India Journal 2006 - #52 April 29-30 Better Days

Sunday, April 29
Met Deni and Zach by chance for breakfast. They are the nice couple from Rishikesh who I was supposed to meet with Ruth on Friday for Sushi when I got sick...they both did Panchakarma and have now come to up North, with their bike, to get away from the heat.
Still weak but better than yesterday. Abdellah is supposed to come around today and I will just take it easy, do some internet, sit on the balconey and read, listen to music etc. This morning when I got up I did my full morning routine, including Yoga, and it was great. Then, after spending almost 2 days in the bed, decide to "refresh" it, so stripped it and began putting it back together. And just as I had finished getting it back into place,

I felt something in my lower right back and knew I had done something stupid. As the morning wore on it got worse and worse until I could hardly move. By the time abdellah came around (and then Ruth showed up also...more on that in a minute), I could barely get off the chair or bed. I decided to go down to Donshup, the physiotherapist I met several years ago, and have him check for me and see what I did.

Ruth came around to see how I was doing, as she had also been quite ill. Seems she took it much worse than me and she only ate my leftovers! She was vomitting for hours with terrible diarrhea all night on Friday. so I really have to be grateful. Guess the Reiki and Ginger helped and I really didn't have ti bad at all in comparison. Or maybe her side of the omelette had more of the bad egg in it! Who knows?

After they left, I rested for awhile, really in pain at even the slightest movement, and finally got myself up to go to Donshup. When I got there his wife said he cannot see me until Wednesday!! I insisted, something I usually don't do, and explained it was an emergency, and she finally agreed to "allow" him to see me tomorrow at 1 when he finishes his regular morning treatments and before he begins his teaching sessions until 8 PM. So I will go down tomorrow.

Walked a little as I was already out and needed some change of scene...had a nice dinner of plain pasta with a little butter and cheese and basil...very good...and some carrot juice, and then back to the room.. Spent the evening in a chair as getting in and out of bed and turning over was sooooooooo painful. And then, after praying for help with the pain, I "all of a sudden" remembered the same thing happening to me on my first trip and not know what to do. Finally found an ayurveda massage guy who wrote me a prescription for some anti-inflammatory pills called gugulu or some such thing, and after a week of suffereing, the next day I felt better.

I then remembered that the pills I have for my arthritis, which I am no longer taking on a regular basis as per Dr. Arora's advice, have the same ingredient as part of their formula, and figured it couldn't help. So I took 2 of them, a pain-killer, and went to sleep. Woke up in the middle of the night and realized I had no trouble turning over. There was still a slight pain, but nothing terrible.

Monday april 30th

In the morning, today Monday, I woke up feeling fine, took two more pills and have now been up and about for several hours...slight pain but big difference since yesterday. I will still go for the checkup today to be sure it is OK to go back walking uphill etc., and also on Wednesday I have an appointment for a treatment anyway....but the guggulu seems to have done the trick once again.

Sandra called me and said she will be coming in a week or two and wants to do Reiki I with me. I've also decided that once this back thing is over, I will start "drumming up" business as I want to go back to working with people.

Discovered the past few days sitting so much on my balcony, that there is a double pleasure being here in town. I have a great view of the mountains, but I can also people watch for hours, something which I LOVE doing and this being right in the center of twon, there is LOTS to see...really fun! After all, how long can you stare at a mountain???

Have read two lovely books over the past few days as well...see the sidebar for the latest additions.

Met a lovely girl called Anna, from Sweden at breakfast this morning. Seems that she was in Israel and Palestine in 2000 working as a peace worker for awhile and has travelled much in Israel and loves the beauty of the country but was very saddened by the attitude of both sides and the lack of true leadership on either side.

She has a Masters degree from the States where she lived for 8 years which is useless in Sweden, so she is working as a caretaker in geriatric institutions in Sweden...and so we had a very long discussion....when she told me what she does, I said, "You are Amazing!" and she thought I meant the job was amazing and she started to tell me why it wasn't, and I explained that SHE was amazing for doing it...an angel of compassion from Heaven....as I knew from very first hand experience what she goes through each and every day and for the lowest salary possible. She was so pleased that I could empathize with her, as it is the first time someone has ever told her how wonderful she is that she does this work.

And of course we got around to talking about my father etc.,,,,interesting morning to say the least. And now I am here....

Namaste to all
Jane

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India Journal 2006-#51-April 27-28..."ROTTEN EGGS"

Went with Ruth around the Kora today as planned, after meeting for breakfast at 8:30 at Nick's. I forgot my camera! Would have loved to have pics to post here for you, although you've seen them before from previous visits...will have to go again I guess. We had a lovely, peaceful morning there..I really enjoy Ruth's company (she's the lady from Australia who I met in Rishikesh where we also spent lots of time together along with Ilse...she was also in my Reiki course).

Toweards the end of the walk I started feeling week, and knew I had to eat something as I had had a very light breakfast and forgot my dried fruits...we finished getting Ruth's airline ticket taken care of and then she wanted to try the date and walnut cake so figured the Chocolate Log would be OK for me also for a light lunch. I had started feeling not really well already yesterday
but after the walk I was really feeling weak. My stomach is very upset. Constipation for about a week already...I think the travelling and wrong foods and changes in weather a couple of times (Rishikesh to Delhi and then to here) have caught up with my Vatta. Barely managed to get my new SIMS card this afternoon and get back to my room.

I was supposed to meet Ruth and 2 other people from Rishikesh (Deni and Zach) for sushi for dinner but Ruth never came to get me (hope she's OK) and as each 1/2 hour passed I felt worse and worse.
Just feel like sleeping. And that's what I will do. Rest for a few days. But don't know what to do about getting the food I need. It is becoming a real problem. Am dyng for some plain mung dahl and rice and it isn't made here...just bean dalh is made. I've checked so many places...and no energy now to go up to Bhagsu where they just might have it. Also need to see the Ayurveda doc there for a few massages...that should also help. Will see tomorrow.

Friday Evening
Well, my question from Thursday about something being "out of place" and this not being the right time to "drum up business" has been answered.

First of all, I think I ate a "bad egg" today while out with Ruth. But was already not feeling myself yesterday..kind of weak...and th egg I guess just moved things along to a crises more quickly. I needed to rest, and wasn't listening, so of course God sent along the "reminder" I needed to listen to my body!

I got sicker by the minute...did lots of Reiki and took ginger and the burps I made had indeed the horrible smell of rotten eggs...YUCK! I had the chills and general weakness but after trying to sleep for a couple of hours with no luck, I finally decided to make myself vomit and get it all out. But this is always difficult for me. Finally used my toothbrush. Nothing much as I hadn't eaten much all day, but it did the trick!

No more "rotten egg" burps and my stomach finally settled and I fell asleep and slept until 10:30 in the morning! and my constipation also let up this morning.

Saturday
Took a not shower, went down and ordered oatmeal to my room and added ghee...rested until after 2, tried going out a little earlier but my legs felt like rubber.

At 2 I finally went ut, got some giner and honey, (I can no longer use honey...it is not tasty to me anymore since I stopped using sweeteners...it really tasted horrible in my ginger water) dried fruit and cheese still have a big apple so I'm set for this evening.

On the way up I ordered Jeera Rice (with coriender seeds in it...supposed to be good for my stomach), but only wanted a small amount. The guy first said "same price (20 rupees) and I said it doens't matter, just don't feel well and can't eat alot and don't want to waste food...and he said "Oh, not feel well? Only 10 rupees!"
A really small plate came to my room, I added ghee and it was just a perfect lunch. I boiled some water with giner and honey, and will now rest again. And will keep resting for as long as it takes.

