#11- March 3, 2008- PEACEFUL DAY

Had an especially peaceful day today. Yesterday I exchanged healings with Ben and then went out for lunch and back for dinner at Mamaji’s…early to bed..I was very tired.
Early but very light breakfast today. I ate too much yesterday and felt it.
And then spent some time with Ben before going out. Picked up some DVD movies I had burnt for me from the originals…150 apiece instead of 450 at the CD shop I send everyone. Two days ago I had brought the rich ladies there and they bought a lot of stuff…also tried to get cheaper price and he held fast at the price he gave them. Well, when I came down today, the DVD’s were ready (these are movies mostly Tibetan, that I have not been able to download from the Internet), and when I went to pay my 600 rupees, he said “no…480. You deserve a discount as you brought people to me and also DID NOT ASK FOR ONE!”. I thought that was lovely…which means I got one almost free.
I will watch one tonight with Ben…”The Cup” which I never got around to seeing in Mcleod.
Then I continued down to the Book Shop by the German Bakery to look for the Cards I wanted. I found 2 sets I was interested in and bought them. And also a set of postcards, as Ben had given me an idea I never thought of. I am sending each of my grandchildren a postcard from India. Don’t know why I never thought of it all these years. I went into the German Bakery, ordered boiled veggies and lovely grilled cheese and tomato and sat to write the postcards and then go down and mail them. Realizing, that I don’t know everyones mailing addresses…only e-mails! Very Bad. So will get the addresses and mail them tomorrow. Had a lovely lunch, met some interesting people there, and then began working on the cards…A set by Caroline Myss called Archetypes and it is for personal growth purposes mainly. Fascinating. Based on archetypical Forms first mentioned by Plato but brought forward in the modern world by Carl Jung. I’ve begun working with them and you must be brutally honest about yourself to do the work. I have begun!!
Then I came back up…found Coconut Oil for one of my friends. And sandalwood oil which I didn’t buy as it was VERY expensive…will have to think about it. Moving further back up the hill, I stopped in a shop where I saw really nice stud earrings. I had looked at some in the shop with the rich ladies which were $40! Here they were 40 rupees!!! And nicer. I bought one pair and if they don’t bother my ears after a couple of days, will buy them in lots of colors. And while I was there, I looked at a mala necklace which has all the 9 sacred gemstones in it, and all the shops are asking 150 rupees. This guy asked only 100 rupees…did a test to prove to me they were real stones and not glass, and so I bought it also. Was very happy with myself and my purchases. Continued up to try and make an appointement for a facial, but no one was there. And then to my “grocery store” where I bought Yak cheese for dinner, found more of those lovely homemade chocolates which I should NOT be eating, as well as masala chai mix which I was looking for, AND Indian Taj Mahal tea to make chai with, and happily headed up to my room. Sat and worked on the cards for awhile longer until Ben came up to say hello and tell me about his day, and me him about mine, all the time listening to lovely music and sitting out on the roof terrace…(the weather has been perfect!)…he then went down for his dinner by Mamaji, I just had my crackers and cheese, and still listening to music, and then he will be coming up to watch one of the new movies with me.
Could there be a lovlier, more relaxing way to spend a day??

I am truly blessed….I have only 3 weeks left but am doing my best not to think about it. Just enjoying each day. One of these days soon I will go down and start bathing in the Ganga which has gotten a “little” warmer…still freezing cold mountain snow water, but maybe just up to my knees. I’ll see.

Namaste
Jane

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#9-Feb 27,2008 Boring Life if you have to just read about it....

I think the blog posts this trip are basically pretty boring for others to read, but I find my days so full and exciting, and have a wonderful sense of wellbeing I haven’t had in a long time. Part of this I know probably has to do with my recent attempt to wean myself from HRT (which I’ve been using for about 15 years and never been happy about…but have never had luck in the past getting off it). This time I decided to try using ayurveda herbal replacements in one last attempt to get these chemicals out of my body, but after trying for almost 3 months, and every day seemingly worse than the day before, and I won’t go into the gruesome details here, I finally decided to get back on my hormones. And within 2 days I was feeling like my old happy, contented self, and in just 5 days, all other symptoms have disappeared. Now you may ask what made me make the final decision to give up trying…well, like most everything else in my life, I ask for guidance and direction from my Guides and the answer always comes…if I listen! This time I received the answer in a dream where I saw myself with my old happy spirit back and wished I could go back to that “self”…and the next morning I was out walking, and stopped into one of the book shops to browse, and the first book that my hand landed on was “Ayurveda for Women”, by Robert Svoboda, one of the foremost ayurveda doctors in the world today. I starting skimming through it and the page that opened was HRT and ayurveda!!! I quickly read over his description of how, in many cases, herbal remedies can reduce most symptoms and help women lead a normal life…however, there are certain cases where HE does not recommend giving up HRT…he says there are certain women who really must have these hormones replaced artificially in order stay in good health. He does not recommend it for “keeping young” etc…only where true health issues are present…and the biggest health issue he feels should be helped with HRT is osteoporosis…in cases of osteoporosis, he ALWAYS recommends his patients use HRT as they are not simply trying to get rid of hot flashes or have younger looking skin etc. And this is MY issue… So I was given a definite “go ahead” to going back on hormones without feeling guilty, and know that this has added to my feelings of contentment and wellbeing which have been missing for some months now. The change is tangible. I am happy that I gave this a fair try, but am also happy that I am now back to the “real” me! I have begun writing a post about the people I have met on this trip, and it will be quite long when finished…I may post it in sections, but for now will write before posting it. Today I had a lovely walk as you can see from some of the photos and the very short video. The sound of silence is a rare commodity in India, and walking up this road following the Ganga up into the hills was a real thrill for me this morning.



