Just Like That...

7th, Sunday...
Did the first bit of shopping after drawing up a list (I have to be organised in everything I do!) of the stuff I need for my trip. I'm getting some stuff from Shubhra didi and some from Appu so I don't need to buy too many woollens and stuff I will NEVER need in Mumbai. But I did need shoes (the sensible variety, not the types I normally favour!), and an overcoat and thermals. Picked up a pair of shoes suitable for walking on icy surfaces, just in case it snows (defi will in the Black Forest mountains and I fully intend to visit that region!), and a black overcoat. Awesome..I felt like a terrorist in it...I know I will be one of the crowd wearing the thing in Germany...but it felt wierd to try it on and see myself in the mirror!! Also bought a couple of tees and shirts ....not cap sleeves/sleeveless like I wear here, but full sleeves...more suitable!
In the evening we went over to Shashank and Julie's for dinner (they are Bhabhi's bro and bhabhi)- that was a duty evening-out!! No further comments...

8th Monday...
Today is Mansi's birthday. Last year this time I was with her, at her farewell party. This is the first year since I've known her that she ain't here for her birthday..feels darn odd not baking a cake for her, when I'm dying to. Might just bake one and eat it myself...she will hate me for doing that...but what the hell...I'll tell her when I call her up later tonight, just to make her screech in irritation! Muhahaha - cheap thrills. I miss the babe...

Today was also the first day of the Seminar on "Re-membering the Master's Tongue -Politics of Language in Contemporary Canadian Culture." The Canadian Consul General to India launched Dr Bharucha's and Dr.Veveina's book and then the 6 papers of the day were read out.

I wish there was some way of knowing before-hand which people will be interesting - of the 6 papers read, 3 were utterly drab.
An extremely interesting analysis of Eden Robinson's short story "Queen of the North" by Dr.anjali Bhelande was followed by 2 highly boring and dead presentations : Ms. Vibha Vasi's study of the play "The Rez Sisters" and Dr.Conde's study of Alice Munrow's "Runaway." The one in the post lunch session was really mind-numbing and quite successfully put us to sleep. As a result the next paper, though interesting didn't register. Ms. Kamala Gopalan's analysis of Lesbian Writer's Engagement with Language was interesting but well....
The last 2 were really awesome. Dr.Sunanda Pal spoke about the dynamics of belonging in Claire Harris' "Drawing Down a Daughter " - it's a collection of poems. And ofcourse Dr. V - she is the best! Her study of M. Nourbese Philip's poetry was mindblowing!!! I wish however it was scheduled for earlier in the day when my grey cells were alive and kicking, not seduced into a semi-comatose state!
Looking forward to the papers on Wednesday - Dr Bharucha is speaking first, then a load of others who I hope do not sing any lullaby! (Bitchy, ain't I?)