Also, good I insisted on a room with fan, as I needed it during the day...it is getting warmer and I am sure I will be using it often over the next weeks.

BTW, the guy downstairs at reception, who has been very worried about me, when he saw me this morning and seeing I wasn't well said many people are sick now. It is getting hot and the change in weather makes people sick...and you must watch what you eat...be careful of EGGS!. And rest alot for a few days and stay warm and you'll be fine.

I'll finish the story next time I come down...getting tired...it is now Sunday...feeling much better but still not up to anything much so am resting and getting back to normal eating.

Namaste
jane

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India Journal 2006-#50 (WOW)...April 26...A "no walking" day!

"No Walking" Day...HA HA. I had decided that the best rhythm for me is 2 days of walking and one of hanging around town, so today was meant to be a "day off". Decided to get some errands done. took my laundry in...up bhagsu road. Brought some cheese at Osho shop...up Tushita road...checked airtel prices up and down Jogibara road, had breakfast then in my room...bread and ghee and cheese, went down Temple Road to see about my Malas, but the guy was sick with herpes and could hardly move...I certainly understand. Gave him some ointment from my "first aid bag" and wished him well. Then found a shoe store with large variety of shoes and found a really good pair of walking shoes in place of
the ones I've been using all these years since I bought them in India in 2003. The new ones will hopefully be good for comfortable mountain walking and can probably use them when I get home and want to dance as well. The price was also good for a pair of ABS Nike's-certainly much cheaper than at home. Problem here is that women's shoes, which they had a very large selection of quite lovely ones, are only sold up to size 40 and these were all too small on me. Men's shoes are too wide and usually not nice on my foot, but finally found these which are perfect and even look nice (at least the lady in the shop and me thought so). Then continued down to the chemist shop to place my order for over the counter drugs to take home in quantity for me and the family.

And then, as I was almost down at the Temple anyway, decided to continue the rest of the way down emple Road. Went around, and it was, as always, uplifting and serene...spun the prayer wheels and came back up. It is quite warm by now...not hungry for lunch however. Checked out movies and Happy Feet is playing at 5...good for me (never showed since he needs at least 3-4 people to make it worth his while).
Then decided that today was coffee and cake day but couldn't decide where. And then remembered the delicious date and walnut cake at Chocolate Log and that's where I am now. It's been a pleasant and fruitful morning, but LOTS of walking up and down.

Thursday Night...3 AM
Woke up after a strange dream about watering the lawn and mosquitoes and can't stop thinking about mosquitoes for some reason.
My phone ran out of talk time this evening and have to get a new number for sure now. Otherwise I would have sent some SMS's just for fun!!
Did Reiki for almost an hour and still can't sleep. Strange feelings of being unsettled the past day or so, as if something is "out of place". Can't put my finger on anything specific as nothing has changed in any way the past couple of days...
On the one hand I feel the need to be alone, not to be involved with anyone at the moemnt, but the being alone seems to keep me awake at nite. As if my own company is not stimulating enough to tire me out and make for a good night's sleep.

This is the second time this has happened in the past week. I go to sleep around 9 as usual and wake up around 3. Perhaps I simply need less sleep? But I am tired now. I will read and then go back to sleep for a couple of hours as I did last time this happened.
I'm simply so used to sleeping peacefully for 8-9 hours, I find this strange. Maybe I need to go back to working again, but the truth is, I really don't feel like it yet.
The extra money would be nice but something inside is keeping me from "drumming up business"...as if something is about to happen and this wouldn't be a good time yet to find clients. Laziness? or a legitimate need to "do nothing" perhaps...or just a premonition that something is "on the way"...This is always difficult for me. I was so busy all the time in Rishikesh and this sudden "idelness" is strange for me.
Well, I'll read awhile and what the new day brings.
(As you will see in further posts, all the "feelings" were leading up to something...)
Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #49- April 24-25 Just a Couple of Days -and Important Lesson

Monday Night, April 23rd....
Had dinner with Yana, the lady I mentioned from Slovenia (who fell and broke her wrist)....From a discussion of the spiritual energy shift around the world, to the closer to home world of men, ex husbands, and sons....we seem to be the same. As if we have known each other all our lives and are just sitting over cofee or lunch as if we do it every week. Quite amazing. I've also been meeting women this trip, all around my age, all with ONLY sons (in contrast to previous trips where I seemed to be surrounded continually by young kids looking for a "Mother")...Little by little I am finding out that Shai, my own son, and only son after 5 daughters, is no different than all these other perfectly normal sons of other women in his non-communication, laci of letter writing and phone calling, but that he misses me and needs me just as much as my daughters do. It has been an eye-opening lesson for me and will have to rethink alot of my relationship and attitude toward Shai. It has been a prfound lesson for me...especially as my distance from him has been growing over the years and it has been particularly disturbing to me recently. I hope it is not too late to change things.

Tuesday...bright and early...my friend Ruth arrived from Rishikesh around 7:30, we went down for breakfast together and then found out that she has a problem with her airline ticket,

being told that she must arrive in Delhi by the 28th to pick it up or they will not hold it for her as she has made a change. Her flight date is not until the 9th of May. She was quite upset. Someone recommended a couple of agents to her in town and I agreed to take her, knowing from my own past experience that they would not be able to help her. I knew a place that could help her, as they did me several years ago, but we began with the ones she wanted to try. Well, of course they said there was nothing they could do and then we walked down to the place I remember that Abedellah originally sent me to when I needed to make changes with RJA and they worked it out so that my ticket was sent up here to McLeod. Took her there, a the same lovely professional girl was still working there, and when Ruth explained her problem, she immediately said it would be not problem and in two days her ticket would arrive here. The thing is, this company is just a branch of a big agency in Delhi and they have a courier going up and back each day, so he simply takes the passport copy, money for the change etc. to the airline office in Delhi and picks up the ticket and brings it back 2 days later. Needless to say she was thrilled.

Then she wanted to change rooms and so I offered to take her up to Kailwood to see what was available. And sure enough there is a room for her for a few days and on Friday she will move into the room I originally wanted but didn't get (which for me is better as it will be too warm there), but she needs it only for about 2 weeks and she will be fine. So it is within her budget, and of course the place is always nice...so with tickets and room taken care of, we took a short tour of town and then we went to rest for awhile before going down to Jogibarra village to meet Abdellah for lunch at cafe "boom boom"....In the end she did come as she was exhausted, and I went by myself.

I cannot really describe this newly opened restaurant, opened and run by an Australian lady...it is down out of town..getting there down the hill is easy...it is on the way down to the library...getting back up the hill is really really difficult...but worth it for the place. Forget about the food, which is served so beautifully, on real china plates, with each table set with cutlery and LINEN napkin on a small bread plate...complimentary boiled filtered water is served in a pitcher on the table with beautiful glass goblets, . The food, whatever is ordered, is served beautifully with fresh salad decoratively laid out on the plate, garlic bread, sauces etc., in lovely little matching dishes....very delicious etc....but the DECOR of the place is something I will have to take a picture of to show you. And of course it looks over a view which in itself is worth going down there for. We had a lovely meal, and I walked down to a friend's house further down the valley where we spent 3 hours just talking and finally made the long haul back up. And just as I was getting back and thinking of calling Ruth for a lite dinner, I saw her coming out...we went together for a very light dinner...I just had a fruit salad and carrot juice...and she met Sara, the French lady I mentioned. We had a lovely evening and made plans to go the next morning to Dharamkot...and that brings us to today!