The weather is getting hotter by the day, and soon I won’t be able to take these long walks I imagine, but for now, it is invigorating and I feel uplifted when I am out in nature like this. On the way back, I decided to really go all the way with lunch, and had a veggie burger on roll, salad and chips! Now I know this doesn’t sound like anything terrible, but the burger was made with potatoes, a definite no-no for me, I am not supposed to eat cold salad, and then of course the chips!!! But it was soooooooooooo delicious, and I Rekiied the food before eating it, as I usually do, but with extra added blessings for good health, did some Reiki after eating, and so far am feeling no side effects other than joy at having eaten it! And to end it off, I stopped off to buy something sweet and found a box of homemade choclates that a local mamaji makes, and bought a box. Haven’t tried them yet, but will this evening….Yesterday evening a nice guy I met did a shamanic healing on me and got rid of the last remnants of a slight dry cough which seemed to persist in the evening hours when the weather changed, and today he surprised me with a visit and asked for a Reiki Healing in exchange…which I happily did…helping him get rid of some deep seated pain, sadness and grief over a recent incident in his life. And then the evening proceeded to move along and we went together for dinner at Mamaji’s, came back to the room with our chai’s and ate chocolate which was DEEEEEEEEEEELICIOUS!. Yesterday, after lunch, I took a Rishshaw down into the market because I really needed sandals and couldn’t get what I wanted in my size up here where I did last year. The main road into town is closed for roadwork so the rickshaws (and every other type of vehicle) must use the back alleyways to get into the market in town…these alleys are barely wide enough for 2 rickshaws to pass each other, with gulleys along both sides of the road which an unwary driver could easily fall into….and now these alleyways are being used not only by rickshaws and motorbikes, but by huge 4x4 vehicles filled to overflowing with tourists…navigating a rickshaw past one of these was an amazing experience…even the Indians, who are nonchalant about this kind of stuff, applauded the driver when we got past not one, not two, but THREE of these vehicles without mishap and eventually got into town. I immediately found sandals, and then went exploring. Bought nail polish (have to do my toenails if I want to wear sandals…did a pedicure last night)…and then went down to the puja ghat and to my great joy found the public toilets. I always have a problem with needing a toilet and so every one I found is a real blessing. It means next time I go into town I don’t have to hurry home! Well, I’ll end this here and see about getting it posted today or tomorrow. Remember, if a post contains a video you must view it in the blog to be able to open the video…like the party one I sent several days ago.

Namaste Jane

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#7 - Feb 22, 2008- The Israeli Riddle and the Urge to Write

I’m sitting here for the first time since I arrived with the urge, or need, to narrate. I will do my best to give words to the day, in which nothing exciting happened and yet I am excited all the same.
Woke up this morning to a hazy sky, but the truth is, this weather might not be great for photographing, but it is perfect for walking, and this what I find myself doing now…walking….

Had my regular breakfast, took a nice hot shower, had my room cleaned and then headed out with a couple of “errands” in mind and then just the thought of meandering around. I found a little hole-in-the-wall chemist shop no bigger than my bathroom,

and I have placed an order with him for all the meds I usually buy up in Dharamsala. I thought I would have to go search in the market for a “real” chemist shop, but this guy was so excited to get my order…and says he can get everything for me by Sunday. I probably will be spending more in one day than he makes in a week, or perhaps more – but for me and my family it is a big savings and certainly easy enough to do while in India.

Then I continued walking down towards Laxman Jhula and passed by the Divine Resort where Vivek has his new center. Went in to check it out. The hotel is quite impressive and the rooms really nice, and if anyone would ever want a “real” hotel, rather than Swiss Cottage, in a good location, I would recommend it. The center Vivek is so proud of is nothing to speak of, but certainly not any worse than all the other places here.

And then down to Lakman Jhula, a stop off in a book shop to browse, cross over the bridge and thought to try out a new restaurant I had seen yesterday advertising ahurveda kitcheri which is the best thing for my recuperation. I went upstairs in the Jaipur Inn to discover a lovely and pleasant roof top restaurant, beautifully clean, lovely toilet, overlooking the bridge and the Ganga. And to my surprise, I was served absolutely delicious Chai (I overdosed on caffeine today, having a cup of real south Indian filter coffee later on in the day!) and a lovely serving of kitcheri and curd. Quite delicious and just the thing. And that is where I was sitting when the urge to write over took me. But I did not sit down to write then and there, and decided to just get my mindfulness going and write later when I came back to my room, which is what I am doing now.

While sitting quietly on the roof, enjoying the atmosphere, all of a sudden noise, and I mean NOISE…not the standard street noise, was heard coming from the bridge area. I went to look, along with the Indians up on the roof…it was a political demonstration…apparently this is election season in Utrerakand…first a guy was shooing everyone off the bridge and not allowing any new people to enter the bridge from either side. And then, the motorcycles began, each with 2 or 3 riders carrying flags, beeping their horns, and singing some campaign slogan apparently. And this went on, and on, and on…all the time people patiently waiting to cross the bridge from either side…tourists trying to get ON the bridge and being pushed back….and it went on, and on, and on….once over the bridge, starting to move up the main street, until there was nothing but a stream of motorcycles from one side of the bridge to the other and moving up towards Ram Jhula…and from across the bridge there seemed no end to the procession in site. It took a good 20 minutes for all these cycles to cross over and regular traffic to resume on the bridge, but the noise from below continued for another long while.

