Who am I?

Hi, I'm Mark. I'm using my newly acquired web-skills to put this site out. Please let me know what you think of it. If you have any links to add, corrections to make, or anything .... please feel free.

This site was initially created when I was on leave from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where I received a M.S. in Anthropology [Archaeology].

Presently I do digital photography, web design, and graphic services in Madison, Wisconsin. If you want to know more about me now, check my newer site.

My research was directed there by Dr. J.M. Kenoyer, who kindly invited me to work in the field with the Harappa Archaeological Research Project in 1995 and 1996. While in Pakistan, I took the photos which are displayed here, learned a great deal, and had some of the experiences related here.

I Frisbee golf, play my guitar and djembe, hike, and get outdoors as much as possible. I've seen a lot of Phish shows recently, though I listen to Qawwali, Indian/British Techno, Jazz, African and World drumming, bluegrass, and most other music.

 

Why a Mango Grove?

After getting back from Pakistan, I came to the realization that I had an amazing amount of photos from my trips there. As they have slowly grown dust, I have despaired for finding a way to share these experiences.

When brainstorming for content to put on the web, I came across these photos. It's a work in progress, but I hope it provides the beginning of a long series of web-stories.

Why Mango? Mangoes proved to be a downfall for me in Pakistan - I had a hard time not eating so many that my digestive tract would not have a mutiny. In honor of their yumminess, I chose mango for my site's name - it was also the only good name I could find open here.

Perspective on Pakistan

I had the lucky opportunity to visit Pakistan and work directly with rural Pakistanis. Part of my training for this was learning Urdu, the common tongue of most of Pakistan. Along with this, when arriving in Pakistan I was outfitted with shalwar qameez [national dress]. I've always had friends of different ethnic backgrounds, have studied a lot of Anthropology - so I knew that respect was essential for understanding.

When I later traveled, I would approach and greet people in Urdu only. In attempting to respect local custom, I found that adopting local language and dress helped me in many ways. While being polite, it made me a unique Westerner who was much more approachable in public. It also kept my profile low, allowing me to sit and observe life go by in the bazaars while gathering little attention.

It also allowed me to better understand my many kind hosts. We could talk about deeper issues than just `What country are you from?', allowing me to see through some of the veils of culture and difference which separated us.

Where is this going?

Ideally, this will develop into a coherent group of stories and information to coincide with these photos. I am still designing and planning the site, it will continue to grow and develop as time passes.

If you have any suggestions, comments, or in any way want to contribute - e-mail me at mark@mango.itgo.com.

Can you help?

I would gladly welcome it.