more, you wanted more

After a disappointing London summer, I welcome the Ladakhi sun with open arms.  However there is something of a cost, at least from my point of view.  The dry heat is a longed-for adjustment but the required layers of clothing feel excessive.  The dress code for women entails that shoulders and legs are covered at all times.  Now, it wasn’t my desire to run around topless in hotpants, but it’s all a bit conservative for my liking.  I’ve found out the hard way that I must as well chuck my leggings (too tight), I can’t drape my floor length skirt around my knees when seated, and shouldn’t wear tank tops even with a shawl if I want to maintain the respect of the locals.  Good thing I brought two t-shirts then. Yeah, count ‘em…two.  With this whole minimal shower thing I’m going to have to set them on fire before going through customs (RIP Modest Mouse concert tee).

Again, I wouldn’t be that bothered but the heat is no laughing matter and when you consider that the school is effectively run on solar power, there is no arguing that the sun is a consistent fixture.  However, never one to sit easily with feelings of constraint, I have found my own little loophole.  Today I made my way down to the river which runs a short walk down from the campus.  There, hidden behind enclaves of sand and stone, I was able to achieve solitude and my stomach and knees cheerfully greeted the natural light.  Watch out for these tan lines.

My river excursion proved to be more than just a lesson in sunbathing.  Armed with my book and camera, I was only able to indulge in both for a short time before caving in to the distractions of my surroundings.  The mountains, roaring river, and patches of greenery teased my senses but even amidst this beauty I felt a prick of anxiety.  It’s only my first week here, but I struggle to imagine how I can reinsert myself into a world where appearances have too much merit, friendliness is a plus although not necessarily a cultural value, and the likes of Snooki and Gagaare rocking the vote.  I don’t want to sound as though I am adopting a “holier than thou” stance.  This is entirely personal (except for the pop culture thing, but don’t get me started) and I have stumbled on to a lifestyle that feels innately comfortable.  This may be a honeymoon phase, but I pray that it’s the birth of a fusion between both worlds.  Only time will tell what it will ultimately look like, however I hope that it has toilets.