I had finished eating by this time, and decided to just sit and relax for awhile, when an American couple came up and we began talking. Seems they are staying at the Swiss as well after just arriving in Rishikesh. We had a really interesting conversation for about 45 minutes when we decided to part company until later in the evening back at Swiss Cottage.

I came to an interesting insight around that time. Seems last year, I never really discovered rishikesh. Frist I did my panchakarma, then I recuperated, then began meeting people and spending lots of time with others, and then I began working etc., etc., so that I had very very little time alone. Now, being completely alone, feeling good, and with perfect weather, I am exploring and checking out new places and finding a whole new side to the adventure of Rishikesh. It is almost like being here for the first time, only better, because I am comfortable with the place. Following the restaurant, I again walked up to Ram Jhula along the Ganga, when all of a sudden someone comes up to me and says “Jane, is that really you?” It was the guy Bernard I met last year who I went hiking with a couple of times and then seemed to disappear into thin air. He wrote once but that was it. His girlfriend back in Germany had dumped him meaning when he left India he had no home to go back to. I was quite surprised to see him and even more surprised that he remembered me, and my name. Seems he has now been in Rishikesh for 7 weeks, but since he left India last year, he has been moving around. He spent the summer hiking in the Italian Alps, and then spent months in Nepal, mostly around Pokara, and as mentioned, arrived back here to stay at a fancy ashram about 2 months ago. Says he will come visit me at Swiss, but I doubt I’ll see him again. Continued my walk and decided to try out a health food restaurant I noticed yesterday tucked in behind the taxi stand in Ram Jhula…and had a lovely snack of really really good home made apple pie made with whole wheat flour crust and, as mentioned, a cup of coffee. Had an interesting discussion with the owner (I will definitely be going back there to eat, they have a fantastic menu with brown organic rice, veggies, steamed etc., whole wheat pasta lots of stuff. And it is a little closer than Welcome Center and also has a nice sitting area up on the roof.)

And this brings us to the question of the relative absence of Israelis in India. Since I arrived here, even at the airport, then in the taxi, then here at Swiss and other places I’ve visited, the big topic of conversation is what has happened to the Israeli tourist trade here. It seems to have dwindled to a trickle, in relative terms. The theory (and I say theory as I have no way of knowing if it is true or not, although every Indian I speak to tells the exact same story…so somewhere along the line there must either be truth in it or very good propaganda by the INDIAN government to explain the loss of income from the lack of Isrealies). So, the theory is, that the ISRAELI government has asked the INDIAN government to not give so many visas to Israelis, and then to only give 3 month visas, because they need the Israelis in the country to fight and also don’t want the young Israelis here using drugs and coming up all screwed up! I don’t know if this is true, but every person I speak to is complaining of a BIG loss of business without the Israelis…clothing shops, restaurants, internet places…everywhere. There definitely is a conspicuous void of Israelis in the restaurants, shops, guesthouses and roaming the streets. It could be they are simply else where, but the stories from the Indians seem to say they are simply not here at all. The other tourists I’ve spoken too even mentioned that they were told they would be inundated with Israelis wherever they went in India, and so far they have seen very few…so there does seem to be some truth to the whole thing.

I finally came back to my room, walking up this time instead of taking a rickshaw, and feeling energies I haven’t felt in a long time. Oh, almost forgot…can’t get away from it. I bought some stuff. I don’t need anything, but I saw a couple of really different kinds of blouses and a new style pants I wanted to try, and couldn’t resist. Hope I will get use out of them when I get home.

So I am now back in my room. Actually out on the roof, using my laptop, which is actually on my LAP at the moment…waiting for a phone call from my Mother as usual on Friday…feeling energized, invigorated, and so very content. And now the thought of being here for only another month is quite difficult, but I will make the most of each day and know it will be good to get home as well. I will have work waiting for me…I will try to arrange workshops while here so that I can get right back to work..and I know that this short special time here will seem like a dream in a very short time.

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006- #72- June 9-10 The Heat, the Butterfly and Making the Most of ...

Just a few days left...I have taken to sitting outdoors, either on my own balcony or at Nick's from around 6 PM until it gets dark. And I am rewarded with a cool breeze, although the air is still sultry and humid. And with lovely dusks and sunsets...always with the mountain peak and its changing face in front of me. Also napping, or at least resting under the fan during the worst hours of the afternoon. No real appetite but doing my best to eat 3 meals a day. I will miss this all when I get ome. Where will I sit each evening? Who will lovingly serve me a lite meal in such a lovely, [peaceful setting? And as an addition to these last days, each day, at some point

a friend finds me and we sit for awhile just passing time when the heat keeps us from doing anything else. Yesterday I went to see "Happy Feet" but the sound wasn't working properly so the whole effect was lost and I will see it again at home.

I've finally had to do my last minute shopping here. What I had planned to do more cheaply in Delhi's Main Bazaar, but with temps hovering at 48 degrees there, I doubt I'll be able to. Will probably not get back to Anokhi at Khan market either as planned so will save some money as well. Even the heat is a blessing at times!!

This morning, at breakfast, an angel came to see me just to let me know that the world is still a lovely and pleasant place to be...despite the heat, and my leaving here soon...This time disguised as a butterfly, which flew past me, returned, and then lighted right on the page of the book I was holding and reading. It sat there, as if looking at me, for 3 minutes! It was white with lovely blue markings and blue antennas and eyes.

And now to get on with my day. Which, at 9 AM, is already sweltering.

Feel like just sitting here in the shade for awhile longer and not moving. But have some things to take care of and then will go rest until lunch time. Such a difficult existence these last few days.

Well, I met a friend at the restaurant attached to my hotel, and had an urge for a burger. Ordered a Tofu burger with chips (!)...It was scrumptious...I really really enjoyed every bite of it...but for a few hours following, my stomach let me know that this was definitely not according to the rules.

