limited, and my Hindi/Marathi being non-existent), after a while we worked it out. Kids are kids anywhere, after all. Kids play, they laugh, they sing and dance. And that's what we did, as well as them showing us the village, the temple, the rice fields, the mango trees, the river and the animals.

From the tiny fraction I have seen, I still find India an enchanting place. The city of Pune was introduced to us last week, and although very different from the rural areas surrounding MUWCI, I also can't wait to get to know it better.

Paud, the nearest town, is still undiscovered to me for the most part. We did go down one evening for dinner, music and chill-time, which was a lot of fun, but otherwise I haven't yet explored it.

Anyway, that's a brief summary of some of the highlights of what's been happening here for the last few weeks. (There's more, but I'm becoming increasingly conscious of the fact that this is turning into a very long and probably boring by now post, so I'll leave it there for now!)

I have come across several other blogs from muwci students, which I'd like to share with you. So expect that soon.

Anyway, thanks for reading, see you soon :)

Maria xXx

India, first impressions

Namaste!

Finally, I'm here.
Just over a week ago I landed in Mumbai, and since then life's been going at 200mph.

My first impression of India when I landed? Man, it's hot.

But once I was out of the airport, and into the jeep headed to the college, the heat and humidity were the last things on my mind.
For a six hour drive in a sweaty jeep, it was a pretty amazing journey. From the insane roads of Mumbai, to the streets of small villages, from the highways through the country, to the winding hill roads, I got a brief taste of this magnificent country, of India.
And, although I was tired enough to be able to sleep anywhere, not for one moment did I dare close my eyes.
I didn't take any photographs, but here are a couple I got from a friend, of the view from the road:

And that was just part of the journey.

Even stopping on the roadside for something to eat was a great experience. No, I had no idea what any of the food actually was, but I do know it was good. Really good.

Having only seen a tiny part of Mumbai, and even that only through the window of the jeep, I can't really tell you much about it. It is however a place I can't wait to explore, and hopefully will be able to do so soon. But the drive also took us through very rural parts of Maharashtra, the other end of what is a divided society in India today. It is in these rural areas that MUWCI works closely with the community, creating interaction between the school and nearby villages, helping develop opportunities for local children.

This is something I can't wait to be a part of.

I can't really sum up in words what my first impressions of India were. But you get the idea.

Anyway, I'll be updating again soon about integration week, may first days on campus, MUD GAMES, where I am living (and my amazing roommates!)

Thanks for reading,

Maria xXx

Bye bye Lyon....

I suppose seven years isn't so long, in the context of a lifetime.

But seven years in one place is definitely long enough for it to form you, mark you and never let you forget it.

10th August 2006, I moved to Lyon, France. Since then, I've had fantastic opportunity to meet wonderful people, have so many new experiences and make lifelong friends. A beautiful city in a beautiful country, I am going to miss this place more than I ever thought I would.

(I would say this is where I really 'grew up'... but unfortunately that's not quite true...)

Yesterday I said 'au revoir' to Lyon and France, and travelled north to the UK. I love this place too, and am trying to take in as much 'Britishness' as possible before I leave here on Sunday!

Yeah, I'm really going to miss Lyon and London, the places I love. But I'm not as sad to be leaving them as I am happy to have lived there. I'm lucky enough to have had so many great memories in these places, and I'll treasure them throughout my life (and on this new adventure to India!).

Now, I'm faced with the near impossible task of packing my whole life into one suitcase (20kg limit) and my backpack. They are currently on my bed, open but completely empty. 

Wish me luck.... I'll need it!

Merci Lyon, ces sept dernières années ont été vraiment incroyable. A dans quatre mois!

Thanks for reading,
Maria xXx


(here are a couple of pictures I took of Lyon when I was out with some friends a few days ago)

Flights, Visas, and Orientation 2013

Three more weeks... and I fly! 

I can hardly believe it has been four whole months since I was told I had a place at MUWCI.

The time has gone so quickly...

Soon after I got the news, I booked my ticket, leaving London on August 18th, arriving ten hours later in Mumbai the next day. Although it's about 5 times longer than any flight I have been on before, I'll be flying with four of my co-years, so it should be pretty good.

Then... came the visa. It was three tries before my application was accepted, but finally it was, and the visa was ready for collection two days later. I won't go into details here, but to avoid any future UK students going to India having the same problems, here are some tips and tricks I picked up along the way.

