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Students
in Traditional Indian Sari -
Just back after attending a wedding |
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"I
came here wishing to learn a little about Keralan food. I thought
that 2 weeks would be a good period for that. And it was indeed.
But as I'm packing my things and preparing to leave, I cannot help
feeling like I'm leaving my family. I wish I could stay longer and
enjoy what I'll remember like my place in India. Hence I've had
a genuine Indian experience, really worth of being off the beaten
track. " |
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Joao
Carlos, Brazil, 2 weeks in February 2005. |
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"I
discovered this special place through Internet, but I wouldnt have
said that "virtuality would have been so near to reality". At the
first glance, at home in front of my computer, I felt it could be
a good place for me. It did, but much more than that. I enjoyed
the atmosphere, which takes-as always-a certain time to discover
in all their elements. I had some problems to sleep here, and I
understood also through this problems, how, here, you are not protected
(like star hotels do) from Indian customs. You are quite exposed
and immersed (and this can include a lack of silence, which in my
culture has its importance), but always helped to cope with." |
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Paola
Dallora, Italy, one week in January 2005. |
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"I
have learnt so much here, not only in the lessons themselves, but
from the warm and generous staff, about India and her traditions,
her culture, her people, and a brief insight into the way of life
here. So much more interesting and valuable to me than if I had
travelled around spending a coupld of days here and there. This
place has a good rhythm of life and a spirit of respectfulness and
acceptance that makes it easy to settle into." |
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Jacqui
Gibbons, UK, on emonth in January 2005. |
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I've
had a great stay here. All the staff is so kind and helpful, the
teachers are skilled and kind too. It's a great chance to experience
one to one classes. That makes them very intensive and you really
feel that the teacher's paya great attention to your preogress.
Besides, the surroundings are beautiful, it's amazing that you could
dance past a few metres from an elephant! Staying in a small village
allows you to learn a little about the everyday life of people too.
Finally the food is good and the accommodation very clean." |
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Sophie
Senicourt, France, one month in January 2005. |
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"After
being here for a little over 4 months, one would think I could come
up with something profound to say.. well I am speechless. I have
learned things here that I will keep with me forever. This place
is more than a school, it turned into a place that felt like home.
And - if anyone figures out what the procedure is for passing an
elephant while riding a bicycle, let me know, I am still at a loss." |
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Mary
Mallicote, USA, 4 months in December 2004. |
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"I
am at a loss for words to explain what a profound impact my time
here has had in my life. The teachers and staff I have met here
are some of the most beautiful, phenomenal, talented, kind, generous
and warm people I have ever met in my life. They have all touched
my heart and graced me with their gifts of knowledge. They have
shared the magic of India with me and there is no question that
Kerala lives in my heart and may I have the good fortune to return
and see you all again." |
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Jennifer
Walden, Canada, 3 months in December 2004. |
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"During
my stay of 2 months, I could discover very skillful and knowledgeable
teachers. All honours and respect to them! They are the heart of
the school - specially thanks to Swami, his clear teaching and marvellous
guidance has had a big influence on me. Within 2 months, I could
feel changes in body, mind and on spiritual level. It was my luck
to find such a great knowledge of Indian philosophy in this school
of art." |
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Anita
Sanders, Belgium, 2 months in December 2004. |
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"I
came here to stay just 2 weeks, but within 2 days I extended my
stay to a month. And I dont regret it!Yes what can I say - I have
been really happy to be here." |
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Sanna
Schlieve - Denmark, one month in December 2004. |
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"What
a marvelous cultural shock! Elephant walking down the street, a
neighborhood temple a few steps from Revathi house, a snake boat
and river in another direction and sundown music from the Aranmula
temple. The staff was totally delightful with kindness at every
turn. What a pleasure it was to be introduced to Malayalam by a
22 year old girl, almost 50 years my junior, she became a Keralan
grand daughter to me. Observing Mr. Kurup, Keralan chef, in his
kitchen for days gave me respect for the intricacies of Kerala dishes.
But most impressive were the Keralan people, gentle, graceful, helpful
and kindly. Their movements doing their daily work lent a special
dignity. Children stopped me often to practice their English asking
my name and where I was from. Their sincerity for a bit of communication
was gratifying. It was all great fun and demanded an early return.
Even as the spicy delights at every meal leave me asking "what next"
, every experience here, mundane though it might appear provokes
that same curiosity. Ah India! what greetings Kerala offers this
hungry soul, this first-time traveller to your shores!!!" |
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Olga
and Jack Harper, USA, 2 weeks in December 2004. |
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"Having
been in India for three months prior to coming to VKV, I had learned
to expect the unexpected, so I wasnt sure what I would find at the
centre! Upon my arrival, I discovered beautifully clean rooms, exceptionally
friendly staff and gorgeous food! As for my classes, I have learned
more than I thought possible in 4 weeks, and definitley want to
continue with Kathakali in the future! Thanks so much to Pradeep
and Dhanya for their excellent, fun and friendly teaching!! I promise
you to keep practising!!! I would reccommend my courses to anyone
(but be warned that your thigh muscles will suffer at first), and
have had so much fun stamping the floor and wiggling my eyebrows!
Thank you Louba and all staff for all your kindness and the opportunity
to perform in a Kathakali production." |
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Charlotte
Jolly, UK, one month in December 2004. |
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"I
enjoyed so many things about this place - the exquisite meals, friendly
staff, excellent teachers and the opportunity to soak up Indian
culture in a Keralan village. After wanting to visit India for more
than 10 years, my dream has come true. It was a bit overwhelming
at first landing in the chaos of Chennai, but then a few days later
we found ourselves in this nurturing, beautiful place. As time went
by and the culture shock wore off, we began to absorb, appreciate
and really love being in this small village in Kerala. We leave
with new friends, more knowledge in cooking and Ayurveda and very
fond memories." |
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Dan
and Molly Sadowsky, USA, one month in November 04 |
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"As
has been said many times today "There are not words to express"
- and it remains true. I arrived with tears in my eyes, homesick
and tired - and I leave feeling homesick already - for the Centre.
Every day was a pure joy and inspiration. To be able to do artwork
so deeply rooted in such a beautiful culture and interact with teachers,
students, travellers, children random cows and goats - is beyond
what I could have dreamed. Quickly, my sadness reversed into wonder
at the place I found myself - not merely a tiny village far from
western comforts (which I quickly learned I didn't miss) but a place
brimming with a culture and people I have come to love dearly and
will travel with in my heart in all my future adventures. Everyone
has something to offer here - and I've absorbed so much I can't
even begin to process it all. But before I go, nothing can truly
be said enough about the teachers - all are amazingly talented,
extremely caring, tremendous fun, always helpful, and never have
I found an equal in all my studies. My deepest and sincerest gratitude
to Shaji and Suresh who opened my eyes to beauty, my heart to India,
my smile to laughter, and my mind to limitless possibilities. An
experience that I never dreamed possible - but feel so fortunate
that it is my reality." |
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Susanna
Kuehl, USA, 4 months in October 04 |
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