I am now fine, after a read, a nap, and a glass of mint tea...and meeting with another friend for an hour or so. Ordered my taxi, bought a book which hopefully will get me through the next days (I seem to be devouring them at an incredible rate lately...that's what comes from not walking 3-4 hours a day). And now here I am, posting what might just be my last, if not next to last journal entry for this trip.

So...namaste to all...it's been fun sharing with you...hope you enjoyed as well.

Jane

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India Journal 2006-#71-June 5-8, 2007 Getting Close to the Wire

Just going over the past few days with some interesting meetings and comments and thoughts. I am getting close to the wire so to speak, and trying to make the most of every moment despite the fact that conditions are not ideal.

The weather has finally gotten hot here as well and will remain so for another couple of weeks until Monsoon begins toward the end of June. Yesterday for example, at 5 in the afternoon when it had already started cooling down a little bit, it was 30 degrees in the shade...it was well up into the 30's during the day, morning hours being the hottest...I am using my fan all the time now, even at night, and last night I slept without my blanket for the first time...just top sheet and little bed cover...it doesn't even get really cool even at night now, although it is pleasant enough once the sun goes down around 8 PM. If I am in the shade, it is OK, but the weather has pretty much confined me to town, as I cannot go walking any longer. Even if I take a Rickshaw up the mountain, it is still too hot to walk around up there, as much of the walking is in the sun. I go for a walk for about an hour, just up and down around town in the evening, and of course still walk back and forth during the day, but spend lots of time relaxing in my room or on the balcony in the shade.

So, what has happened over the past few days...

Well, William left 2 days ago, and I am once more left on my own. But, as I will write soon, never really alone it seems, at least not for any significant length of time.

I sent out my final package, weighing about 6 KG. And, although it is fairly simple here, just take the package to be parceled right next door to my hotel and one door away from the Post Office, and then into the post office and off it goes. Problem was, one of the 500 rupee notes I had (and the very end of my money that day), had a small corner torn, and so the Post Office refused to take it. so I went off to change it at the Bank, but when I got there, there was a very very long line. Remember, each person is depositing or withdrawing money in general, or paying a bill, and they do not have the automatic counting machines like banks at home have. and in Rupees there are MANY notes to count. So first the clerk has to count sometimes thousands of notes, and then recount them, then give them to the person who also counts them to be sure, meaning each person in line is there at least 15 minutes, many longer. There were 10 people on line in front of me. So I asked one of the other clerks if they could just change the note for me, but was told I had to wait on line!! And that's when I decided to beat the system. Walked back to the POst office and told the lady there that the bank said the note was good and did not need to be exchanged. I was very quiet, but did not back down, and after much discussion among the Postal employees, I found myself with the proper change in hand and a receipt for the package. I was so proud of myself.

I have apparently lost weight this trip and as I have been as careful as I can manage to eat properly, and stay away from cakes and sweets (generally speaking...), the weight has stayed off...I guess I am thinner than when I left home but I really feel good, and when I truly have the need, I eat something sweet, cake, or chocolate etc. But certainly not on a regular basis. I also seem to get along on much less food, particularly not having the need to eat anything, usually, between meals.

Just as William left and I thought I would settle down to a couple of quiet, alone days, Shanti (the healer who did the aura transformation for me, met me and asked for a few Reiki/healing sessions. I began them a couple of days ago and so far we have done 2, with 2 more scheduled. They have been very powerful for both of us. I find myself more and more tuned into events and feelings in other people's lives, intuitively, with much guidance...but I am no longer doubtful of what I sense, and the things I understand and then discuss with my clients, are always intense and important for them. Every time I move deeper into these places, I have more and more faith in the guidance I am given, and in myself as a healer. It is a true blessing to be in this new place. When I finished with her that day, I thought to go for a lite dinner and early to bed.

Just as I finished eating at Nick's, Vanessa, a friend from Rishikesh walked in and sat down with me, and shortly after, Akhilesh walked in as well. He and Vanessa also know each other as she took a meditation course with him. And we sat and talked for 3 hours. It was 10 by the time I headed home and on the way a an urge for chocolate. I bought a small bar with fruit and nuts and headed to my room. Ate the chocolate and read for awhile and was sure the late hour together with the chocolate would preclude easy sleeping, but I slept like a log until morning!!

Things seem to just keep flowing beautifully for me. The next day I met Yanna, the lady I met at the beginning with broken wrist, and we spent some pleasant time together as well. It seems that each day has some kind of social "event" occurring without any pre-planning. Yesterday I went to get one more thing from Ashok, the chemist, and met his girlfriend there and we sat and spoke for quite awhile as well. That's where I saw the temperature...he has a thermometer on his balcony.

Last night, decided to pick a Tarot card for some quick insight into my homecoming and what to expect or to do, direction for the next few months, etc.. Well, the card
I picked was PATIENCE...which says, in short......"simply be alert, patient, waiting...contented in waiting...be passive...let nature take its course like phases of the moon...not sleepy or indifferent...be ready for something momentous...a time full of mystery like the hours just before dawn...it is time when the only thing to do is wait!".

Couldn't have found something more perfect to take home with me!!

And that's about it. Today was even hotter yet. It is only 10 AM and it must be 35 degrees already....I will make it through the next few days with this enforced resting...and hopefully come home to cooler weather...although from what I hear, it is no different at home!

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India Journal 2006-#58 May 11th...and yet another storm...the worst yet!

Snow on the mountain above....