Wednesday

Well, basically "just another day". We had an early breakfast, I helped ruth move up to Kailwood, we met Sara and at 9:15 were already on our way up to Dharamkot. For me, having done this so many times, and still feeling the magic each time I do it...I found it an extraordinary blessing to be able to share it with these two women, who felt the same overwhelming feeling of gratitude and blessing each time I find myself up on this mountain. They fell in love with everything they saw and heard and felt, just like me, and it was a beautiful walk multiplied in its beauty by being with these other 2 women. We have planned our next outing for Dal Lake and Naddi and coming home via TCV through the mountain also.

I went by to my room after a quick lunch and slept for a couple of hours. Even before getting back to the room, although the morning was beautifully sunny and sparkling clear blue skies, it had already gotten dark and windy. WHen I woke up it was really cold and dark outside. The changes here are unbelievable.

I've come to realize that a good pace here for me is two days of walking and one day in town, so tomorrow I will look for walking shoes and perhaps get my new mala made. Friday we are planning to do the Kora (the walk around the Temple) and then Ruth and I will go down to Boom Boom again to share the joy of eating there.

I really love the comfort of my room. thoughts of home crop up every once in awhile and I squelched them quickly and keep them out of my head as much as possible. My days here are too short and precious to waste on thinking about things that I have no control over and can't change in any way...

Here and now is all there is!
Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #48- April 22-23 SUN SALUTATIONS!

HAVE I MENTIONED THE SHOWER??


Woke up the first day in my new home...the room is quite pleasant, and although I don't have a terrace, it is not really a promise...I am out most of the day and can sit on the floor terrace if i want to.

The be is one of those hard Indian things that really is painful for thin people with bones hitting the hard surface....but I've padded it with two lovely quilts which were in the closet and so it is nice and comfy...so, the first morning:

At precisely 6:50 the sun rose gloriously over the mountain peak. I am laying my bed and not only can I suddenly SEE the Sun, I can FEEL its warmth through the window. And this surprised me. It's been light for over an hour and
I've been waiting patiently to see if the sun would, perhaps, show its face over the distant peak I see from my window while laying in bed...and sure enough...here it is in all its glory - both to see and feel.

What a fabulous way to wake up in the morning...and now I will begin
my meditation (a little later than usual, was really waiting to check on the sunrise) with blessed sunlight pouting in to warm my body and my soul.

Spent the rest of the day just "being"....met Sara for breakfast and then she came back to see my room and I did a Tarot reading for her, which was fun. Don't really remember what I did after that, but later on saw the movie "blood Diamond"...difficult movie to see but very well acted.

Bought a couple of new books, and am enjoying the first one them called the Circle of Karma by a writer from Bhutan but the novel is about Tibetans and so far I am enjoying it thoroughly....

Monday, April 23
Woke this morning after a very peaceful nite's sleep... oh yes, THE SHOWER!
It has got to be the best shower I have ever had in India to date...even better than most showers at home, especially mine...it is powerful, VERY hot, and long enough to do my hair, body and still have hot water to just luxuriate in. another plus of this room.

Ok, woke up this morning to a dawn which broke overcast and cold. But sun is beginning to work its way out from behind the cloud cover.

Had to wear all my warm clothes down to breakfast this morning where I met a very nice German lady named Regina...told me that one of the ways she makes money at home is to participate in clinical trials which she gets paid as much as 5000 EUR for only a few weeks, and, because of the German sensitivity to doing trials on human beings, it is the safest country in the world to participate in them.

She also told me that it was discovered in trials there that all Himalaya products contain enormous amounts of chemicals and pesticides and are therefore banned in Germany. I haven't found anything about it on the internet so far, but will keep checking.

Then I went up to my room to change and go down and meet Abdellah for lunch in Jogibara village, only to get there and find the restaurant closed and he having forgotten and gone off to see Sai Baba or some such thing. anyway, found a taxi back up and had a lovely lunch, and then checked prices for an overnight trip to Amristar to see the Golden Temple and India/Pakistan border crossing changing of the guards, stay over night and come back next morning. I have several people already interested and got really good prices for AC cars or jeeps, only to decide not to go myself. I checked the weather report and saw it is between 43-45 degrees there! So I will give all the information to the others and let them decide what they want to do. But it is definitely not for me...

Made arrangements to meet Abdellah again tomorrow....Ruth, from Rishikesh is arriving tomorrow morning, so she will either come with me, or not...

then walked up to Bhagsu just for the walk and am now here...writing this.

Kind of wasted day but what the heck. Will just rest and read now in my and Yana wants to meet for dinner at the Japanese which is good as I can have light meal of miso soup.

so, basically pretty boring I know....but I imagine that is what my days will be like now here...just resting, walking, eating, reading and of course listening to music and seeing friends now and then.

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #47 April 21, MOVING DAY!

Well, it's been just about a perfect day. Even the little episode of hail in the middle was interesting!
Abdellah arrived at 2:30 (his idea of 1:30) to help me move down. We were able to simply wheel the suitcase down the hill and over to the new guesthouse. Whole thing took less than 10 minutes. The morning dawned sunny and bright, but as has been the norm the past 4 days, by lunchtime the clouds started rolling in. As Abdellah arrived, thunder began, and we made it to the room just seconds before a big hail stom began, with strong winds bringing really cold air down.

We put my stuff in the room and decided to go out anyway for coffee, just around the corner. I leant Abdellah my sweatshirt and I bundled up in my warm shawel, we took the umbrella and off we went...we had a lovely couple of hours before he had to go back to town...he will be up here in Jogibara village


for the next 4 days so will meet him down there for lunch on Monday.

And now, the perfect room! It is even better than I remember when first seeing it. The best I've ever had any trip anywhere in India. Two lovely beds, with bedspreads, clean crisp white sheets and even blanket cover! A night stand with drawers and shelf with a NIGHT LIGHT so I don't have to get out of bed to shut the light before I go to sleep after reading!! the view from the windows is out onto a small forested hill so is pleasant, and if I sit on my bed and look out the window, I can see the mountains in the distance.

A REAL closet with hanging space and even HANGERS!. a place for all my clothes, my shoes, and all my other stuff. Two chairs (not plastic but regular furniture) and a nice table. A mirror, and the bathroom is lovely and clean with towel racks, soap dish and toothpaste holder. This all may sound obvious to some of you, but it is not in India....the room is very bright with 2 huge windows but very little direct sun and only in the late afternoon. The windows have screens so can be left open, so the room is also airy. And there is a ceiling fan which I will need in a few weeks. there is also a big flourescent light so in the evening, the room is not dreary as many rooms are here. The terrace is right outside on the floor, and although the view down (as you can see from the pic) is nothing to speak of,


the view straight ahead, as you can see, is fabulous. Picture on top of the page and below. (Notice the mountains that are now white...that is after 5 minutes of hail here in town).



I am very pleased and look forward to a lovely stay. It is very quiet even though it is right in the center of town, and is very convenient for everything. My friend Ruth from rishikesh is arriving here on Tuesday and I have reserved a room for her as well. It should be nice. And even if I am alone, it couldn't be more perfect.

And that's it for today!

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #46 April 20th...AND NOW IT BEGINS!

