some words from an almost finished course in Kolkata

We're on the home stretch here in Kolkata. Only two more weeks of class, the last of which is filled with exams. Danielle and I are ready to be done with school, but I'm not so sure if we're yet ready to leave each other.

Last Friday we had Mhendi, or Henna, artists come in to class and paint obscure designs all over our hands and forearms. Countless times since then we've asked ourselves why we allowed such craziness. You can see my left forearm, which I requested to be a beautiful tree, came out as a rootless tree-bush, a random bird perched upon arm hair and some poorly shaped leaves. Danielle's Mhendi came out dark and beautiful. She loves it, as you can see on her face. Fail.

In other news, I am also on the home stretch of my Epic PhotoPost Project 2010. I printed, wrote on, stamped and addressed 56 of my photos and sent them off to friends all over the world. Check your mailbox in about two weeks if you sent in your address!

Until next time, a picture of Kolkata in the quiet midnight hour and some words of beauty and wisdom:

"Do not seek fame. Do not make plans. Do not be absorbed by activities. Do not think that you know. Be aware of all that is and dwell in the infinite. Wander where there is no path. Be all that heaven gave you, but act as though you have received nothing. Be empty, that is all." ~Chuang Tzu (c.360 BC - c. 275 BC)