...and rain in town below



Woke again to another storm and after the beautiful weather the last couple of days it is hard to believe I have my winter clothes on again. The picture above doesn't do justice to the storm, but you can see that new snow has fallen again on the mountain. It actually has been raining ALL day...a real first...from 7 this morning, until now, 5 PM, and still no end in sight!

But it was not a wasted day and caught up on some letter writing this morning, then Sara met me (the French Lady) to have me help her with English. She wants to pay me to give her lessons starting next week....hmmmmm.

then we went to Boom Boom for lunch. She had roast chicken in orange sauce with little roasted potatoes and salal and I had a crepe with sour cream, cheese and spinach filling topped with tomato sauce and cheese. Quite lovely. We luckily caught a taxi going back up, I picked up my train ticket and took Sara to the new travel agent to get flights from Delhi to Leh, Leh to Srinagar (her daughter is getting married to a Kashmiri and there were only 2 seats left for the end of JULY!!)...and then back to Delhi from Srinagar.

Then helped her find a new bag and she also made an appointment with the astrologer. All this in the rain, but we were well dressed.

Now back to my room to rest and decide about dinner and where to go....such difficult decisions all the time!!

Did some needlepoint this morning and luckily have my musci as well.

Tomorrow I have a counseling session and another on Sunday...and my own Mantra Therapy session as well tomorrow. (It is already tomorrow and it was much easier for him than the first one and I felt energies moving this time as well...). Since my first one a couple of days ago, my back pain (second chakra area) is completely gone. Even went back to yoga! body \ mind\spirit....powerful stuff.

Now that I know for sure when I am leaving, it seems too soon. I'd be happier if the weather was nice, but still content with each day.

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006-#57 May 10- Very Fruitful Day! and...

MANTRA THERAPY...

Thursday, May 10

Today was a lovely day from beginning to end, but i will, just for convenience sake (for me) begin at the end and then go to the beginning...if you get my point.

It is now 6 PM and just finished up the day with a meeting for coffee with Abdellah...and I had my first iced coffee in over a year...and it was worth the "sin" for the pleasure I received from it! We spoke as usual and laughed and enjoyed...he is leaving tomorrow!! Very sad...andway, helped him finish up his last minute shopping and then we were discussing ways of getting back to Elhi and decided to check up on some leads I've been given about alternatives, which seemed impossible but figured I'd try.

There is a new travel agent hidden away behind some local incense shop (Tara Herbal shop), and I heard that you can get a jeep all the way to Delhi for the same price as the bus...400 rupees...seemed impossible so went in to check. I met a lovely young man, looks 16 but he is all of 21!, and he even has a branch offcie in Delhi right in Pahar Ganj....so before even discussing my own issues, I told him about my plans to bring groups and have now found
someone at this end here who can help me, in addition to my contacts in Rishikesh! This is very important to me for backup and we discussed many options about overland travel, hotels etc. Then, when I gave him my card, he asked me if I work as a Reiki Master here, and when I said yes, asked for some cards and a sign as well, which I will bring him tomorrow....

And then I got down to the nitty gritty of the jeep...seems he sends jeeps (A chevrolet Van) down to Delhi to pick up small groups, and sends them down from here empty. So when he knows he will be sending a jeep down, he is very happy to put even ONE person in it for the 400 rupees he gets...but he generally knows only close to the date. In the end, I asked him about trains from Pathankot (or Chakki Bank) which arrive in New Delhi (as opposed to Old Delhi Station where I usually come in and then have the hassle of getting to Pahar Ganj from there). Up until now, the only trains that did this were day trains and I do not like travelling by train during the day...prefer to sleep the night away and arrive in the morning...also when it is still cool, when I leave at night and arrive early morning. But he said there is a new express train which leaves at 9:30 PM from Chakki Bank and arrives 6 AM in NEW DELHI but it is avery popular train and fills up very fast. So I asked him to check for me for June 14th and there were only a few seats left! I ordered one, lower berth that I like, 2 AC and then asked the price. He told me and I asked how much for over 60 and he said "I thought you were buying the ticket for yourself!!"....well, I explained that I was and of course again this lovely age saved me over 300 rupees....So I now have a train ticket and if, for any reason he gets a jeep going, he will call me, cancel my train ticket and I will get down to Delhi in a Chevy Van, which will stop as often as I like for peeing, and which will be mostly empty so I can stretch out, and it will then only cost me 400 rupees, instead of the 1900 I will have to pay for taxi to the train station plus my train ticket.

And meeting him was wonderful and now have a new resource person here in India for when I begin my groups!

And now back to earlier.....

The Mantra Therapy....well...the astrologer had mentioned to me that he would like to give me a few sessions of Mantra Therapy to help release the impediments from birth which were keeping my 2nd and 3rd chakras blocked all these years, no matter what I tried. He explained that Mantra Therapy is just a fancy name for what the Hindu priests do when ever a child is born in India. They immediately have a horoscope made up and then if there are any problems, the priest will chant certain Mantras during infancy, and again every so often if necessary, to get rid of these impediments....but since I was not born in India, I have lived with this impediment my whole life and so he will do 3-4 sessions to try and get rid of it using the Mantras. I agreed at first but then decided I did not want to spend any more money while here on this kind of thing so left him a message. He never got the message, but I bumped into him "accidentally" on the street the same day, and when I asked why I didn't come I explained and apologized. He said he never mentioned money, had not intention of taking money from me...he only wants to do whatever he can to ease this business and make the rest of my years a pleasant as possible. I was a little embarrassed but he insisted, so yesterday I went for my first of 3-4 sessions of 15 minutes each. He explained what he would be doing, asked my permission and then began. At some point he stopped, asked me to open my eyes, and I saw he was literally dripping with sweat and breathing heavily saying" This is REALLY hard work" I've never done this on someone your age with so many years of blockage before"....he continued then and explained it would take 7-8 sessions he figures, but each one would help and by the time he finishes, I will be cleared! I take his word for it and will keep you updated.

