making the Times of India

My photo is on the headline in the times of India and features prominently inside, for my art opening? NO, for the wine tasting party before the opening, but at least they do mention that I am an artist. Any publicity is publicity, but that's probably not one for my merit package at school. I'm used to being photographed at events as the "foreigner" but the only other time I shared a headline in color was in Ahmedabad and I was between Brittany Spears and Beyonce, this time I'm only competing with a young women and a byline "Rhianna likes it short" my byline is "over a glass of wine". There is a large photo of me inside too, fortunately not after I had too many glasses, they tested about 10 bottles. The opening was great, and Sumeer Gupta the gallery director and wine tasting organizer took us to a wonderful dinner after, we both really enjoy talking "American" and about the Lakers, Bulls, UConn basketball, etc. His cousin, from Mississippi was also at the opening so we had our little American contingent. Today was the first day of the workshop, supposed to start at 11, but the students started to come around 11:30 and we started in earnest around noon, I do need to get used to IST, "India Stretched Time" once again. The students as usual are charming, kind, eager and resectful and I know I"ll enjoy working with them. The day has been cloudy, allowing me a long morning walk on the beach as usually by 8am its too hot to be in the sun. Last evening I had a long leisurly walk into town to my favorite place to eat sittign in a little wooden balcony perched above the town square, the "Vasco de Gama" club which seems to hark back to another century with its slowly revolving fans and laid back decor and a mix of Indians and foreigners and a pool table in the back. A book, some prawn fried rice and gin mixed in a delectable fresh lime soda, how could one want for more. Tonight Hanuman will join me.