http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101292184728310.2317307.6906696&type=3&l=caf983826f 
last bit!
back in vt!

Holi

Holi is the Indian Festival of colors!
It travels around India over about a week. On the day businesses close down, and the whole street turns into colored madness. The nice people throw colored chalk, the others throw ink...Either way your clothes are ruined, and you hair and skin are dyed for days. It's the chance to become a kid again! See my photos for proof.
I am heading off to my yoga teacher training soon. So I am not sure If I will be posting. Hope all is well!

Photos

New photos!
also, please make comments ;)

Indians Care

Okay, it's about time I posted a story.

First a quick update:

I am in Vrindaven- the holy city of Krishna- where chanting happens 24 hours a day! I left Goa a couple days ago- after much grief and hassle we (me an Al) were able to book 1 train ticket in sleeper class. We had to pay for 2 seats though ( the total was 20 USD) for a 28 hours train ride. Not so bad. And while we waited for the train, we had to spend the night in Madgaon, a city in Goa- which we hopped on the opportunity to go to the movies! It was a Bollywood film of a cheesy plot, and amazing singing and dancing! There were only about 5 other men in the theater. It was mostly in a language called Tergu, but i was surprised at the random English words thrown about. And when someone in the movie smokes or drinks a little blurb comes at the bottom in English that says, " Alcohol/smoking is injurious for your health."

The train ride was nice and smooth for the most part- we had only 1 seat which is fine in the day time but at night Al offered to sleep on the floor on my yoga mat. She is a trooper- but the seats aren't much better anyway. The car we were in was filled with Kashmiri Students and a few other tourists. We got lucky. No old men tempted to grab my breasts, while spitting lugies and picking their nose. I had some interesting conversations with the students, which some of your may get to hear more about in person. We were supposed to go to Delhi- but we were passing thru our stop that we needed to get off which is 2-4 hours south of Delhi- we were napping and woke to the train stopping to find out that due to maintenance of the track we were able to hop off and save ourselves 6 hours! The town we entered was Mathura and it was beautiful and real India and only 15 km to our destination! Al and I both had bright eyes! And now were are here, very sleepy but very excited to experience new things!

Okay, so now my story as to why Indian's care!

They all remember our names. What we buy, where we are from. Literally everyone. A friend I was travelling with was here, in India, 1 year ago. When we got off the bus to get a rickshaw they were all talking to her saying, you were here 1 year ago! And the same happened when we got to the guest house! It's so crazy. Everyone I meet remembers my name. And the reason why they do, is because they actually care. And that is why Indians are known for their lax time- it's more important to bond with others than be punctual.

It's a nice change :)

Goa- Western India- Literally and not...

I am in Arambol India!

This place is land of Russians, scattered with a few other internationals and Nepalese workers. It is also land of the workshops. Each day there is an abundance of classes to chose from yoga, massage, dance, breath work, hula hooping, fire dancing. There is also soy milk! And fresh juice, espresso, and even the occasional tofu! Even though this choice is very nice I find myself missing the Indian cheap, dirty corner shop, food. Each night begins with a drumming circle on the beach as the sun is setting people dance, South Americans sell their metal crafts, the Indians watching in amazement and sometime join in dancing. The night to follow has a wide list of music or performances to chose from.

Children don't rush me to take my hand, I can wear a small tank top and skirt, Indians don't ask to take my photo. I feel like I have been getting further and further from India the more I am here. It's been really good, but now I am ready for an Indian experience. My friend, Alexandra, from home is here and we will decide in the next couple of days where the train will take us!

HUgs :)

Hanuman temple

Yesterday I braved the hot sun, with my friend Alison, and rented a bike to pedal to the Hanuman Temple.

It was amazing!

We were surrounded by pilgrims who were chanting Jai Shri Ram! People would say it with such passion and smiles! I felt as if I were in the middle of a huge celebration, so much that I didn't even notice that I was walking up 500 steps. At the top loud music was blaring as I glanced around to see the view; boulder after boulder, small village after village, and of course a huge river.

After being blessed, we trumped down the stained, but white stairs, where we ordered fresh coconut water and played with children.

It was a good day.

Oh and it all began while doing yoga to the sunrise on a plateau of rocks...:)

Hampi!

I fled the beach for a stop off in this mystical town of Hampi. Hanuman- the monkey god- as the Hindus say created it. It is a town of boulders, temples, and a river. I been rock climbing and doing yoga! Staying on a roof under the stars for $2 a night. It's a really nice place. :)