I've noticed that tourist population here is different than from my past experience. There are an enormous amount of Asians...Koreans, Japanese and Chinese here, as well as many from South America, America, all over europe....And I see very few Israelis unless I go up to Bhagsu or Dharamkot where that is ALL I see.!!

I had a full consultation and Tarot reading today with one of my "regulars" and have another on Saturday. And another lady will beginning a meditation/pranayama workshop at the beginning fo the week. For now, my work is covering all my expenses except for my "rent" which I have put aside, and I'm not working hard at all, and enjoying every moment and being energized as well.

Walked up to Bhagsu for a nice Thali lunch today. wonder how the next month will pass...seems like a long time to me on the one hand but hopefully it will go quickly. No matter what, still healthier for me in all respects (except perhaps foodwise) to reamin here the full time. The days are still very changeable weatherwise but never so hot that it gets uncomfortable. Even at the heat of the day like now, 12-2, when I walked up and back to Bhagsu, it was quite comfortable, even in the full sun.

And that brings me to this evening....will have a nice dinner, and if I am not too tired (didn't rest for a minute today) may take in a mover 'Water" at 8.

Tomorrow meeting Sara for lunch and will see Abdellah one more time before he leaves on Saturday evening.

And that's about it

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006- #56- May 5-8 Best Laid Plans...and Catching-Up Musings

Tuesday, May 8th...



Decided yesterday to take a couple of days off from my regular working schedule so that I could do some walking and exploring up the mountain and in Dharamkot and Bhagsu. I will be writing about this day, from the storm in the morning to the lovely walk later on...but first want to catch up with the past couple of days. So let's go back, I'll fill in details and some musings over the past couple of days, and if this part bores you, just skip down to where I start writing about today's adventure and interesting discoveries, including some pictures.

Saturday...
Went to the Astrologer today, and have sent a detailed report to those I thought might be interested. If you did not get this report, and would be interested in this very interesting session, just let me know. I won't go into any details here, but I was quite pleased with the session which gave me much validation and understanding of the past few years, the coming few years, as well as reasons for lots of things which have happened throughout my life....as well as a very good explanation of WHY the configuration of the Planets at our birth does actually have some influence on our life.

Sunday, May 5

Busy days...felling very good although after another session with Dhondup and pretty much relief from my back, it became apparent to him that the weather, with it's rain almost every day and quick changes from wet to dry and hot to chilly...as well as my not eating properly are what's causing this pain to persist.

But my days are very busy at any rate...on the move all day...no need for afternoon naps these days...Up at 6 AM and asleep by 9 most evenings. I have been working each day, tomorrow TWO sessions in one day. a Reiki Master herself is coming back for her third session...


Am seeing friends, going to the movies when something good is playing at a good time, but as my mornings and early afternoons are taken up by work, I have had no time to get back up the mountain since I went a couple of weeks ago, even though I am feeling energetic enough to do it. The days go by quickly and pleasantly however, and will soon be time to come home! Just 5 more weeks.....

I've been here over 3 weeks and am feeling quite at home but the expereince is very different than my other sogourns in McLeod. As I mentioned previously, I've had the feeling for years now that after my last trip I would "never come back". and that is proving itself true. I've come as a different person and this is a different place for me with a different purpose in my life. and that's OK.

Much of what the astrologer said has also changed my expectations (I know, I should never HAVE any expectations), and perspectives about my time here and I now know that the remaing time I have here will go by too quicly.

And before I know it, I will be home, finishing up my "negative" period and beginning my cleansing period. Wherever the next few months will take me, I am sure it will be interesting!

I really wish I had a laptop here as late at night I've had urges to write and would have done so on a computer, but no urge to do it by hand....

Made up signs today as well just to advertise a little. They look quite nice but will be putting up very few...want some business, but not too much.

Found a place to eat as well...yellow dahl, just cooked perfectly...great chapati and hopefully this will help with my eating problems. They didn't have change of 500 rupees in the place when I went to pay, so said just to come around whenever I can to pay!! can you imagine walking out of a restaurant anywhere at home without paying???? (Aside: I was a little disturbed as this simple meal cost me 90 (!) rupees and today, Tuesday, on my walk back through Bhagsu, found an even better place and a whole thali with brown rice, fresh vegetables, cooked veggies, and delicious dahl and curd only cost 45 rupees...I will definitely be coming back up here to eat at least every couple of days)

Monday

Had 2 sessions today, both very deep and now both of these women have asked to continue but more in the form of counseling and coaching than Reiki...seems the series of Reiki treatments has "moved" something in them and they now feel the need to explore these feelings more deeply...and this is precisely how I like to work with people... They also want a pranayama/meditation workshop as they would like, each, a personal kind of practice which they could continue to do easily once they get home. I feel so GOOD doing this. I used to feel tense and apprehensive when people were coming to me, and now, I just flow with it. Do a meditation to connect and then really "let go and let God" and it all flows. Very lovely feeling and much satisfaction.

Then my freind Ruth came to say good-bye. She's back to Australia via Delhi tonight.

Then, at 6 in the evening, decided to go out for some fresh air. Sat on the roof for awhile and then took a short walk and now will have a lite snack and off to bed early. Took the day off tomorrow and will take a walk finally yup to see how I feel. Perhaps see Akhilesh.

And that brings us up to date...and it is now Tuesday!

So, back to the Best Laid Plans...

