Guesthouse:Shunpiker Guest House

From ShunpikerWiki

The Shunpiker Guest House is a project to create a hotel and community center in Mamallapuram in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

1 The Idea
2 The Vision
3 What is a Shunpiker, anyway?
4 The Project
5 External links

[edit]

The Idea

The idea is a simple one: to create a sanctuary, a caravansari, for folks traveling to India looking for something other than standard tourist fare. It would be a crossroads gathering spot where travelers could exchange information, tell tales, hook up, and generally share their accumulated wisdom.

[edit]

The Vision

Imagine a modest two story structure. It is built in the typical Indian style: sturdy concrete walls reinforced by steel cables, a flat roof with a low wall running around the top.
Downstairs is a small cafe facing the beach, large windows with shutters against the monsoon rains. The kitchen is spotless, the menu simple but everything is done well. We are the only place in the village you can get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Past the cafe and kitchen there is a large library and a sitting room. Both are used for seminars when visiting artists or writers stop by. Each month the seminars and classes offered are posted on the guest house's web site. Classes include Indian spirituality, Ayur Vedic medicine, Classical Indian literature and other topics, depending on who is available to teach.
Yoga classes are held on the roof every morning.
Beyond the library there is a small garden courtyard, surrounded by various storerooms, artists' studios, and workshops.
In the courtyard there is fountain, and a small shrine to Kali, the Mother of the universe. Every morning, incense, fruit and coconuts are offered to Her, and Her thousand names chanted. St. Francis once said, "If you pray only one prayer in your life, and if it is 'Thank you.', it is enough." It is always good to say thank you to the Cosmos, whether or not it hears you.
Upstairs are the rooms and the dormitory. The dormitory has balconies overlooking both the garden courtyard and the sea. In the evening a cool breeze blows in off the water.
The other rooms ring the courtyard, both singles and doubles. Some share a bathroom, others have their own. All have ceiling fans, mosquito netting for the bed, and are decorated simply, but pleasantly.
On the roof there are two concrete gazebos with low seats and cushions for sitting and staring out at the ocean, thinking about nothing in particular.
There is also a sheltered area where two hammocks hang. My friend Kumar runs the hammock shop in the village, and assures me he will attend to all our hammock needs. He has enormous, brightly colored hammocks capable of holding two people at a time. Folks can swing in these, listen to the ocean and drift off to sleep.
Brilliant bougainvillea vines grow from big pots around the roof, cascading over the sides in stunning displays of red, white, purple and orange. I'm there already!

[edit]

What is a Shunpiker, anyway?

The word "Shunpiker" refers to a person who avoids traveling by the highway and prefers taking the smaller, less traveled routes. They shun the pike. It contains an entire philosophy of life in a few syllables.

In the spirit of this word, consider reading some collected notes about Travel philosophy -- or add your own.

[edit]

The Project

Those interested in the project are welcome, in addition to participating in this wiki, to subscribe to the Friends of Shunpiker mailing list.

[edit]

Philosophy

Tim wrote:

I believe in cooperation, dialog, synergy. Temporary guides will naturally arise based upon his/her interests and capabilities.

We will be working together to create something amazing. Some will do a little, others will do a lot. Egos will be bruised, toes stepped on. This is inevitable; there is no creation without some pain. But you are all articulate people, and should be able to express yourself when something ticks you off. Of course the difficult part is listening.

Everyone has a unique vision to contribute. This process will be a great exploration of the ego's limitations, and our ability to let go. But at the same time, things will need to be done. I wonder if it is possible to do this in a graceful way that pleases the senses and nourishes the spirit of all involved? I think this is vital. I am looking forward to learning from people, and creating something beautiful that helps folks and is fun too.

India is such a challenge in itself, that we must move with great respect and gentleness through Her. My Indian friends will help in teaching us this. They may not possess very much formal education, but they are wise in other ways, and are equal partners in this venture. But I know people will appreciate their gifts. Especially after Kumar and Kannan have beaten everyone repeatedly at chess with such grace and good humor you feel it is an honor to be so trounced.

[edit]