Hello again ! Hi, I am really pleased to go thru your India travel blog. I myself ( though an indian ) travelled across india like a backpacker.. and did enjoy most of it for the sheer sake of journey experience. especially I used to enjoy the way western travellers like you go thru different experiences in india.. and the awe and surprise on their faces ( tho not always.. ) yet times. I was lucky to have travelled across india in the company of western travellers, for gave me chance to explore my native country through the western point of view, and thus many times an opportunity to watch it from outside. Yes, If you haven't heard of Vipassana Meditation during your travels in India, I would like to mention it here once again. http://www.dhamma.org/ ! the web-site has all the information about it's centers across the world. there are , I guess, at least 6 centers in north america.. and i dont think California will be exempted from the list. I do believe that California is the spirutual center of america in that very indian ways. where many Indian Gurus settled and doing their bit of spiritual discourses. Like Deepak Chopra ( the Hollywood Spiritual Guru )! if you want to know about the experiences of Vipassana Mediatation you can always mail me at rameshkompella@yahoo.com ! Tho, now i'm living in Germany.. I, always, am aware of the love and interest some Americans show in Indian Tradition and its rich Vedic Era knowledge. I wish you will visit the web-site I quoted above. Thanking you for narrating your Indian travel experiences in such nice way and with such honesty :) -- Ramesh Kompella ( rameshkompella@yahoo.com )
the perfect Meditation ( Yoga ) Hello there, since you been referring to Yoga.. I would like to mention about the most authentic Meditation ( Meditation, obviously, is the highest form of Yoga ) and take pride in doing so. Your travel experiences definitely tell me that you must have heard of vipassana meditation in india. Which is very available even in America, which is absolutely free. http://www.dhamma.org/ the web-site itself speaks about all its centers world wide and the shedules of intake etc. I can promise that everything the web site says is absolutely true and I have experienced it almost 100%. and later experiences are much more richer than my Meditational exp. which i would say is the results of my extensive meditational practice. YES, I thank God for the opportunity he gave me. - Ramesh, India !
vegan traveller? Hi Wandering Gypsy,
It was very interesting to read your travel blog of India. From a few things you wrote, it seems you may be vegan - is this right? If so, how did you find vegan food shopping in India?
Take care,
Tom
nice to meet u HI, i am planning to study Yoga there, too. Can u give me some advice and information?
My email address is laojoyce@yahoo.com
Wishes u all the best!
Joyce - joyce
Greetings from Rishikesh Greetings from Rishikesh !!
What a coincidence..While surfing on net i found out this site and your message...on a pious day of Christmas..what a luck !! I am based in Rishikesh and run an adventure tour company.
I am also practicing yoga on my own everday more than hour.
Would love to meet you if possible while you are staying in Rishikesh.
Wish you best wishes of Merry xmas and Happy New year 2005
Mahesh
Greetings from Rishikesh Greetings from Rishikesh
What a Plesant surprise to find your posting on Rishikesh on a same day you posted it. Well..while surfing on net i found out the site and your posting accidently on a pious day of christmas. Anway it may be for some reasons..!!
I wish you Merry Xmas and best wishes of Happy New Year 2005 !!
- Mahesh
Random thoughts on your blog. Hi,
I came across your blog on a slow day in office and occasionally revisit it for updates on your trip. I throughly enjoy your writing style and identify with the thoughts you try to convey.
I am an Indian who is on work in America for six months ... work that involves a lot of travel and interaction with people. I face similar situations where involving different ways of doing things. (I'm tempted to start a blog of my own, but am afraid I can't bring out my thoughts as well!) Having stayed here for 3 months I can predict which things in India are going to amaze/bother you next, simply because I now know the differences in culture.
Though I still am trying to understand completely the forces that drive you from a cushy life in America to the dirt, dust and diarrhoea of India. Is it the media images of spritualism and mysticysm of an ancient culture? or is it the sheer boredom of american life? or is it just to have something to talk about in the next dinner party? I often feel India to the west is like a mirror - when you're there it reflects back whatever image you have painted of it in your mind.
I have come across two very different varieties of people in america and very few in between the two extremes. One is the variety who has no knowledge of the world outside of the borders of his small town and thinks perhaps Tibet is some crunchy snack being handed out by the guy sporting the "Free Tibet" sticker. The second variety is this aware person who reads, is intelligent, and is open to other cultures and influences.... the kind of person you seem to be. I wish there were more of the second type; they're infinitely more fun!