Thought to visit Akhilesh, see the Ayurveda Doctor, walk around the "new" dharamkot, etc. Pictures below show first the old, quiet Dharamkot, as does the picture at the beginning of the post,


and then a few pictures of the

NEW SPRAWL covering the mountain slopes:







Well, I woke up at 6 as usual, and everything seemed normal. Now it is 7:45 and it has turned so dark, I thought night had returned! And yes, you guessed it, it is pouring rain and quite windy and cold. Out with the warm clothing again. And just yesterday was really warm...seems every time the weather warms up here, it rains to cool things down. It is REALLY dreary...Oh my, thundering as well. Perhaps in a few hours it will all be over and I'll go walking anyway.

10:30 AM.... The storm is still raging and getting worse. The winds are not howling, they are roaring, like a train pulling into a station. And things are blowing and crashing down in the street. There is a terrible draft in the room. Would hate to be here in the winter. I am wearing my warm clothes, have my heavy shawl around me and then have a blanket covering me while I listen to music and read. Luckily, during my walk yesterday evening I bought a couple of new books...so at least I have something to read. Wonder how long my IPOD will work without recharging, as of course, there is no power. The sun will be most appreciated when it finally shines.

2 PM

Well, it finally let up and a brilliant sun came out. I went up to Dharamkot, had a quick visit with Anil and gave him some business cards to give to people (which means he now knows where to find me...nope I didn't make a mistake, although I made it very plain to him that I am not interested)...and then walked through the "new", downtown Dharamkot....I was amazed. It is a whole new place as you can see from the above pictures...Where there was just restaurant, there are now one after the other...see the pic below and the interesting name of one of the local places (it is transliterated Hebrew and the name means "easy drugs"!!!)



And the entire slope is filled with new buildings. Things are still hauled around by women in the same way however...



Remember in one of my stories from 2 years ago I mentioned the monstrosity that Chabad was building on the slope and how ugly and out of place it was? Well, it is still an ugly, out-of-place monstrosity and still unfinished, and looks like it never will be! Chabad seems to have taken over a modest building in the "center" of town...

The town is spread out now down towards Bhagsu and bhagsu has spread UP the slopes. It is all quite upsetting! And then I finally met akhilesh after an unsuccessful meeting with the local Ayurveda Doc...

We sat talking for awhile and he began telling me that something has happened to his feeling about this place...something about the energy being different...couldn't put his finger on it, but I knew exactly what he was trying to describe and told him so. Things he will never come back here again, even though he has been doing this for soooooooooo many years. When I told him these were my exact feelings, he was relieved and said he really thought something had happened to HIM. Bhagsu and Sharamkot are swarming with Israelis...at least 90%...there has been much violence over the past couple of months, even a knifing last week he said...and he feels that this is no longer the spiritual, perfect, tranquile energy retreat is was until now. So we both felt better knowing that both of us felt the same change...He says he no longer has any friends here as the only people remaining are those interested only in making money...all the really spiritual ones have checked out!!

And then, after the nice lunch I mentioned above at Gypsy King in Bhagsu...I walked back home, feeling very energized and alive. It was a wonderful morning/afternoon in the end....and will end with the following sign in one of the shops on the way down from Bhagsu...just for fun

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India Journal 2006 - #54 May 3-4 "By Chance" Meeting and Dawn of a New Day

Thursday, May 3rd

SITTING HERE NOW AT THE INTERNET, JUST AFTER POSTING THIS, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL AND HAVE A NEW CLIENT COMING TOMMORROW MORNING AT 10!! QUITE AMAZING!!

Had my first session with "S" today, the lady who I met "by chance" my very first day here when I was looking for a room. And then, just after asking to begin working again, she "by chance" bumped into me on the street and asked if I had begun working!

I just spent a very long time with her and while she was talking with me, following her Reiki treatment, amazing things began to happen. In the end, I was once again, as in Rishikesh, given a clear and concise message to pass on to her about wheat she needs to do to "move on" in life. She will be coming again tomorrow and recommending me to others. And the truth is, I feel quite energized even though the 2 hours were very intense for both of us.
I guess that when I am serving others, I always feel wonderful. Even my back seems to hurt less despite the very uncomfortable position I was in to do the Reiki without the benefit of a massage table.

Will now go see about lunch. Am really hungry for the first time in many days.

Weather still nasty and overcast but so far no rain today.

Thursday con't...
Just a quick note...Lunch...found myself drawn to the little French Cafe down the road from my hotel that I've been meaning to try several times in the past but it never worked out. Had the best
salad I've had in over 3 months...or maybe even longer... A bowl FULL of fresh, crisp, pale green silky butter type lettuce leaves, some cucumber and tomato and BLACK OLIVES all lightly and delicately seasoned with real French dressing made with olive oil, mustard and herbs. Then I ordered Pasta with butter, not knowing what I'd get. Well, if I had made it myself at home it couldn't have been more perfect. From the al Dente Penne, to the exact amount of butter and salt needed. Masala chai finished off the meal and I left a very happy lady, and for the first time in many weeks felt satisfied but not uncomfortable in my stomach. The best way to describe the feeling would be "clean".

The rest of the day past uneventfully but the lady, Sara, who had gone off to Amristar on Sunday without me, bumped into me on the street. She said of course it was amazing and I sitll must get there...but she came home sick and has been in bed with fever since Monday. She conceded that it was a very difficult day...between the heat of the day and the AC in the car, as well as the long ride back and forth...it was just too much.

We also agreed that the combination of stomach illes and rainy overcast weather is very depressing to say th least. Many people have simply left looking for someplace more suitable.

Also received an upsetting phone call from one of my daughters but slept well despite this....and now it is:

Friday Morning, May 4th...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY PARENTS!