Took my first walk to Dharamkot today, up to the mountains I so love. Woke at 6, finished my morning stuff and was down to breakfast at 8 but most of the restaurants were still closed. Ate at Nickes and then headed up for my first walk to Dharamkot. As you can see from the pics, THESE things do not change. I was up on the mountain by 9 and it was still quiet...just the sound of my footstpes, and the birds and cicadas could be heard. I've shot a couple of vidoes but like the others, they will wait until I get home to post. I had trouble picking and choosing so there are just lots of pics here....click "read more" to see the rest:









BELOW...THE END OF THE RHODENDANDRUNS BLOOMING...MISSED THEM IN ALL THERE GLORY!




JUST SOME LOVELY VIEWS...NOTE THE ONES WITH A SMALL TOWN IN THE DISTANCE? THAT'S MCLEOD WHERE I AM STAYING.

















Easy up and easy back...I'm not really in shape for all this walking and was a little concerned...especially since I have sent home my hiking boots and was just wearing my regular sneakers...But I feel a new vitality, renewed energies since the Panchakarma. It would have been easier on my legs and feet with the boots, especially the steep downhill parts, but not as pleasant and comfortable walking. And nothing hurts so I assume all is well.

SOME PICS HERE OF PRAYER FLAGS BLOWING IN THE BREEZE...AND SOME OF THE LOVELY FLOWERS BLOOMING ON THE ROCKS AND SIDES OF THE ROAD...














BELOW SMALL ALTERS MADE FROM ROCKS...YOU MUST WALK PAST THEM FROM THE LEFT




AND THE FLOWERS;












BELOW SOME WOMEN ON A ROAD WORK TEAM ON MY WAY DOWN...



But my spirits are restored and I now know what keeps bringing me back here. Despite the town, the mountain doesn't change! Came back in time for lunch and, as you can see from one of the pics, the clouds were already rolling in from the mountain,


and by the time lunch was over, it was pouring. It seems to rain every day here! So checked out the movies and made it just in time for "Little Miss Sunshine", which was lovely. I recommend it.

Now back in my room, it's after 4. Hope to begin posting today but now must pack as tomorrow is moving day. Yuck!

Well, finished my packing as you can see, and finally have some pictures to share with you as well. The posts lately have been very boring I know.

Namaste
Jane

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April 19th continued..... THE CHOICE IS OURS...CHOOSE HAPPINESS!

OK, OK, I know a lot of you don't like when I write about food, but there is no way to get away from it in McLEod. And with all my good intentions, I will be gaining weight here for sure. What to do!? I will do my best to still keep to my diet however. Have found a place that has a GOOD fruit salad and even fresh carrot juice. And another place with BEET juice, so that's another good thing. Jimmy's Italian on Jogibara, new , quiet, upstairs, beautifully decorated and not expensive.

But first, at Moonpeak cafe, where I sat out the rain. I had a poached chicken open sandwich with Mango Lime sauce and lovely lettuce and grated carrot salad dressed in olive oil. For only 50 rupees. Managed not to succumb to the cappucino, only to get caught in the rain again
(at least I have something to blame it on!!) and find myself at Jummy's. Having ordered an Irish Cream Coffee for only 30 ruppes and apple crumble cake....what to do!!

Their cappucino is only 25 rupees as compared to 40-50 in other places. They have a full meal of chicken in a variety of forms and sauces for only 120 rupees, green slalad, steamed veggies and all kinds of pastas, baked dishes, pizza, etc. for 60-85 rupees and even tuna melt, grilled chicken sandwiches etc. Really nice.

So, if I have already decided this is a vacation, I will allow myself to indulge on occassion, and there are TONS of new places here to do that in.

I've spoken to 2 more local friends here who also agree that the place has changed tremendously and predict that in 2 years time, tourists will stop coming and slowly it will become the new INDIAN vacation place. And they are pleased with this as they can charge much higher prices to Indians than they can to tourists. Already the stone/jewelry place I usually shop in has made changes. He is now selling only precious gems, and lots of them to rich tourists. His brother now travels the world looking for unusual gem stones and crystals which they polish and work themselves and they have opened a branch in Canada!

SO, VACATION, HERE WE COME!!

Same day, evening....
Funny, but as soon as I decided that this i smy vacation spot, I began to enjoy myself. And just as I got back to my room, a woman I met a few days ago just sitting at Nick's called and asked if I'd like to meet her for dinner. So I am now at Nick's waiting for her. Nice Slovanian lady, my age, named Yana (same name as mine she says). I did some needlepoint, did my toenails, read and now am here enjoying the view and the "relax". It is true. We are the only ones who can decide how we feel in any situation and the choice is ours at every point of the way!

In today's newspaper (which I never read but just picked up now while waiting)...front page article:

"Rajdani, Shatabdi Food is Stale:. Seems the stomach upset I had after travelling on the train has been explained. Seems they prepare the food 7-8 hours before serving it and it is not always kept at ideal conditions before reheating it on the train. hmmmmm!

"Getting a berth in the first class AC bogie of Shatabdi Express may just prove your ticket to the hospital!".

Just a work about Yana....really sweet lady...has been in India for 2 years straight follwoing her two gurus...a swami down South and the Karmapa (Buddhist) here. Although we have taken very different paths, we have both reached the same peacefull acceptance of our current place of personal growth and spiritual developemnt and she was so at ease and full of life. And unpretentious (opposite of most people I meet here...we agreed on that point...people take things SO seriously, including themselves, but never seem to get th point of the whole thing that they are doing...a happy, more content life for themselves and everyone they come in contact with. We have made a date to meet again and do "cards" for each other for fun!

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #45 April 18-19...Beginning to See Things in a Differnt Light

Wednesday, April 18th

Went up to Bhagsu today. Even checked a couple of places to stay. Have an alternative if I decide to leave McLeod. Same place I stayed several years ago when my stuff was stolen...Seven Seas...they even remembered me. I'm worried there is no fan there but we'll see.

I want to move on Staruday and see how I feel being completely alone on my own for awhile. I am beginning to understand that what I wrote in one of my last journal entries in 2004 is true. I wrote that I had a feeling I would never return "to this place" again. Well, I've returned to McLeod but it is not "this place" anymore. It did nothing special for me when I first arrived,
at it always has in the past, and is not growing on me with time. Walking up to Bhagsu was just a nice walk. (discovered a nice Dhaba right near twon that has Mung Dahl Tali, so that's a find!!). I will go up to Dharamkot and if I am not hassled by Anil, it may be what I need to move my soul once more.

But I will still use this as a pleasant R&R place for now since I am already here.

Aside from everything else, it is reaining and nasty and although I am enjoying music in my room and cards and ready, I am hungry and the food here is not as it used to be, so will just wait out the rain and then go for dinner. It is a soft summer rain but still brings a chill to my body and am glad I kept the few warm things I did with me. I am wearing them now! If it sotps soon (it is now 5 PM) I will go eat something lite and see about a movie.

Later Same evening....

I'm beginning to come to terms with the place. It will be for me now just a nice vacation place. No expectations of finding what I once had here but accepting it as a whole new place and experience.

Had a late dinner. It is light until after 7 now, not like in the fall when it gets dark (and cold) by 4:30. And although it rained, it is still pleasant for walking. Not really cold. Came back to my room at 8 and had a quiet hour of music and off to sleep.

Thursday, April 19th

Got up early as I am used to here and now it is 8:15 and I am already down at Nick's for breakfast.

Sun is shining and it is really pleasant. Quiet at this hour of the morning as well. Streets empty of the daytime hordes and traffic.

