Sailing, saris, activism, & climbing

Lots of great firsts to (quickly) report! First, on Saturday 18 February: I attended a “battle sail” with my housemates on the Hawai’ian Chieftain, a two-masted tall sailing ship, which was a great deal of fun. I also helped crew the tall ship, by assisting in the handling of the ropes for the mizzenmast. Finally, I got to steer the ship! That was a lot of fun — especially dodging the (very indifferently crewed) little sailboat that seemed determined to nuzzle up against us.

The next day, Sunday 19 February, I learned how to tie a sari, and on Wednesday 22 February, the night of the new moon, I attended a Pongala ceremony to Devi, at ITP! I also saw the Vagina Monologues for the first time (on Friday the 24th of February), contributing to V-Day’s international campaign to eradicate violence against women and girls. Amazing bit of data: the Monologues (with slight variations to keep it up-to-date with current events and to offer data relevant to the geographical area it is being offered in) has been on-going for fifteen years now!

Closing with another wonderful first today: a women-only rock climbing lesson, where I both belayed (apparently I have “good belaying technique”!) and did a chimney climb high enough to slap the top. Woohoo! Firmly in the “well, DUH!” department: rock climbing is hard work!

Photos and more details later, when I’m caught up on my schoolwork! :)