Random thoughts on your blog. Hi,
I came across your blog on a slow day in office and occasionally revisit it for updates on your trip. I throughly enjoy your writing style and identify with the thoughts you try to convey.
I am an Indian who is on work in America for six months ... work that involves a lot of travel and interaction with people. I face similar situations where involving different ways of doing things. (I'm tempted to start a blog of my own, but am afraid I can't bring out my thoughts as well!) Having stayed here for 3 months I can predict which things in India are going to amaze/bother you next, simply because I now know the differences in culture.
Though I still am trying to understand completely the forces that drive you from a cushy life in America to the dirt, dust and diarrhoea of India. Is it the media images of spritualism and mysticysm of an ancient culture? or is it the sheer boredom of american life? or is it just to have something to talk about in the next dinner party? I often feel India to the west is like a mirror - when you're there it reflects back whatever image you have painted of it in your mind.
I have come across two very different varieties of people in america and very few in between the two extremes. One is the variety who has no knowledge of the world outside of the borders of his small town and thinks perhaps Tibet is some crunchy snack being handed out by the guy sporting the "Free Tibet" sticker. The second variety is this aware person who reads, is intelligent, and is open to other cultures and influences.... the kind of person you seem to be. I wish there were more of the second type; they're infinitely more fun! - Rachit
Thank goodness you're okay, Harm! Wow, what a trying experience. But great that you had befriended such a quality, caring person; sounds like he shared your perspective re: the one-tracked vipasanna instructors. Nice to get a little affirmation, anyway. Well, kudos for pulling through - no small feat(!)
Harm, I admire your unflappable bravery, both leading up to and during your stay there. Know that we're all thinking about you, right there beside you in spirit.
Following the Beacon The ship is following a beacon. It is not wandering anymore. Stay the course and reach your destination. Looking forward to reading your journal as you progress.
Sharing ciggies So good to hear from you, Harm! Fascinating conversation with the Indian gentleman. I've often tried to get lunch partners to just split a bill only to have them count up every penny. It's sad. Interesting how you keep running into people you know! Ian says hello. Love you! Aunt Caryl
I love you, Boo ! Hi Harmony (and everybody else :-) I was so glad to read your first entry from India. What a long haul it was in getting there. I opened my email and was excited to see your communique. TravelBlog is a terrific way to keep everyone updated. Say hello to your new friend, Sandy and enjoy your day trip to the Taj Mahal. I love you very much!
Mom
i am a 26 year old homeless, jobless gypsy- following my heart where ever it may lead. in the past year anything that was not essential to my soul growth has been gradually weeded out of my life- or in some cases yanked from my hands- and it became very clear what i had to do. so i packed up my boxes and put them in storage- packed my bags and bid au dieu to family and friends and headed east. the tentative plan is india for the next 6 months (10-2004-4/2005) but i get the feeling it may be longer than that. there is no time limit to what god has planned...
... full info
quintessential
Quintessentially
Hello again !
Hi, I am really pleased to go thru your India travel blog. I myself ( though an indian ) travelled across india like a backpacker.. and did enjoy most of it for the sheer sake of journey experience. especially I used to enjoy the way western travellers like you go thru different experiences in india.. and the awe and surprise on their faces ( tho not always.. ) yet times. I was lucky to have travelled across india in the company of western travellers, for gave me chance to explore my native country through the western point of view, and thus many times an opportunity to watch it from outside. Yes, If you haven't heard of Vipassana Meditation during your travels in India, I would like to mention it here once again. http://www.dhamma.org/ ! the web-site has all the information about it's centers across the world. there are , I guess, at least 6 centers in north america.. and i dont think California will be exempted from the list. I do believe that California is the spirutual center of america in that very indian ways. where many Indian Gurus settled and doing their bit of spiritual discourses. Like Deepak Chopra ( the Hollywood Spiritual Guru )! if you want to know about the experiences of Vipassana Mediatation you can always mail me at rameshkompella@yahoo.com ! Tho, now i'm living in Germany.. I, always, am aware of the love and interest some Americans show in Indian Tradition and its rich Vedic Era knowledge. I wish you will visit the web-site I quoted above. Thanking you for narrating your Indian travel experiences in such nice way and with such honesty :) -- Ramesh Kompella ( rameshkompella@yahoo.com )