Loved the photos of Agra and Rajasthan This next part of the trip to Dharamsala sounds really exciting. I can't wait! I kind of feel a little like I'm on the trip too. This is such a great way to remember everything that you've seen and done and to share it with others.
Looking forward to the next posting.
sati hand prints Years ago a friend of Gary's who was born in India (she is white) traveled back there and stood exactly where you are standing in the photo near those sati hand prints. She photographed them and gave the photo to me because she thought my art reminded her of them. I never really understood their origin or story. I would like to think Ajay is wrong, it is such a romantic notion but given how women have been treated through history it wouldn't surprise me if they were tossed on the pyre like another log. In any event I am thrilled to have gotten to the bottom of one of my treasured photographs and that you are able to have the experience. India is so colourful, especially this Land of Kings, no wonder it is a tourist mecca. You look great too! Love Vic
"I am beyond tired of being seen as a walking wallet by many Indians". You had the luck and privilege to be born in a country which was wealthy. Most Indians are desperately poor. This does not mean that they have a right to con you but this is why they see foreigners as a means to make money. YOU ARE WHITE, you will never have anonymity. All you have to do is be firm with people who are harassing you and they will go away. Please understand that this that people who are impoverished will do anything to make money, try to put yourself in their position.
Lakshmi hand Mariellen, I've certainly prospered from knowing you (notably for introducing me to the Gestalt Institute and to Xiaolan), for which I'm very grateful to you. Just not (yet) in the financial sense, which I gather is what Lakshmi is all about. Now would be a good time. (Just kidding.)
I read about Jantar Mantar in a science book when I was a kid and never forgot it. Someday I would like to visit it. Did the Pisces detector see you coming? :-> -Rohan
write a book he said? What a good idea! These journal entries and photos are really wonderful. The artsy shot is fabulous.
I'm really enjoying this trip to India from my office chair!
despite the effort... And yet, was it not the most exquisite monument dedicated to love...notwithstanding the extraneous irritations, expense, hawkers, etc.?
I'm in cyprus for a few days with my parents. nice break from a heavy schedule...and meanwhile, in your area, my yoga guru is doing a course in rishikesh in a week and i'm seriously contemplating it...your photographs and informative missives add to the desire...thank you for your efforts of this travelblog. what joy to feel like we are accompanying you on this journey...xx cyn xx
ahh love The best thing about the Taj Mahal is its story. A true story of love - eternity. And somewhat sad too. Fab pics, especially the one from the fort with the Taj in the distance.... so poetic. Well done Lemon.
hi wow. you know something is capital b beautiful when it transfers so perfectly to film! It is a beautiful love story! I am off to yoga as we speak and i will imagine these images as i move through my practice!
PS: will you please re send you cell number to my personal email (I think I am using the old one not the one you bought there?)
miss ya! Chrissy
Sick again? Lemon, are you ok? I hope you feel better. Your pictures of Ghandi's room and where he was assassinated were very interesting, I can just see him sitting there working on his cotton or his writing. I like the fact that India has kept some of that British Empire stuff around and that the buildings are now being transformed through India's own evolution.
sorry!!!!!!!!! more gorgious pictures! the flower picture is awesome!
forgive me forgive me forgive me for not contacting you on your birthday!!!! Ive got a good excuse though....
Ive only just returned (late last night) from a road trip to the southern states with AWR (which was much more interesting then I thought it would be-more on this later) and was not able to call you as I didnt have my cell phone or phone directory with me, no intranet even (FYI: an intentional intervention-you were so right about being a contract worker!!!!! when it rains, it pours)
truth be told, it was pretty great to be on the road and out of reach for awhile...sailing by white cotton budding fields which offered a stunning contrast to the green green green everywhere, majestic old oaks drapped in old mans beard and warm late spring-like weather, the constantly changing landscape, turning wheels and listening to the orb on the stereo... the red blue hills of west virginia.... without contrast... a beautiful palette of monochrome, bluegrass music and new encounters with strange and beautiful people of all shapes, colours and sizes...
it was just what the doctor ordered.... but i promise i WAS thinking of you (and I am sure you understand the limitations placed on communication with the outside world as you are a seasoned traveler as well!!!)
and I'd like to talk to you some night this week....
happy belated birthday (and international womans day!) baby!
