Part 1 of 3: Goodbye India

I just spent the last 6 months of my life on the other side of our galaxy. During that time, I discovered an alien civilization, uncovered the meaning of life, and had a few conversations with God himself, in person. In fact, He showed me around His home, and over dinner explained to me the truth behind human origins. He was about to explain physics’ holy grail, “The Unified Field Theory”, when my BlackBerry phone interrupted with an e-mail. My work place was responding to a message I had sent a few months ago. In that e-mail, I explained that I had many important discoveries and experiences to share with the human race, and was asking for an extra two weeks to gather more data, and roam the universe before returning home. The response was, “That’s great Jeff. We need you at work, Monday at 9:00 a.m. See you then.” So I hugged God goodbye, explaining that I was a slave to the man back home, and promised Him I would be back. He replied, “I know you will, dawg…I know you will.” I didn’t like His overly sure tone-of-voice, but whatever. He’s cool. I then got on a flying machine of some kind, received some free food and alcohol, and found myself in Los Angeles, California on Aug 11th, 2009; 177 days removed from the moment my “flying fantasy capsule” left home on a rainy day in February. Continue Reading

I’ve spent significant time and effort in this journal, documenting how gentle, and kind the people of India are to me. It’s an extraordinarily spiritual culture, filled with loyal families that intensely love each other. The television and radio waves overflow with upbeat Bollywood singing and dancing, all day, every day. As a westerner, I am treated like a king in restaurants and hotels, constantly asked what it’s like in America. I can walk into a restaurant that I haven’t been to in weeks, and I am greeted with a bright smile, “Hello, Mr. Jeff.” One waiter wants me to teach him the rules of basketball. Another wants me to bring in my favorite Hollywood movies. In return, he has given me a few Bollywood DVDs, and is eagerly awaiting my review and opinion. Hotel staff members constantly ask me if I’m done reading the Mahabharata yet. They also beg to hear the music I’m writing, as my room is littered with music theory books. One day, the girl behind the reception desk looked like she was going to start crying, when she asked me why I never attend any of the hotel functions and parties. Another night, I received a knock on my door from an extremely shy and friendly hotel staff member. A few months ago, she saw me in the restaurant downstairs. I was editing photos from my trip to Egypt. It took her two months to find courage to knock on my door, and ask if I could please send them to her. She explained how she will never be able to make it to the pyramids in her lifetime, and really wanted to see my photos. I will never receive this much care, concern, and attention anywhere back home. Family and friends. Yes. Joe Hotel, or John Restaurant? Not a chance.

You do feel the gigantic “however” coming, right? Very good. I will now walk you through a typical Indian-style workday for good old me. Continue Reading

There were no lessons learned today. Sorry. I won’t be twisting my experiences into some kind of metaphorical, philosophical life lesson. No, on this day I just found myself sitting at my desk, peacefully writing up a tutorial on recommended lead lighting procedures for setting up a sequence.

There was a bunch of noise coming from the other side of the office though. And it kept growing louder and louder with each passing minute. I kept thinking how the people in animation had too much caffeine this morning…and how I wanted some for myself. You see, India gave me food poisoning for the second time in 3 weeks, and so I was feeling a little tired from staying up all night. I left my chair and took a stroll over to the other room, in search of this energy stimulus. Within seconds of that decision, I had more than a few people throwing powdered something-or-other on my face and clothes. Everyone seemed to be laughing at this, so I thought I better laugh too. I mean, sure, who wouldn’t be happy having this done to you at 9:00 a.m. on a Wednesday after a long night of stomach escapades? Surely, not I. Continue Reading

I have always intended this blog to be something more than me sharing what I did on this day, and what I did on that day. Raving about the Leela Palace is cute. Making fun of the smell is fun (for me). No, this blog is going to be a place where friends and family can track the character arc of Jeff Kasunic.

I say arc, because as I once stated, I landed in a “cesspool of 3rd world reality.” And now, I am living in my home. I am having good times with new friends, and exploring places in India I never would’ve ever imagined I’d be exploring in this lifetime. I say arc, because my work experience has transcended from a predictable routine I have mastered in L.A. (some could argue that mastery I’m sure), to an environment that gives me the priceless opportunity to make a difference in an artist’s professional life. Continue Reading