I am in Kerala, the southern most state in India, a tropical paradise covered in palm trees and fringed with beautiful beaches. It's amazing here. Warm (30 C. every day), fresh fruits and vegetables to eat, gorgeous people, always friendly and smiling. I love Kerala! (I knew I would.) This state is the spice capital of India, and they also grow tea here and do a lot of fishing. I am staying at an ayurvedic resort called Shinsiva. There are a lot of ayurvedic resorts aorund here, Kerala is famous for this ancient, holistic form of Indian health care. I get [View Full Entry]

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Today I am getting ready to go on my second road trip, this time to the south. I am leaving tomorrow morning (Sat. morning) by air to Kerala, one of the southern most states and possibly the most tropical, from what I've heard. I can't wait as I feel more drawn to Kerala than any other place in India; and the single place I want to visit most in India is the very tip of the sub-continent, Kanyakumari, which is actually in Tamil Nadu, but very close to Kerala. This is where three oceans meet, and the place where Mahatma Gandhi's [View Full Entry]

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I am finally feeling better, after my second illness since arriving in India. I saw a great doctor yesterday at the Max Medical Clinic -- my home away from home! -- who seemed to get the "big picture." He said I have a virus, no need for medications, and that my immune system is basically getting "primed." In other words, it's all good! It is all part of adjusting .... In the meantime I have watched a LOT of television, including several excellent programs about the one-year anniversary of the tsunami. The news was generally that the incredible generosity of people [View Full Entry]

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I am writing this at about 6 p.m. on Christmas Day here in Delhi. It was a beautiful day here, warm, sunny a light wind. The air seemed cleaner and clearer today ... and I can't tell if it's true, or perhaps I am getting used to the air ... I am still unwell, but starting to feel better. I went to the doctor yesterday and she said I have either the flu or I ate something bad (probably on the train from Hardiwar to Delhi) or some combination of both. So she gave me five medications (every time I go [View Full Entry]

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Today's blog is essentially just pictures. I have so many that I wanted to upload, but there appears to be a maximum number per entry allowed. Today the fog rolled into Delhi. I have heard much about this famous weather and today I experienced it. It was the first day I was unable to sit on the terrace under the warm sun for breakfast. The fog brought a chill in the air -- and might be part of the reason I am sick again. I woke up with a headcold or flu today. (An evening out with Ajay and his friends [View Full Entry]

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December 16 Finally ... the drugs have taken effect, and today I felt well. I am definitely on the mend. I celebrated by getting an Indian cell phone, having an Ayurvedic massage at Sivananda Yoga centre, visiting Qutb Minar at twilight and going out for dinner with Vivek, a friend of my friend Cynthia's. I am thrilled I managed to get all my ducks lined up and actually purchase a cell phone. It is only for use in India, but it is really going to come in handy. (It already has!) The Ayurvedic massage was a great experience. I was slathered [View Full Entry]

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It's the day / night of the full moon, and here in Delhi that means it's an auspicious time for shoe shopping .... haha, just kidding. But that's what I did today. I went to a new market area (new for me, I mean) called South Extension market, which has great shoe and jewellery stores. I bought three pairs of shoes and a pair of gold earrings. (Still shopping to complete my Indian wardrobe ... and not well enough for anything more strenuous yet .. but feeling better every day ...) I felt very good about negotiating a shopping trip, including [View Full Entry]

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It's official, I am sick. I have been in denial since arriving, each day hoping I will miraculously get better ... but today I finally listened to Ajay and went to the doctor. I have been hacking and coughing and yesterday I felt almost like I had an asthma attack after spending a big part of the day driving in Delhi's hellish traffic. Plus I turn red, and my skin feels like it's burning, when I am out. (Went to CP yesterday -- Connaught Place -- and back, plus out for dinner with friends of Ajay's in the evening. The very [View Full Entry]

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The big news today is that I was awakend last night by the earthquake in Afghanistan. I understand it was 6.8. I woke up with a start and felt the bed shaking. My heart was pounding and I really wondered what was happening. But I quickly assumed that it was an earthquake. I experienced them regularly when living in Tokyo, so my earthquake experience came in handy last night! I only have one picture today because I was recharging the batteries for my camera today. I took this one of my new good friend Varada. She is pretending to cry, but [View Full Entry]

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Today is Sunday in Delhi, and traffic is not as bad as on the other days of the week, so Ajay and I drove to see Raj Ghat. It is quite far from South Delhi, where I am staying, but it only took about 20 minutes to drive there. Raj Ghat is probably the site I most wanted to visit in Delhi. It is the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the place where he was cremated. The simple, tasteful memorial, a granite platform and eternal flame, is surrounded by a huge, peaceful park. Today it was very quiet there, very few people. [View Full Entry]

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