Today is the dawning of a new day and I truly hope a new more optimistic time here. What has made the difference??

THE SUN! For the first time in a week the sun rose over the peak straight into my window...lighting up my room, my eyes and my soul The sun has a powerful effect on the human spirit. It is the soul of our Universe, sustaining life and growth, but it is also the soul of our spirit...the "sould of our soul" if you will. Uplifting source of loving energy filling each breath with warmth and optimism.

And, in addition, I woke with just about no back pain whatsoever.

I have another session today with Sue and then will finally begin walking again. What the next month or so holds in store for me here, health and weather wise, I have no idea. But I DO know that today dawned as a perfect day and I intend to embrace and enjoy every single moment of it.

Next post will be about a local problem, but will leave it to write up tomorrow....my plans fro the day, as so often happens in India, were changed because of this local incident, but in the end, I have an appointment today at 5 with a very well know astrologer...after the sessions I had with "S", I decided to treat myself...even though I didn't go in rishikesh, I now feel the need to do it. Will report back tomorrow!!

Namaste
Jane

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India Journal 2006-#53-Monsoon Rain on May Day! and a Great Meal with Pictures!!

May 1...3:30 PM
Sitting my room...it's been raining for about 1 hour now...but it's as if someone up there forgot the date! It is REAL monsoon rain. Heavy, noisy, almost like a curtain of water propelled by the wind. Pounding relentlessly on the window, on the sidewalk, drowning out all other sounds. It is a s dark as dusk outside, there is thunder and lightening. The picture doesn't really capture the feeling of the power of Nature and the surprising changes it throws our way when we least expect it. Trees are blowing back and forth as if dancing but not sure of the steps and of which way to move and bend. I wish I could somehow capture the power of these forces and post them to you!

The streets are empty and the water is flowing down in riverlets...I wonder how long this will continue. Supposed to meet friends for dinner but that's almost two hours away. It will probably be over by then.

Aside: And speaking of friends for dinner...have I mentioned that my social life here is jumping? I must keep a diary with dates and places to keep track. and a meal hardly goes by without meeting some old acquaintence or new fascinating person to get to know. I will be so bored at home with my non-existent social life in Raanana!!! It is a whirlwind of social activity which I never experience at home.

I am reminded of my monsoon days here and being stuck in Kailwood for days on end sometimes...But I'm sure this will let up soon.

My goodness! It is getting worse! Hammering at the windows now, the thunder just a second away...it is even darker and I can no longer even see the outlines of the distant peaks...everything is a grey mist in the distance.




But, despite the stomach problem, the back problem, and now again a little stomach activity (seems that everyone has been saying the same thing...it's as if there is something in the air here which you pick up-perhaps the open sewage flowing combined with the warmer weather? Can't be healthy for you!)....But with all the recent changes in weather, including today...the past week was very dry and now this rain, my hip is fine and I know, and am thankful each day, for what the Pancha Karma has done for me!!

4 PM...WOW!! Now it is hailing!! 3,4,5 thunder clpas one after the other and of course now the power is off as well. but I have anice candle.

Well, the mist seems to be finally lifting now from the far peaks so perhaps the owrst is now on us and will be over soon. The wind seems to have died down and the thunder continues but is growing more distant. An end seems in sight!

4:30. All clear over the peaks now although the thunder and lightening has gotten closer again. But I'm sure this is the tail end. No more wind now, only soft rain, although still persistent.

In the end, it was over just in time to go out for dinner. I didn't have my camera and wished I had, as a whole group of people, many from Rishikesh, got together for Sushi and we spent a lovely 3 hours of great fun together! Such interesting topics of conversation and such pleasant international company. I am feeling, as always, truly blessed!

Wednesday, May 2nd

Today I went for my treatment with Dhondup, the Tibetan Western trained physiotherapist who I met many years ago here. He has found the perfect way of combining modern techniques with the ancient and proven medicine of Tibet. He did not just treat my lower back pain, but, as with all ancient forms of medicine, treated me holistically. First, when I came in, he said "You don't look well!". He knows me so I guess he could see something. So he took my pulse (the Tibetan system also uses pulse for diagnosis) and found my energy levels at a bare minimum and both my stomach and liver problematic. So he put together a combo of Tibetan Massage, modern physiotherapy techniques, hot herbal bundles and even a Tibetan singing bowl to treat not only my back, but my general condition and get all things back into harmony. My weakness is caused by the liver problem (but he doesn't know what caused the liver problem)...He remembered me very well it seems and I was quite surprised. He has such a thriving practice here but remembered I stay at Kailwood and that I had sent him many clients... I am now a few hours after the treatment and my lower back seems to be a little looser, and although he wanted to give me another session tomorrow, he does not have room until Sunday, when I have an appointment. He asked me to rest for the next few days yet, not because of my back, but because of my weakened state, so will do my best not to do too much walking...but I am really bored already.

Today went down to this fabulous restaurant I already wrote about, and then had the very long, very very steep walk back up, but it was worth it. You can see from the pictures, not only some lovely people I met for lunch today, some the same as last night, but also the lovely dishes we ate. And of course the restaurant itself. The pictures do not do justice to this very special corner of luxury in the middle of nowhere! It is still raining today by the way, but on and off, and thought to see a movie later, but nothing good playing. So will just eat dinner and have an early night.













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The Monkey in one of the previous pics comes to visit me sometimes outside my window!

Tomorrow I have a Reiki treatment. As I mentioned, I had decided I wanted to go back to work and no sooner did I decide, than this request for a treatment came along....

That's about it for today
Namaste
Jane

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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 #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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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 #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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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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