Will check out one last hotel now and then make my final dcision about moving on Saturday. May go up to Dharamkot today..will see.

Well, met a few really nice people at breakfast...one nice lady from France whose daughter married a Kashmiri she met in Bhagsu and is now living with him in France. She is my age, also a grandmother, always worked privately and has no pension, and has the same idea as me to spend part of each year in India living and hopefully working. We talked about going together to Amristar and I will price things (so far got a price of 4200 rupees for a taxi there and back with overnight wait) and perhaps we will go together in a couple of weeks.

I am thinking of at least finding a Hindi teacher and trying to learn some more Hindi as long as I am here. Will check it out as well once I move.

When I finish here, will go up to Dharamkot by rickshaw (feeling lazy but still want to get up there for awhile)....and hopefully have a full and pleasant day.

Namaste for now
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #44 April 16-17 McLeod Beginnings

April 17
Yesterday, Monday, I had a relaxing day, not doing much of anything...visited a friend, had some pockets sewn into the new pants I bought at Anokhi, got caught in the rain (!)...not hard...and sat at Nick's for a couple of hours until it past...At lunchtime I had tried 4 different restaurants and none of them were willing to make me boiled vegetables of soup without cauliflower, cabbage and potatoes. They were not even friendly or apologetic about it. Just said "not possible" and walked away. So at Nick's, I asked again, and although

they thought it was weird, they said it would be no trouble. And so finally got a nice bowl of vegetable soup and a plate of steamed veggies with just vegetable I can eat in it.

I will slowly figure out where I can eat things that are good for me. already found a French Restaurant which makes good fresh salad, but there is no place I can get a really good fruit salad here and I miss that.

While sitting at Nick's, as the rain rolled in, my hip began hurting and I was quite upset...not from the pain but by the fact that it hurt...but it only lasted for a few hours, and it was not severe at all,. just annoying, and by the time I went to sleep it was gone and today there is no problem at all.

Today woke up early, and, as I began 3 days ago, am back to my regular morning stuff including Yoga and it feels good. And today I spent the day with Abdellah which was, as always, great fun. We caught up with each other and the changes in our lives...talked about the future, ate a good meal, had coffee (I had mint tea) and later he even talked me into sharing a piece of cake with him!! I also closed the deal on my new room at the Takhyil Guesthouse which is centrally located but the rooms face off the street (Jogibara road) and are very quiet. Each room has screens on the windows, a big closet, plenty of floor space to do yoga, and a table and 2 chairs so if I decide to work there is plenty of room, and the best thing, is that there is a ceiling fan! It is also a corner room so I have two large windows....And there is a terrace on the floor if I want to sit outside and restaurant downstairs which is convenient. It is not ideal, but the only thing I could get in a good location, and he came down a little in price, so it is more than I've ever paid in McLeod before, and somewhat over my budget (10,000 rupees a month), but the only thing even touchable anywhere I've looked. It is high season and every place has raised prices by 100-300 rupees a day more. Kailwood is the only cheap place in a good location around, and that's why there are never any rooms there!

I will be moving in there on Saturday (Abdellah is coming to help me) and then I will begin deciding if I want to stay here or not. so far the town is not what it used to be....many new shops catering to rich people, VERY crowded, much vehicular movement which I am not used to here...really hard to walk around town...and it is still dirty as always....Hopefully when I begin going up the mountain I will feel somewhat better.

Near the guesthouse are some really nice new restaurants which look like I will also find good food there, as well as good internet places, so I don't have to go far for these things.

So, I will update as things happen and I know more about my feelings and my plans for the next 2 months.

Namaste
Jane

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INSIGHTS AND UNDERSTANDING

April 15, McLeod
I haven't written much about inner insights and understandings this trip. It seems I've been around others the whole 2 months without much time for inner thought or movement. But just this evening it came to me so clear and simply:

More than anything, I've truly learnt the meaning of living in the moment and by doing so, with complete faith in the wisdom of god and His Univers, I have found the secret of a truly happy and easy existence. I have been working and writing and teaching about Mindfulness and living in the moment for the past 3 years, and this has been for me a validation of everything I've been working on and trying to help others live as well.

Wanting more, or different, or faster, or whatever, only leads to frustration and fears of "what if"..."why me"..etc. Truly being with each moment and living each day as fully as possible and in true gratitude for each day's belssings, brings us true inner peace.

There have been many unexpected things this trip, but I have found the tranquility within to accept and embrace each new things as it comes my way, with true equanimity and grace...and I feel so at peace despite the unexpected at each turn.

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India Journal 2006 #43 April 13-15 Train Ride and Arrival in McLeod, Dharamsala

Well, the train ride was smooth....arrived at the train station and of course was surrounded by porters and for this train I need one to get to the proper platform. One guy came over and said 100 rupees for 1 bag and I simply gave him a look and started walking away. Another guy came over to me and asked what happened and I told him the price was ridiculous and he said regular price is 50 rupees and told the other guy off! Funny thing was, while walking to the train platform, there was an announcement, which was actually reapeated every 10 minutes or so, that porters are to be paid 50 rupees for one bag up to 40 KG and if anyone over charges, you should get their number and report them to the station manager. this is really something new. Standardizing pricing is beneficial to everyone...customers as well as the porters themselves.

Got onto the train, met a couple of girls in the next cabin and we arranged to take a taxi together to save money. Two nice young Jewish girls from Toronto and we talked about places they've been in in Israel before finally retiring to our respective cabins.

Then met the other 3 people in my cabin...a Russian couple and a guy from Israel, Avi. They asked about getting to McLeod and told them they could come with me and I'd help them also get a taxi.

The trip was nice...there was a couple with a l2 year old child and fun talking a little to her and finally drifted off to sleep and slept well until 6:30. We arrived in Pathankot at 8 AM and all six of us went to the taxi stand. When I told the guy we needed 2 taxis...




he said it would be cheaper for all 6 of us to go together. Instead of 1300 for a taxi with three, we could get a jeep for either 1500 or 1700 rupees for all 6 of us. I asked Avi, who knows about cars, which jeep he suggested and he pointed to the 1700 one. It was a Toyota and I have NEVER had such a comfortable ride anywhere in India before.

I arrived at Kailwood only to find that there was no room available for me...I had this feeling for some time that there would be a problem. When I spoke to them last on the phone I even jokingly said, if I arrive and there is no room, I am sleeping in Kokila's room (the owner) when I arrive. Well, sure enough, that's the room I am now sleeping in. Kokila was upset that there was no place for me but not particularly apologetic...says I can stay in her room for 10 days or so until I make other arrangements. Nice room but I am uncomfortable being there...something energetically wrong with the room...can't put my finger on it. Also the bed is a board...so hard it hurts to lay down on it, but asked for a quilt which I put down over the mattress and now it is OK to sleep on, at least temporarily.

at any rate, I saw Nikolai, who said he would help if he could, and then decided to just go out and find a room. Spent 3 hours (!) checking every guesthouse I could find which seemed to be in a location I could comfortably live in, and noen had rooms. Some were willing to save a room for me for a few days from now, but they were all too expensive and not willing to come down in price even for a long term stay as it is high season now.

Went to see my friend Gill, who was very happy to see me and told him my problem. He called a friend who has a hotel here but it was also too expensive for me. And no room available anyway.

