Yes, I'm still alive and kickin', just slackin on the bloggin!
So, March. It's been splendid. In every way.
Last Sunday Cindy and Loraine arrived safe and sound, and greeting them at the rickshaw stand was definitely the highlight of my day. (Although that morning's massage, which I will describe later, came a close second!) They were both pretty drained from the 30+ hours of travelling (they did it straight, like I did, without stopping in Delhi), but have since quickly adjusted to Indian time and regained their vigour. The initial transition from business class Qatar flight service and lavish airport lounges to Indian "first class" (emphasis on the quotation marks) rail travel was a bit of a shocker, and the first couple days here in Rishikesh were no love affair either. But I'm pretty sure it's growing on them, and there's a lot more smiling and relaxed expressions and enthusiasm than upon arrival. Surely India will work its magic on them, even if just a little. From Monday to Friday (today), they were busy with activities at the yoga festival held at their ashram, so we just arranged to meet once a day for lunch or dinner. But this weekend I have an action-packed schedule for them, including some activities I haven't even done yet in my last 3 years here. Excited about those! But sharing and showing them around what I've already experienced is such a joy as well :)
Sunday morning, before they arrived, I went for THE best massage of my life. It was a 1hr ayurvedic oil massage (abhyanga), where two little Indian ladies with phenomenally strong hands worked their magic all over my naked body. Yup, even the underwear comes off here (women massage women, men massage men). They cracked and rubbed and pulled tensions, knots and pinches right out of me. And the massage was followed by a 10-min steam bath to sweat out all the toxins that the oil massage pulled up. All for a whopping $12.
After an intensive month of yoga (4 hours a day, 6 days a week) and a spectacular massage, my body is once again moving and opening and healing in remarkable ways.
Today I completed my 10hr ayurvedic theory course, and I couldn't be more pleased. So much fascinating and valuable info to integrate into my daily life.
Yesterday, I spent an hour and half on bucket laundry. Two loads. Might sounds like a long and gruelling time, but when done mindfully and meditatively, it's just as pleasant as any of my other daily activities. And after a month of bucket showers and bucket laundry, I've re-developed my expertise and particular techniques.
But... Monday, I'm moving! To the guesthouse owned by Swati's parents-in-law, where there are showerheads and laundry service! Hallellujah!
That's it for now, going to go get a good night's sleep so I can be a lively and energized tourguide for Cindy and Loraine this weekend.
Wishing everyone Love and Joy and Peace.
So, March. It's been splendid. In every way.
Last Sunday Cindy and Loraine arrived safe and sound, and greeting them at the rickshaw stand was definitely the highlight of my day. (Although that morning's massage, which I will describe later, came a close second!) They were both pretty drained from the 30+ hours of travelling (they did it straight, like I did, without stopping in Delhi), but have since quickly adjusted to Indian time and regained their vigour. The initial transition from business class Qatar flight service and lavish airport lounges to Indian "first class" (emphasis on the quotation marks) rail travel was a bit of a shocker, and the first couple days here in Rishikesh were no love affair either. But I'm pretty sure it's growing on them, and there's a lot more smiling and relaxed expressions and enthusiasm than upon arrival. Surely India will work its magic on them, even if just a little. From Monday to Friday (today), they were busy with activities at the yoga festival held at their ashram, so we just arranged to meet once a day for lunch or dinner. But this weekend I have an action-packed schedule for them, including some activities I haven't even done yet in my last 3 years here. Excited about those! But sharing and showing them around what I've already experienced is such a joy as well :)
Sunday morning, before they arrived, I went for THE best massage of my life. It was a 1hr ayurvedic oil massage (abhyanga), where two little Indian ladies with phenomenally strong hands worked their magic all over my naked body. Yup, even the underwear comes off here (women massage women, men massage men). They cracked and rubbed and pulled tensions, knots and pinches right out of me. And the massage was followed by a 10-min steam bath to sweat out all the toxins that the oil massage pulled up. All for a whopping $12.
After an intensive month of yoga (4 hours a day, 6 days a week) and a spectacular massage, my body is once again moving and opening and healing in remarkable ways.
Today I completed my 10hr ayurvedic theory course, and I couldn't be more pleased. So much fascinating and valuable info to integrate into my daily life.
Yesterday, I spent an hour and half on bucket laundry. Two loads. Might sounds like a long and gruelling time, but when done mindfully and meditatively, it's just as pleasant as any of my other daily activities. And after a month of bucket showers and bucket laundry, I've re-developed my expertise and particular techniques.
But... Monday, I'm moving! To the guesthouse owned by Swati's parents-in-law, where there are showerheads and laundry service! Hallellujah!
That's it for now, going to go get a good night's sleep so I can be a lively and energized tourguide for Cindy and Loraine this weekend.
Wishing everyone Love and Joy and Peace.
I am so jealous! (of that massage!)
ReplyDeletexo
It was sublime!
DeleteYou'll just have to come get one :)
xoxo