Fulbrighter in Indiana 2015

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“This is a personal website. All views and information presented herein are my own and do not represent the views of the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State.”

5. Here, There, Everywhere 

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”

-          Dalai Lama 

Alongside of the compact Fulbright Program, we Fulbrighters have at least as compact “Here, There, Everywhere” program. It´s based on the idea that we go all the time to different events, places and happenings. Here is a glimpse of what I have been doing in this program during the last few weeks. 

Exercising and Hiking 

The Recreational Sports Centre in the University of Indiana is close to my apartment. It is a five-minute walk and there I am, in the middle of a gym with dozens of exercise bikes and other machines around me. I have never been in such a huge gym. In addition to that, there are 10 – 15 group exercise sessions each day (except on Saturdays). Just pick up the one you want to join and walk in. I have tried so many different sessions and my favorite is Cardio Kickboxing by Heather on Mondays. It´s great fun! And allows me to eat a cookie every now and then. 

I have been hiking in Pate Hollow Trail in Hoosier National Forest, https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Hoosier-National-Forest-760531484005650/  , funny detail: you´ll find a chicken and her friends on FB posting 10/12/2015, hah. Last weekend I went for another hike to McGormick´s Creek State Park, http://www.mccormickscreekstatepark.com/hiking_trails/index.htm . It was so peaceful and beautiful in the forest, with all the amazing colors of the trees and the chilly weather after a long warm period.  Thanks to Ronda taking us to these places! A week ago I also visited Spring Mill State Park, one of many State Parks in Indiana  http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2968.htm

Overdose of Culture?

I wonder if I have ever been to so many concerts, operas, theatres etc. as I have during the last 10 weeks! I have attended concerts: Tony Bennet and Angela Gheorghiu, listened to a jazz band in Green Mill in Chicago, seen plays Of Mice and Men, Hedda Gabler and Dead Man Walking. I have also witnessed stunning acts of The Illusionists. There are still many more events to come: Twyla Tharp dancers, The Agony & Ecstacy of Steve Jobs, Buyer and Celler, Soweto Gospel Choir…. Bloomington is spoiled for choice, but I won´t complain

Potlucks

There are 17 people from 6 continents and from 9 different countries in our Fulbright group. When we arrange a potluck, we have food all around the world. I have enjoyed food from India, Taiwan, New Zealand, Botswana, Singapore, Morocco, Mexico and Chile. When talking about Finnish food, I have not prepared any yet. What is traditional Finnish food? Potatoes and fleshpot? Or pasta and pizza? I have focused on desserts: apple pie and cinnamon rolls. They have been a big success. 

So, this is just a part of what I have been doing here in the U.S. alongside the official program. If the purpose of our lives is to be happy, all these events have made me very happy. I still can´t believe how privileged and fortunate I am to be here in the U.S. and to be able to experience all this.