I finally got to this place very far out of down down a very steep hill called Hunted Hill, which was really nice. I am now looking for a place with fan as it will be hot here in another month for sure....And this place had everything, but was too expensive. The manager said he would speak to the owner and would call me in the evening...which they did and he agreed to lower the price somewhat for me and I told him I would be in touch in a few days.

Had lunch at the Japanese restaurant and it was as delicious as always. Among the people who actually recognized me and were happy to see me, were a couple of "beggar friends" from past years. I always thought they never really paid attention to people who gave them money, but a couple of them I had given special help to in the past, and as soon as they saw me, big smiles came over their faces. In their broken English, and my very very broken Hindi, they told me how they were doing, one of the stories quite sad as both his baby and father had died this year, but seeing them was good. I know it may sound funny being happy to be remembered by beggars, but it means that they DO see people as individuals and not just hands giving them money. (Or medicine, or schoolbags for their kids etc). I think they particularly appreciated the fact that I am always willing to sit and listen to them for awhile...as a friend might.

I slept very well that first night. Stomach still a little shakey, but otherwise feeling very energetic. Will force myself to take it slowly at the beginning.

Got some of theings I needed for now (a kind of supermarket has opened up here!!). Many changes...VERY crowded or maybe this is a season I have never been before. It is not like this Oct-Dec. Jogibara road has been repaired and for the first time ever is easy to walk on.

Nice to see old friends, Evelyn, Nikolai, Susie, Abdella coming tomorrow, Shajar is here. Met other regulars who are staying here. Nice people but I think this whole thing of no room being available is a message for me that it is time to move on to a new place and have time with myself. I am looking forward.

Met a lady "by chance" today who is looking for a Reiki I course and we will be in touch in a few days to choose a suitable time for both of us.

Went down to my regular internet place and the guy, who had just gotten marrired as I was leaving last time, recognized me and was happy to see me. He looks "well fed" by his wife. I told him he looks like he has a good wife and he agreed with a big smile! He also has a 1 1/2 year old daughter.

Sunday

the guys who were little boys last time I was here waiting at Nick's, are now young teens.

Bumped into Avi (from the train) in the street and we had a snack together there. Saw the cakes (!) and it is going to be hard keeping away from them I can assure you, but will do my best.

Got some cheese and a whole wheat roll at Osho to have for breakfast tomorrow with my (very small and boring) fruit salad they make here. Tangerine, banana and apple....where is the pineapple, mango, papaya, pomegranates, chico (like custard apples) and strawberries from Rishikesh????

The weather here is warmer than I expected but still nice, but I will definitely need a room with fan.

Met Lauren (from Rishikesh) also and we had dinner together at Kokonor. Disappointed me...will have to check out other places for pasta in the future. Well, I mentioned one of the guesthouses I had tried but found too expensive, and seems she is staying there and has the number for the owner. I called him this evening, and he is willing to give me a room at reduced price, and I will meet him on Tuesday at 2 pm to close the deal. Hopefully will move in on saturday. The room has screens, balcony facing off the main street and a fan, as well as 24 hour a day hot water, so it looks like it should be OK. And it is in a fairly good location for me. A little out of the center but not too far and there is internet and restaurants nearby, even one in the hotel, so it is OK.

I am now sitting in a new internet place just down Tushita road from Kailwood, which has earphones and mike so if anyone wants to Messenger me, we can actually talk here. Also has USB port so I will be able to upload pictures (if I decide to take any here!).

I will write one more short post following this about certain insights I've had and haven't written about yet, but for now,

Namaste to all
Jane

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India Journal 2006 Adventures in Delhi #3

Thursday April 12th

Did ALL my shopping1 Anokhi was badly low on stock. Maybe that's better...couldn't spend so much money. I pay by Visa anyway but still managed to get a few really nice things. Some will need lsight alteration but will serve me for some time to come. They are really chic and I am pleased with my purchases. If I feel like it, I will take one more trip over there when I come back in June, if I can manage the weather then. Also found a shop for great sheets which
I will have to try out next time. FabIndia was also good, and managed a few nice things there as well. I know more now what I make best use of at home so it is easier to shop than it used to be.

Nice lunch at fancy restaurant...the Big Chill...ate there once with Abdellah and Avik on my last trip to India...But I don't have much appetitie so I had a small grilled chiken salad which was light and refreshing.

The weather is in no way debilitating and it is now 2 PM and I did lots of outdoor walking...also in my little slip in fancy sandals. Felt really nice. I usually feel so scrungy (is that a word) and clumsy and unfeminine in my closed sneakers....even if the rest of me is nicely dressed. And with my polished toe nails I fell like one of the fancy Indian ladies waling around the fancy shops here! Much nicer I must say, and I will just have to wash my feet more often but they arenot all hot and sweaty! Didn't even feel funny about going in a window shopping at some of the designer shops. the clothing is lovely, colorful, brilliantly stylish and really expensive...well for me at any rate. The stuff was between 150 and 150 shekel per item which is really not alot for the quality of the stuff, but I simply cannot allow myself that amount of money. I bought 5 full pieces in Anokhi for 200 shekel!

Went into a couple of book shops as well but went crazy so only bought one..."Chaos", which I've seen my kids reading. I don't remember the names of the books my daughters recommended. If I did, icould have just asked for them, but to search through thousands of titles was impossible. They have everything you can imagine in these shops.

I am also reading a new book I purchased yesterday called Sister of my Heart by the author of Mistress of Spices (you can see a list of all the books I have read, or am still reading on the sidebar...). She seems to have written many novels, and actually (today is friday in the aftewrnoon , I have almost finished the book10.

Now just have to decide what goes finally into the parcel for home with the beads and incense, and I'm done. (Took care of that later in the afternoon and another 17 KG package is on its way home).

I also checked out, by this time after dark, a couple of hotels still in this area but off the main road...Prince Polonia and Cottage Yes Please, for my groups. The second one is brand new and absolutely inviting, and the prices are really quite reasonable for the luxury of the place. The Prince Polonia is older, not quite as nice, and alot more expensive. So now I have a good place for my groups to stay here in delhi as well.

Friday, april 13th

Got up early and had an easy breakfast. Checking out other rooftop restaurants but nothing is really great in this warm weather. Sam's is still best as it is AC or room service of course.

got myself a couple of croissonts for the train and for breakfast tomorrow, as well as an apple and some dried fruits so I am set for the train. Have finished packing, everything is ready to go, and I will rest the afternoon away now and be ready to leave for the train at 7:30 this evening.

A good test of full acclimatiation to India perhaps would be the comfort level felt in Delhi and in dealing with the city. And I would have to give myself a high passing grade this time. Part I guess is experience, part my new perspectives onlife in genenral and really learning how to take each moment as it comes, without worry, and part, the little bit of HIndi I've been using. When a rickshaw driver gave me a price and then tried to change it after we'd left, I told him in plane words that that was not nice to do. And then he suggested my shopping someplace he knew which is "better than Khan Market"...and I simply said again, "don't do that...go straight to Khan Market" in my best Hindi, and with a smile, he zipped of at the original price and directly there. No arguments etc. Even a single phrase like "nehi chaiyie" easily gets the touts away without being nasty, and everyone really seems to appreciate the effort of my trying to communicate...It immediately brings a smile (or perhaps they are just amused at my pronouncitaion) and together with it a more relaxed mood and way of relating to me.

shop keepers, rickshaw drivers etc., just seem nicer!

I am simply enjoying these 3 days in Delhi just as much as I enjoyed my days in rishikesh, even going so far as to be out exploring after dark (everything is lit up here) which I've never done before. I wanted to try the Metro but think I will pass. Also wanted to film some street scenes on video...maybe later today, and if not, it will still be here next time I come!

