Do you believe in MAGIC????

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We arrived in Trivandrum, Kerala (Southern India) safely from a relaxing week in Goa. Our reason for coming to this town (via overnight train) was to attend a close-up magic class at THE ACADEMY OF MAGICAL SCIENCES. I had researched the class from a tip by Ade(about 6months ago), that there were sessions be held in southern Kerala. Immediately I began to research on-line and signed up for a class. Please check out www.magicmuthukad.com to get a better idea of what I'm talking about. We arrived at the academy via rick-shaw and met our hosts. The staff told us we did not have to pay the 250rupees ($7USD) and that we were there honorary guests. We entered the class, which was held in a large theater and sat about 40 local people (age range from 12-70yrs?). We were seated in two chairs facing the audience. The director of the academy,Gopinath Muthukad, welcomed us with a giant cake, and introduced us as famous magicians from America. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. I was honored by such an amazing reception. The class began and we watched in amazement as our teacher, Mr. Rajamoorthy, dazzled us with his unbelievable close-up magic. It was the greatest slight-of-hand I have ever seen. He described the highly technical tricks, step by step, and I was still amazed!!!! The class was held from 10:00am to 3:30pm, with a home-cooked lunch (rice and curry) provided by the academy. I learned so much about the presentation and execution of the various tricks and cant wait to start practicing!!! At the end of the class I was asked to demonstrate some of my magic skills, so I nervously took the stage. Ade taped the whole thing.....so we can view the footage upon our return. I did some coin/card tricks and shared the secrets of one of my favorite illusions with the class. IT WAS SOOOOOO FUN!!! I wish all the classes I took growing up were like this one. Who needs Math.........when you got MAGIC SKILLS!!! (NOTE: AFTER COLLEGE I WAS A STREET PERFORMER.....MAYBE I SHOULD OF STUDIED HARDER.......math is important) After the class ended we went to the academy office to see if we could make a donation to the school. We wanted to give something back because of their generosity to us and providing us with such a wonderful experience. As a gift, we decided to donate 3000rupees ($70USD) so that one child who cant afford to take the class, will get 6months of schooling at the academy (the class is every weekend for 6months). Being a part of this, was an experience I will never forget. If you ever get to India, please check out THE ACADEMY OF MAGICAL SCIENCES and we can both put on a magic show!!!!!

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Comments

[sharon]

Incredible
What an amazing trip you guys are having. What a fantastic thing to do, a magic school and your donation! Famous magicians huh? I had no idea but would definitely like a demonstration some time. I am glad to hear you are touching base with people who live there. There are wonderful people every where. Somehow though when you connect with locals it changes the trip from being a tourist on the outside to something much more touching, a memory you'll always keep. Hope your health stays great! Take care of each other. Much love, Mom

[Mercedes]

Swiss Cake Rolls and Karma...
Michael, only you and Ade could find a magic class in another country. What an exciting day this must have been!! I cant wait to see the footage. I think it is great that you sponsered a child too!!! That rocks!!! When I was in 5th grade we adopted a school girl from India and all we had to do was send in 30.00 a month and it would send her to school. We organized a big fundraiser and sold Entimans (sp?) coffee cake outside of the Placitas Mini-Mart. We raised like 200.00 and I was supposed to send it in. I "forgot" to send in the money and bought swiss cake rolls at the snack bar at school everyday for a month instead. I think my Karma clock is still kicking me in the ass for that one. I''ll live vicariously through your donation now....haha....Love you both!!!!!

[julielee]

when I first read this entry...
I thought, Ade? Magic classes? Then I realized, of coarse - MIKE!