Mumbai

I am here in Mumbai, after riding a train for more than 15 hours from Goa. Luckily, I was able to ride in the nicer car with AC, otherwise I would have died. The scenery of the countryside was amazing, with so many mountains, farms, rivers, and small towns along the way. It was a worthwile train ride.

Mumbai really isn't a city I'd ever chose to live in, it's far too large, has too much traffic, and sadly, too much poverty. The poverty is heart breaking and at time I have to numb myself so that I don't get too down and sad about it. Again, I am reminded how lucky we are back at home.

I spent most of the day in what is called New Mumbai and tomorrow I am looking forward to some shopping and some more roaming through the city.

Happy Anniversary

As of March 25th, I've been in India for one month, so I am celebrating my anniversary! I made my weekly visit to the Panjim police station to check on my residence permit application and after almost one month, they granted it!! I guess it must have been an anniversary gift. LOL. I then went to get a massage (from a different salon this time) that was amazing. They used orange oil and the massage was so much better than last time. Afterwards, I went to Fidalgo Hotel where I had lunch, chai masala and enjoyed being inside with AC. I came home and took a nice nap. So it was a great day.

I am super excited that my friend is coming back to Goa tomorrow!! I guess she had such a great time last weekend she wanted to come back. I was originally planning on going to Bangalore for a few days, but I'd much rather see Minji than Bangalore. I am planning on taking the night train from Goa to Mumbai on this coming Monday night. I am planning on staying in Mumbai for three days and then will head over to Pune for a few days and then back home to Goa. I can't wait, although, I heard it's really hot and humid in Mumbai.

I am really craving a churro right now...strange.

The Way of the Saints

"The Salt of life is selfless service;
The water of life is universal love;
The sweetness of life is loving devotion;
The fragrance of life is generosity;
The pivot of life is meditation;
The goal of life is self-realization" - A great Indian Saint

I read this today in a book, and it's true. I think all we really want in life is self-realization and happiness. The question is, how do we get there...

I had a great weekend. My friend and co-worker came down from Bangalore (in Bangalore for work) to Goa. It was so nice to see a familiar face and to have conversations with someone who knows exactly what you are talking about and who can relate to you. We went to Calangute, Baga, had a great lunch and dinner and finished off the night at the Saturday Night Market in Baga. We saw so many hippies and "weird" non-Indian people. It felt like an oasis for the unique and eclectic souls of the world.

We spend Sunday near her hotel in Arrusam and spent the day at the beach. Swimming and laying in the sun...ahhh. Sad she's gone now, but it was so nice to see her.

life is good

When is your Happy Birthday?

As I sit here at home, with the tv on and the ceiling fan on high, I don't think I'll ever complain about the cold weather at home (in the US) ever again. LOL. Summer is starting and it's getting even hotter now.

I had a great day yesterday. First, I spent the first part of the day at Sephora Salon in Painjim...it was my lucky find, well, Sachin actually told me about it since it's accross the street from his office. First, I had a Moroccan bath, then a full body exfoliation, my hair washed, a complete body wash and body masque...had a break with some green tea and then had a full body aromatherapy massage...ahhh...it felt so good! A whole day's worth of luxury and relaxation for just about $100.00.

Later in the afternoon, I went with some friends to remote lake out in the jungle area. We jumped off the rocks, swam, etc. and had a great time, until a young boy who was walking by told us that the lake is full of crocodiles, large ones too! Needless to say, I decided to get out of the water. I don't think I'll be coming back to that lake in the future.

while getting my massage by a Thai woman, she asked me: "when is your happy birthday?" At first I thought it was cute, but I realized she is right. Every birthday is and should be a happy birthday. Why do we ask, when is your birthday? We should be asking, when is your happy birthday! I love it. As much as I don't want to get old and I cringe and my own age, each year of life is a happy event, one to be celebrated, so let's all have a happy birthday.

Oh Hell No...LOL

It is an Indian tradition (or maybe just Hindu) to buy gold to celebrate the new year, too bring peace and love to you and your family. So, in honor of the new year and to replace what was lost/given to the gods, I bought a new chain and pendent of Ganesh. Hope it brings good luck and fortune my way.

I realized that if I can ride a scooter here in India, I can drive a car anywhere in the world. The roads are horrible and there is a lack of driving/road rules...tsk tsk tsk. Some people just love to pull out right in front of you.