Namaste.....see you in Mcleod in a couple of days
Jane

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India Journal 2006- Adventures in Delhi #2 - Just Another Perfect Day

Wednesday Evening, April 11th... Delhi Part 2
What a lovely day! (Mostly). Ilse never turned up...don't know why, but I don't know where sheis staying and she doesn't have e-mail. But I now realize I was meant to be on my own here in Delhi and it is great.

After breakfast however, I started feeling funny in my stomach only to discover I had diarrhea, which I NEVER get. I think perhaps the ice cream on the train...not that it was spoiled...but cold is very bad for my vatta and I have been avoiding it in all forms since doing Panchakarma. And perhaps the sudden cold
was not good for me. Or perhaps, as I mentioned in part 1 of this post, ALL the food in general on the train which was not good for me....Anyway, before going to the train station to get my ticket, I saw an ayurveda chemist right next door to my hotel and he gave me something to take. He looked at me and simply said "You're Vatta, travel and food and weather changes not good for you...by tomorrow you feel better for sure". And I do already feel better. Not much appetite but that is better as the food here is not wholesome and fresh as I am used to and I will probably begin eating better again once I get to McLeod.

Came back from getting my ticket which was a breeze, ate come jeera rice and then rested for a few hours. then got dressed and decided to see how much of my Paharganj shopping I could get done.

And guess what?!? I got the shoes right across the street...a pair for Shlomit and surprisingly, 2 pair for me. And then I went to the incense place and bought 3 KG (!) of various incense hich should last everyone for awhile. And then the bead shop. The guy remembered me, mainly as Abdellaji's friend. I bought 10 KG (!) of a variety of beads. Altogether only 150 shekel but another big bite into my India budget...1500 rupees plus another 2000 rupees for postage! The most expensive present I've ever brought here so far but it should serve 2 or even three people...Chanale, Dani and even Elisheva.

He will send the beads, theincense , shoes and anything else extra I collect over the next couple of days in a parcel for me. I've stopped thinking about money and am just enjoying the thrills of shoping for presents.

Tomorrow I go to get clothes for myself.

The big change is, I seem to have released my remainign fears of travel, Delhi, etc., and feel one with India completely. I am walking around in Paharganj in flip flops which may seem like no big deal to most of you, but I've never walked around here in anything but closed shoes. And suddenly, it just seems so easy and right to be completely at ease here. I don't even feel particularly hot today. Just walked around, didn't get hassled at all. Even practiced my new Hindi phrases in the shoe shop. First I asked in English for a discount on the 3 pairs of shoes but was told "Not possible...already cheap price Madam". Then I said "Iska dam, camka dijihe" and this big grin came onto the salesman face, as well as the other people in the shop who heard and he immediately gave me a 70 rupee discount which was quite nice...more than I would have expected. For me this is a real triumph as I am TERRIBLE about bargaining and usually don't even bother! And it is also so nice when a few simple words in Hindi can make people so happy!

Got back to my room with ALL my shopping done in less than 2 hours and ordered supper and when I turned o n the TV, Friends had just began.

So now, after a nice hot shower, supper and Friends, I am getting ready to sleep and quite relaxed and happy.

Yes...it's really been a lovely day!

Namaste
Jane

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India Jouranl 2006 #42-Adventures in Delhi April 10-13 #1

Well, here I am in Delhi, a few days after my last post from Rishikesh. Today is thursday but I want to go back to tuesday and start from the beginning ot this new part of my journey. HOpefully I will get it all done today, but if not, tomorrow is another day.

April 10th 16:13
Just got onto the Shabtabdi Express from Dehra Dun to Delhi. We boarded at Hardiwar exactly on time, our luggage was placed on the upper luggage racks by a porter and we found our seats. The train is a little too chilly for me but it is the first time in over 3 weeks that I can complain of being chilly and it is a lovely feeling. Simply put on my shawel which is always with me.

I am using my IPod with earphones for the fist time and have decided to begin the journey with some musicals. I've chosen "Oklahoma" as my first choice,
have put my chair back in reclining position, and have already been brought a bottle of water and a snack on my food tray. "Tea Kit", ladoo (sweet), samosa, apple drink and some crispy masaly snack. I have so much leg room it is unbelievable and am extremely comfortable. The carriage is only 1/2 full (it filled up at the next stop). The sun is setting in the West and this going to be a lovely 5 1/2 hours...quite luxurious!!

Just a "Oklahome" ended we were served soup and roll and butter. Now I'm reclinigna dn resting again and "Camelot" is playing. Even after all these years (I was a teenager when I saw it on Broadway with my friends Jessica Dunsay and Rina Hellman), it still moves me when I hear Julie Andrews, Richard Burton and Robert Goulet as I saw them live on Broadway.

Then I decided to "dance" until dinner is served. it is now about 9 PM. Dinner is over, enormous meal. Aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower), paneer (cheese in sauce), rajma dahl (kidney beans and chickpeas), rice, 2 chapaties, fresh salad veggies and small earthen jug of absolutely heavenly curd for dessert. (At the time I noted that everything in the dinner were things I am not supposed to eat and have been avoiding for the past 6 weeks...little did I know how it would effect me later on....)

Now just "dancing the night away", lovely couples dances, and will probably fall asleep. Have been dozing on and off since the trip started. Anoter 1:45 to go. Really lovely...and then Delhi!!

WOW! Again being served, this time ice cream (and that was my final downfall I think)...it was really delicious! They just don't give you a minute to relax on this train!

Sitting next to me was this sweet young girl. She is 25 years old, lives in Dehra Dun and was just home for Easter Vacation from her job as air hostess out of Delhi for Air India. She is a Christian, quite beautiful and well spoken. Has an MA in economics and is basically just enjoying a few years of freedom before her parents arrange a marriage for her...she says it will be a problem as all the nice guys she meets are Hindu, and that is impossible. She is completely at peace with an arranged marriage, as she will be allowed to pick and choose until she finds one she likes. i mentioned the movie "Namaste London" to her and she said "Yes, just like that" and then we laughted awhile about the movie.

She was dressed in jeans with a plain long sleeve top and shawel and seemed quite conservative, until we neared Delhi and she was talking on the phone to her friend who was coming to pick her up. (She also arranged for him to board the train and take down our luggage for us off the rack). She removed her shawel, and long sleeve top to reveal a very revealing, low-cut, spaghetti strap shirt just short of her belly button line...And then proceeded to put on makeup and do her hair. She looked like an entirely different person!!

Our luggage was taken down off the rack by someone on the train just as we pulled into Delhi exactly on time. The first rickshaw driver who approached us gave us a perfectly fair price, 20 rupees, to our hotel and so we didn't even have to haggle. And I didn't get to use the lovely Hindi phrases I had practiced for the past few days.

In the end, he got both of us and all our luggage into one rickshaw, instead of 2, and took 30 rupees apiece but it was still perfectly OK. I he a lot of lifting of heavy stuff to fit it all into the small space and still have room for us. He left me off first, and Ilse agreed to meet me the following morning at my hotel...and that is the last I've seen of her. I really hope all is well with her, but have no way of finding out as I do not know where she is staying and she doesn't use e-mail at all.

