"Quackdilioso"

​After awaking yet again to the chickens of our homestays, a group of athletic early risers set out to run/exercise through the village with Carlos teaching exercises and Krishna leading the run. Once the athletes showered and everyone else woke up, we gathered at Klub Krishna for Yakshagana rehearsal. We finished learning all the steps, so now all we have to do is polish and put on the finishing touches.
 

​After a quick snack and juice break, we set out to the fields behind KK to harvest peanuts. Although we only worked for 10-15 minutes, we got a great sense of what peanut farmers have to do every day for 8-10 hours. Feeling inspired after harvesting, some helped homestay sisters pick peanuts off their roots during lunch. It was very eye opening to go through the different steps of peanut harvesting. 

​At last, it was time to head to the local school and play games with the young kids, something we were all looking forward to.  The field came to life with dust flying through the air as soccer, frisbee, and games of catch scattered about.   A fun song and hand-slap game of “Quackdilioso” entertained some and others just sat passing back English and Kannada words trying to expand vocabulary and explore language. Seeing how excited the children were to meet and play with us was a moment we will never forget and will surely share with family and friends when we return to the U.S.   While taking a break in the shade, we found a cashew tree, and put our scientific lens on to discuss the interesting elements of the fruit and seed…ending with a taste test of a “very interesting and juicy” bite for those that were interested. 

CLICK TO MAKE A DONATION FOR OUR FRIENDS AND HOSTS IN HERANJAL

​When we returned to KK base it was time to learn about our “True Colors.” We discussed and discovered what types of leaders we are; for example, Experiencers are leaders who are adventurous, creative, bold, and spontaneous. Soon after, we even did an activity where we paired up with a partner from a different leadership type and had to make an imaginary creature that would have a perfect skillset for our trip out of clay while blindfolded: the final gallery included a Cyclops/crocodile creature, a wheelie backpack that is alive, a giant inchworm with extra-large eyes, and a supersize peanut with a top-hat. 

​We wrapped up the day with ANCHOR, where we Appreciated others and shared News, Concerns, Hopes, “Oh cool stuff,” and a Reading. Back at the homestays everyone ended the day with dinner, conversations, games, and a few treated families to a special Yakshagana preview…filled with many messed-up steps and laughs. We drifted off to sleep preparing for an early morning at a local dairy. More to come!