Ashram, Backwaters, Fort Cochin

"The world will do what it will do."

We have done so much! Arriving at the ashram was an adventure in itself with two bus rides, an in between confusion of which bus was actually the right one for us, a few steep hills climbing in the intense Indian heat, followed by a pleasant rainfall as soon as we reached the top. Timing. There was meditation, yoga, lots of travelers, chai, yummy 'blessed' treats, more meals with your hands, aryuvedic tea, mosquito nets, bonding, struggle as well as enjoyment. There were so many wonderful people to talk with, I am glad we made this short stop which seems like forever ago.

Next, we hopped a train to Allepy - the backwaters - where we stayed right on the water at a beautiful home with a man named Thomas, his wife Lalee, and their two daughters, Ann and Anina. They were so trusting and loving, we all really felt welcome and special attention. The food was beyond filling for each meal. We were quite spoiled by Thomas's mother's cooking, three times a day. Two of the days were spent with a lot of rain, so we spent some down time watching it over the water, seeing flashes in the sky, and hearing strong winds through the windows. It was a much needed relaxation for adjustment to the new surroundings. Our last morning was spent on a 3 hour walk around the backwaters with a whimsical man named Binu. He was so full of life, stopping at every tree, every building, pointing out new fruits and plants to explain about them, make us kazoos out of leaves, necklaces out of stems, and to blow bubbles from plant sap. It was beautiful, all coming together with a meal of puttu (a starchy dish made of shaved coconut and rice flour) and some sort of bean dish that tasted like heaven. And dessert of jaggery (a pure form of sugar) pocked inside of a coconut cake, baked inside of a banana leaf. YUM.

When we left our homestay, we took a canoe across the lake, a ferry to get to the bus station, two busses and a rickshaw and landed in Fort Cochin where we have settled in for the past three nights. Along the way we were caught in a monsoon rain. It felt really nice to experience all seasons in one day (thanks for the heads up Mr. Lueders!). Fort Cochin has had a lot of shopping to offer us, and some time to key into our bargaining skills. I really enjoy making deals with the people here. The key is to walk away and pretend you do not need the item. They almost always adjust their position down to yours. We've been doing some great yoga sessions, had a short visit to a local village where we met a family of several generations playing and laughing at us inquisitively. And the food... I could write an entire blog just about each meal. I don't know how I am going to come back to the states and adjust. Vegetarian meals are the norm which makes eating out SO EASY. We took a cooking class from Thereasa, the owner of our homestay, so I plan to give traditional Kerala food a shot in San Diego.

Today is a 'free day' for us to explore. We will be catching a train tonight for Mumbai. We will be riding for a full 24 hours. The trains we have been on are a little different from what The Darjeeling Limited presents, but with our group of seven it has thus far been a lot of fun. You are even able to stand at the doorway between cars and ride watching India go by. Refreshing.

We have lots left to do on our travels together, and I can't believe two weeks is almost over! I'm sad to part ways with everyone, but am looking forward to my own adventures in Dharamsala and am sure I will meet some great people along the way. I hope everyone is smiling wherever they are!!

Namaste :)