This new Hotel, Anoop, is quite lovely. Simple, but friendly and clean. First room I was given was small but adequate but the AC did not work so they gave me another room which turns out to be a deluxe room, very large, with 3 beds in it, lovely marbel floors, 2 ceiling fans, dressing table and lovely bathroom, for the same price they were charging me for the smaller standard room. The ceiling fan sounds like a truck and the AC like a tank but now I don't need my earplugs as every possible sound is drowned out!!

Had a lovely shower and off to bed. Slept well and now the fresh morning air is coming in the windows i just opened. Will have to close them soon but now, at 7 AM, it is quite fresh and col as it was yesterday at 11 PM when we arrived. And even though it was 11 PM, it was as alive as during the day and no problem with arriving here so late at night.

The staff is really wonderfully accomodating and I am really pleased and thankful I was guided to this place.

Will get dressed and meet Ilse soon for breakfast and at 10 will see to my train ticket to Pathankot.

OK...I will end here and continue tomorrow or later with part 2 of the Delhi Adventure.

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #41- April 9th Leaving Rishikesh

Please check the previous post as I have posted the pictures from yesterday's trip to the Shiva Temple. There are some lovely scenes there....

Tomorrow I will be leaving Rishikesh. I am taking a taxi with Ilse to Hardiwar where we will take a Shabtabdi train to Delhi. We will arrive in Delhi around 11 at night after a 5 hour train ride on a lovely train. Looks pretty much like the inside of a plane, with similar type seats, and we will be served dinner on the train. Hopefully will finish my shopping in three days and then take a train (if I can get a ticket) up to Pathankot and then a 3 1/2 taxi ride up to McLeod. Hopefully it won't take me more than a day to get settled in, so you can probably expect the next posting to be around April 16th or so. So don't worry if things seem dry for awhile.

Today I had an amazing day with a young girl here who has just now come to terms with her abilities as a "seer". She is 29. She is the same sweet girl who took me for the facial the other day. So today, we did an exercise which for me was great and for her a further affirmation and confirmation, validation and feedback for her amazing gift. She came to my room
and we thought we'd spend an hour or so but we wound up spending over 4 hours!! I had asked her if she thought she could tell me something about my family by looking at pictures and she said she would love to give it a try if I promised to be honest with her about what she said.
Well, she began and I thought she would pick a few, and in the end she did EVERYONE, as well as the couples in relationship to each other, and she was right with every single thing she said...and she also saw past lives, our connections to each other before, and in future lives perhaps, old and young souls, amazing insights...and so so right in all she said. It was really great for her and I told her that when I start bringing groups, I will bring them to her. She is planning to come to Israel, and she looks forward to meeting everyone, as she feels she knows them all intimately. It should be quite interesting.

Then had a final lunch at the Welcome Center, and will have dinner this evening also with friends. Almost finished packing. Hopefully everything will fit in to just the two bags. I'd hate to have to shlepp around a 3rd one.

I was a little teary about leaving today but good that I had this lovely 4 hours with Sandra to pass the time.

Namaste to all until I get back to this next week
Jane

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India Journal 2006 #40 April 8th-Coming Down to the Rishikesh Finish Line

Shiva Temple





Well, tomorrow is my last day here. It will be very hard to leave this place for many reasons, and leaving the lovely people I've met here is one of them. I've had such a wonderful group of friends here from the day I arrived, and it is really like leaving family. We've become very close and have been mutually helping each other go through many different things. Happy times, sad times, confusing times, chaning times...it has been quite an amazing 2 months here and it is not easy to think I leaving in one more day.

I am leaving for Delhi on Tuesday. If I didn't have to go shopping in Delhi, I would go straight to Dharamsala, but as hot as it is now in Delhi, about 40 degrees, it will still be better now than in June when I come through again to go home. I need to by beads for my daughters, incense for the family and myself, some sandals for another daughter and maybe even myself, and of

course my own clothing for the next couple of years. I will be travelling with Ilse and she will take me to some nice places she knows in Connaught place which I don't know of, and the next day I will take her to Khan Market which she has never been too. We have to get there by Rickshaw which will be really hot, but once there, both places have AC shops and eating places so it should be OK. And I will do my shopping in Paharganj in the evenings , and my room is AC with TV, so I guess I will survive. I still have no train ticket to Pathankot as even 3 weeks ago the trains were full, but I will most probably be able to get a Tourist Quota ticket but must do that in person in the Train Station in Delhi, so that will be my first order of business there on Wednesday morning.

Today, Sunday, I went with Ainat, Ilse and Shakti to the Shiva Temple up in the mountains. It was an absolutely beautiful ride up there and reminded me of how much I love the mountains.










It was interesting to see the temple, but I don't really get too excited about this stuff. Seeing the people is always more interesting to me and the people here are all so JOYFUL in their worship. Below is a picture of the offerings people buy to leave in the temple...



Shakti also did some photo shooting and here you can see her interacting with the people she photographs...







but the day was very hot, the driver was a maniac, the roads bad, and I was out in the sun much too much for me, and really not feeling well now....will rest up the rest of today and tomorrow as well. Just have to pack. Nothing much else to do. The pictures for this post I will add later, so you can go back and check it out in a couple of days. Some of the views are really fabulous.

We also tried out a new restaurant today and now that I know where it is, I look forward to eating there often upon my return. La Bella View it is called and they have both wonderful Italian, and Israeli food. And regular other stuff as well. On the Ganga, beautiful view, very clean and pleasantly cool when most places are atrociously hot these days, so much so that they kill your appetite completely.

Well, I'll close this for now. I may not write again for some time because if it is very hot in Delhi, I won't be able to sit at the internet. So I MIGHT not write again until I get to McLeod, so don't worry if there is nothing new here for awhile. Will try to get the pics on tomorrow, and then I will be lucky if I find broadband internet as nice as here when I get to Dharamsala.

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006-#39, April 7th. THE Reason to Come to Rishikesh!!

Forget yoga, panchakarma, Shiva, Ganesh, Ashrams, gurus, the Holy Ganga, Pujas, mountain walks, white-water rafting, jungle safaris, temples, great views, dental treatments, delicious food and fabulous shopping. THE reason to come to Rishikesh is what you see below!!




I have just had the most amazing pampering I have ever had anywhere in my life, and when I bring my groups of women here, this will be THE highlight of the tour I'm sure. I went into Rishikesh to a Beauty Salon to do a facial at the suggestion of a lovely young girl here
who noticed I was down a couple of days ago and insisted on taking me there at HER expense for a facial. (You can also do manucure and pedicure there as well as getting a haircut and head massage.)

I was taken care of by at least 3 lovely women, including the owner, and, just like all the other Indian women being taken care of at the place, treated to complete luxury care for 2 whole hours at the price of 250 rupees!! (No tipping allowed). I never imagined so many lovely things could be done to my face, my back and my decollage and half way down my chest, and arms. And after having loving hands take care of me using a variety of creams, lotions, gels etc., I was then given a "tightening" mask ("because Madam, you have a few wrinkles"). It was done with my lying on a very comfortable treatment chair completely relaxed, with AC and a fan to keep me comfortable, wearing a gown provided by the salon.






Once it was all over, and I touched my face I did not believe it was my own skin. It was soft and smooth as a baby's behind. I've had many facials in my life, but NEVER something to compare to this. If I had known about this place when I first arrived, I probably would have gone once every couple of weeks.

So...it's been a fabulously fun day, I am relaxed, look wonderful (my face truly is glowing) and feel almost decadent for enjoying something so much.

So, ladies, get ready to join the group. And this will be the highlight I guarantee!!

Namaste
Jane

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