pictures

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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 Rohit and Gitan, drinking Kingfisher beer at Shalom, probably didn't help either!)

My immune system has taken a beating! I have been basically unwell for weeks, since getting several vaccines in Canada and then an upper respiratory tract infection. I don't think I will get really well until I get to Kerala, the very warm tropical state in southern India. I am flying to Kerala on Dec. 31, and staying until Jan. 11. The first week I will be at an auyrvedic resort on the ocean. I am sure the warm temperatures, clean air and auyrvedic treatments will fix me up.

In the meantime, Joytsna visited me today. We met on the plane from Milan to Delhi, and were supposed to have tea at the Hyatt today, but I was too unwell, so she came here -- from a long distance!

I am writing this on Friday night, on the eve of Christmas Eve, but it really doesn't feel like it here. Wondering how (if?) I will celebrate.

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Photos

Ajay and I at Shalom, our favourite night spot
This picture was taken last night before I got sick. Obviously happier times!

Rohit and Gitan
Also taken last night at Shalom.

the postcard view of Rishikesh
I took this while having a quiet moment on the banks of the Ganges.

Verda and I
This is Verda, the lovely woman I met on the train to Haridwar.

sunrise in Rishikesh
I took this picture form my hotel window, just as the sun broke over the mountains.

statue in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is dotted with large, colourful religious statuary depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Varada and I doing the "Varada pose"
This picture was taken when we went out for lunch on Sunday to the Marriot Hotel.

monkeys in Hardiwar
There are momkeys everywhere in Hardiwar, including on the terrace of my Haveli.

I like this picture ...
... it looks like I'm trying to convince him of something!

Comments

[Barb]

Wow!
It's so amazing to vicariously travel with you and share in your experiences.What a journey you are on in every way.

[gosia]

I hope you will get my private e-mail, but I had some technical problems to send it - if not - Merry Christmas! Be well! We are going away tomorrow for a week to Mexico - Sydney is staing with us thanks to my "plant person" who agreed to feed her. by Gosia

[Ed Viswanathan]

Very beautiful travel log--Keep it up
namasthe Mariellen Ward: Very beautiful travel log. Your touching remarks are very thought provoking. I wish you could write more about the Hindu beliefs and rituals. On my Part, I amthe author of the international best seller AM I A HINDU? [ http://amiahindu.com/ ] If you wish to have a complimentary copy, please write to me [e-mail] Take care