PS: are you still going to the orphanage and if so, when?
much love C
Pondi, Life of PI, and other details.. Hi Lemon, and Marianne,
There never was a zoo in Pondy. I should know, I have been living here for 40 years!
As for the other landmarks, yes the India Coffee house is still here, and still serves very good coffee.
And there is a Botanical garden, where there is a mini train which runs between two tiny stations. One tidbit of infm for you, I was a lad of 10 when the train service was introduced for the public at the Botanical Garden, and I was the chappie who was dressed as a Train Conductor and flagged it on its inaugural run..There is small establishment called the Jawahar Bal Bhavan inside the Botanical Garden, and I was a member of this school for talented children.
I am happy that Lemon found Pondy a fascinating and peaceful place.
Yes, the culture and society of Pondy is unique, and a visit to Pondy is a must for every traveller to India.
Pravin Gupta guptapravin@hotmail.com
tough decisions makes tough prosesses It seems hard on you now, India is reallly going under your skin, isn´t it...Perhaps this is just another way of getting to know India, by "the belly"? All the best to you, my friend. Thank you for lovely fotos and txt, makes me dream about a next trip, another time. If you find this quiet spot, I think mabe I´ll find you there, in a couple og years or so! M-
I agree with Alison! You look wonderful! Happy birthday! So happy to see your blog. Made it home safe and heard from PIKI that she stayed for the two week Power of Yoga and was loving it. Daily classes with Desikachar. Amazing. Enjoy the rest of your trip. I'll follow it via the blog! Thanks for all you contributed to our group in Chennai, it would not have been the same without you! xo, Claire
You look radiant! Happy belated birthday mariellen! It sounds like an absolutely glorious day. A chai toast to a new year, and may it be as full of growth and happiness as the last.
On another note, I have been following your journeys on and off since you left, and I must say you are looking positively radiant! I've always felt that a flower will bloom brightest in its natural habitat, and the way you have taken to India (and India has taken to you), it is easy to see where your roots run deep.
All the love in the world to you Mariellen, and may the path before you be filled with learning, growth, and love.
In balance and good health,
Ali
xx
Happy Birthday Mariellen Sounds like you had a wonderful day. That little Varada is so cute. It must be a lot of fun to have her around. You're so lucky to have such nice people to stay with.
Can't wait to read about the second part of your trip.
any problems entering temples? I was wondering if you had any problems entering temples as a Westerner and in non traditional dress (meaning salwar instead of saree)I always thought white was the color of mourning in India and yet I see you wearing white alot , can you fill me in? I am American married to a man from Chennai so I enjoy learning through your journal and love to see the pictures.
half empty or full? you say that you can't believe that the trip is half way finished and I can't believe that you still have half to go!!!! I remember saying that you would be back before anyone here missed you as time always seems to zip by when you are at home, toiling away at your regular routine... but I have to swallow my words now becasue I miss you a lot and thought that you were at least 3/4's of the way through your journey as I am so excited for your return! I have a student
in one of my yoga classes who speaks very fondly of rosemary... she has been attending my class in her absense as she says we share a similar style!!! I feel like Ive met her before
(rosemary) but am not sure and you should tell her her studnet speaks highly of her and she is also missed! I cant wait to see you in the summer and am bound and determined to camp every weekend (i mean it). ive opened up my weekends already and am planning my camping agenda so I hope you are on board. it will make for a restful and peaceful intergration back in to toronto, home and all that goes along with these notions i hope!
Love You! Christine
Uh not really >getting romantic. Men hold hands all over India, not just in its most romantic city.
Growing up there, it is common, but not romantic. And homosexuality was rare as that seems to be the inclination here.
Please visit my new site Breathedreamgo.com for updates. I continue to write about India, travel, yoga, spirituality and other topics on Breathedreamgo. Please visit me there. I am dedicated to sharing the beauty of India's culture and ancient wisdom with the world.
I began planning to go to India in January 2005, during yoga teacher training in Toronto, and left for my first six-month trip on December 4, 2005. I have been back five times since then, for a total of 14 months in India ... so far ...
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Pema Chonyid (Shawn)
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Trashi Delek
Greetings and best wishes on your experience in Dharamsala.