In mid-July, all the new UWCGB students (class of' '15) met in Derbyshire, along with alumni, current students and members of the National Committee for an orientation weekend. 

I realise the two days were probably meant to be informative and instructive, which they were, but I think most of all it was just a lot of fun! In between discussions on hopes and fears, the code of conduct and health and well-being, we spent a lot of time doing teamwork activities, getting to know our co-years... and playing Ultimate Frisbee and Qwaar (the best games in the world, ever). It was also a great opportunity to talk with past and current students about the individual colleges, which was really helpful!

Otherwise, I've been getting stuff together, had trips to the doctor's for vaccinations, and generally trying to get prepped for August 18th!

I've had several conversations with second years and alumni, who have all been really, really helpful. I've also been in contact with a few other students attending MUWCI in August, all of whom seem great! I have a feeling it's going to be a fun two years...

Finally, a few weeks ago, my friends here in Lyon threw me a surprise leaving party, which apart from being a lot of fun, was really sweet of them! It made me realise that although I'm so, so happy to be going to MUWCI, I am going to miss this place and the people here a lot.

Sorry this post was a bit lengthy... there's been a lot to catch up on!

Thanks for reading

Maria xXx

So... why?

It has now been three weeks since I found out I am going to Mahindra College, and I'm still in  disbelief. It's all so exciting! I've been in contact with several current and future students, all from different backgrounds, and am really looking forward to meeting them in person.

However, I was surprised how many times over the past three weeks I found myself not being able to easily answer when asked...why? 

Why do I want to fly half way around the world, live away from home, aged only sixteen, to go to some school? Why India of all places? Why not just stay here and continue, just as planned?
I guess for me, it has always been obvious. I mean, sometimes I feel like replying with: why not?

The truth is, I can understand why some would think it strange- especially as it means an extra year of school for me. In this post, I hope to briefly clarify why the hell I'm going to MUWCI for the next two years!
WARNING: This could take a while...

First of all, take a look at this:

Yes, they're all off Google images. But they're so beautiful, credit to whoever's photos they are!

As you can see, it's spectacular.

But apart from these amazing surroundings, Mahindra College offers a unique opportunity to play an active role in the local community, work in biodiversity and conservation, participate in debates, MUN, discussions of global issues and numerous other activities including sports, theatre, camping, fire service, travel weekends and the infamous project weeks.
Of course, this information is only what I've found on websites and talking to current students. And so far, the list of opportunities is far too long to write in full!

Perhaps most importantly of all, attending Mahindra means being part of the UWC movement as a whole.
The UWC movement's mission statement is: to use education as a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. It promotes intercultural understanding and the development of genuine concern for others, founded on shared life experiences. Community interaction is placed at the heart of college life, and Mahindra UWC of India was founded in order to encourage an exchange between UWC students and nearby villages, to help increase prosperity and improve opportunities for local children.

And that in itself is something I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be part of.
In just three weeks, I have been in contact with some amazing young people from every corner of the globe- and this is just a taster.

If I was to go into any more detail about why I'm going to India, I'd be writing for days. But hopefully I've been able to explain a little further.

Sorry for the (very) long post,
Thanks for reading! If you've made it this far...

Maria xXx

India?! Yes, please!

Did I know, this time last week, that my life would be changed forever within a matter of hours?
Had I realised just how much of a change it would be?
Had I preconceived just how great it would feel?

No. Not at all.

Last week, I received an email informing me that I had been nominated for a place at the Mahindra United World College, in India!
Was I happy to hear it? Yes. And somewhat overexcited. But anyway.

Hey there!

I'm Maria, I'm sixteen, from South-East England originally, but currently living in Lyon, France. In October I began the process of applying to UWC, after finding out about the movement and wanting to be a part of it ever since. This dream was confirmed after attending the open day at Atlantic College, and learning more about it. Then, the interview weekend in February was one of the best experiences of my life- I met so many incredible people, and got a taster of just how incredible the opportunity of a life at UWC would be.

I feel so honoured and so lucky to have been given such an opportunity, especially as MUWCI was the college I was offered a place at. Although I've never been anywhere near India before, I have a feeling that it's somewhere I could definitely get used to!

Anyway,  I'm off to Mahindra in August, and hopefully will try and keep you updated via this blog.

So until next time!

Maria xXx