Finally, I signed up for my gym membership today and I'll go to my first visit tomorrow. I think I'm also going to go for a massage too. I need one and it's so cheap here, even at the fanciest spa, it's less than 30 bucks! I am craving some fresh fruit, which I think I'll get tomorrow as well...some melon, grapes, mango, etc...Mmmm

Okay, dinner's ready...rice with spinach dhal with lots of onion, green chilies, and garlic. YUM!

Happy New Year

Today is the New Year for the Hindu's, here in India. I celebrated this special day by going to Vagatar beach where I swam in the ocean and washed away all the negativity of the past year. A sort of cleansing to start the new year fresh. I am constantly amazed at how beautiful the beaches are here and how plants, trees, flowers, etc. flourish and add so much beauty to Goa. Amazingly beautiful.

Sadly, most people throw their garbage outside and constantly litter. I understand there isn't really any other option, when the city/state does not provide any sort of public or private garbage service, but it's still hard to see so much garbage thrown all over when we are in such a beautiful place. It is a great occasion when I am riding my bike and pass an area where Mogra (not sure what the English word is) is growing and you smell the sweet scent in the air...ahhh.

Several days ago, I went with some friends to the very north of Goa, about an hour drive Panjim, to a beach (I can't remember the name) where we spent another 15 minutes hiking along side a small path on the side of a hill, where we came to a fresh water lake next to the beach. It was amazing (a few photos will be posted on my FB account). I can't even begin to describe how beautiful it was, with palm trees surrounding the lake and small islands of lava rock in the lake. The lake is fed by a natural spring up the mountain where there is a natural clay/mud area where you can cover yourself in clay and then wash it off at the lake. So while swimming, the chain that kept the pendent that my aunt/godmother gave to me before she passed was lost! I was heart broken and even cried. I later learned that the Indians believe that if you lose something in the water, you are giving it back to the gods as a gift. Knowing this was comforting and I know that she's always with me, in my heart and a part of my very being. Another lesson for me in letting go.

Trust

"We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone - but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy" - Walter Anderson

Trust is a huge lesson for me, one that I am trying to working. I have to accept that at times, people may really like me or want to do things for me, only because they care and want to, and not because they want something from me. I admit, this is a hard lesson and one that I will not grasp overnight. I realize, I have to let go, don't question, and just accept that I can be loved and cared for by anyone.

Peanut butter and Jam, who knew! Earlier this evening, after it cooled down a bit, I went to the town of Candolim, which has a new international market. There I found some peanut butter and some blackberry jam!! Mmmm..I can't wait to have some tomorrow. I also found some brie, which I'm looking forward to eating as well. I think all of the pollution, smoke and dust might be causing me to either have a bad cold or severe allergies. I just took another shot and a half of Nyquil so I hope I'll have a good night's sleep.

I've said it many times before, but I'll repeat it just this once. In the end, when the time comes for you to leave the body, it's not what you did, what you have or who you are, it's who you love and who loves you. That's all that matters, Love. So go, go with love and an open heart.

India For Me

What an amazing two weeks it has already been. I only received internet access today, so my apologies for not writing anyone. Where do I begin...I'll start with a brief summary:

• The search for your inner self, inner love/strength and happiness actually happens within, regardless of where you are or live. I guess I only now understand this.
• The plane ride was way too long and way too uncomfortable for so many hours.
• Indian people are very welcoming and very friendly.
• It is really, really hot here.
• I miss my home, my friends, my co-workers, my entire life, but I am excited about my new life here, a whole new adventure awaits.
• Haven't eaten meat since I arrived, which is a good thing. Sachin has been cooking homemade food for me several times a day, and really great tea every morning and afternoon.
• I am learning to appreciate how lucky I (almost all of us) are to live in a country with so much opportunity and the ability to do and become anything you are willing to work hard for. Not everyone in the world has the luxury of opportunity that we, Americans have.
• I am learning to be humble and appreciative. My new flat is far from the "good" life back home, but it's so much nicer than most people can afford here.
• I love riding on the scooter, feeling the cool evening air on my face after a hot and humid day.

Most importantly, I realize how lucky I am to know so many wonderful people and to have so many good and caring friends back home.