5:30 am - Wake up.
I wake up to the sun rising. I usually wake up before my alarm goes off (nothing new there). I’m still not a morning person so this is never that easy for me but I must admit it’s getting easier and easier. And I actually like getting up and starting my day that early and really look forward to the day. Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that.
6:15 am - Leave for yoga.
I take the short cut down the mountain to the yoga centre. It’s only about an 8 minute walk down the mountain. Until I became familiar with the path (which is super easy but as my mom accurately puts it, I can’t find my way out of a paper bag) I used shapely cow droppings as landmarks - they can be very handy as long as you don't step in them! “Oh I remember that pile of shit. I’m on the right track.” Perfect.
I walk past corn fields which have been growing everyday since I got here. Two months ago, the corn was maybe the height of my ankles and now it's more than 6 feet high. I get a simple pleasure every time I walk past it and realize it's a foot taller. One of the joys of village life.
I climb through a barbed wire fence to get to the centre. I do this every day – coming and going. When’s the last time you climbed through a fence, let alone a barbed wire one? It’s actually kind of funny if you think about it.
6:30 - 9:45 am - Yoga.
At least once a week we do a power back bend class. We do about an hour or so of stretches to prepare our backs for bridges. By the time we’re ready to start doing the bridges, I feel I can hardly move my back and will break it if I do any more. So, the thought of doing a bridge makes me a LITTLE nervous! However, the bridge is super easy because of all the prep. It’s amazing and I feel really strong. My chest is so open it feels like I can inhale for days. It's an incredible feeling. Sharat says that this is one of the best things you can do. I’m a believer. (Picture below - me in one of the last poses we do in our power back-bends class.)
9:45 am - Israeli Breakfast
We have the best and most random conversations. Everything from world politics and religion to plastic surgery. Breakfast usually lasts until about 11:30. David did his studies in Indian/Hindi culture/history and is the most amazing story teller - a true gift.
[Quick aside: We would have story nights and just listen to David talk for hours about the political system and Indian mythology like the story of Ramyana and parts of the Mahabrahata (don't worry I had no idea what these were either). We learned a lot from him. He really gave us a better understanding of India - these stories are so intertwined with current culture.
And, one day I went with Marcos and David to listen to this old guru talk about some sacred Hindi texts called Upanishads. We sat on the grass of an ashram and listened to him read the verses aloud in English and in Sanskrit (I think) and then we discussed the meaning of them. It was an interesting experience. The best part was that by the end for it (4 hours later) he was completely stoned. Then I had a "Is this my life?" moment. "For real?" (Picture of the guru, Vidiya)
11:30 am - SIESTA! 'nuff said.
1:30 pm
Okay – it’s sometimes later than this but hey I’m on vacay! I head to Trek and Dine for lunch, hang with Sky and Sunny and some of the regulars and have a very late lunch.
Some days we’ll play Rummikub for hours, especially if it’s raining. We sit wrapped up in blankets drink chai and play the game.
If it’s nice out I’ll head down to McLeod Ganj or to Baghsu to wander about and shop. The other day Lara and I spend 6 or 7 hours meandering the streets. The day goes by so quickly. It’s crazy.
The other week, Lara and I did a jewelery making class. I made (or I helped a lot) a silver pendant in the shape of a feather. It's cool.
I've also tried ayruvedic massage, reiki, crystal healing and just finished a 10 day silent retreat and introduction to Buddhist philosophy... sounds crazy, I know, but why not? Believe me, I've had to let go of passing A LOT of judgment while being here! It's been really fun and a great experience. More on the silent retreat later!
7:00 pm
Depending on the day...
Dinner at, well, Trek and Dine or maybe Om Star cafe. At Trek & Dine, playing Rummikub (highly addictive) or Sanju will sometimes play the guitar. Amazing.
(Pictures of the usual T&D crew: Left is Sky; Middle is Anna and Marta; Right is (l to r) Sunny, Mani, Spike, Sky (standing), Apruv and Sanju).
10:00 pm - Bedtime.
I try to hit the hay after such a long and exhausting day. Haha. Kidding. But I’m done for the day and need to get up early the next day.
Living here is a little like being in a bubble. It’s not very India. In fact, a lot of Indians call this place Israeli-ville. A well-suited name for this place. Lara pointed out that everyone is happy here because no one (tourists) here works. It’s so true. I have yet to see anyone in a bad mood. Not even the staff – who work 18 hours a day and live at the restaurant. My dad asked me what is it about India that people love so much? It's a very very good question... one that I need to give some thought to.
Well, there you have it. I know it doesn't sound like much but I'm thoroughly enjoying myself. It's going to be difficult when the bubble pops which is in a few days.
More soon...
xoxo
