Category Archives: Travel

Beach bum

So, after much indecision, I decided to get out of the city again for my last month of ‘freedom’ before practising at the KPJAYI shala  in March. There were a few raised eyebrows when I announced I was off again so soon, but I knew it was the right thing. It was time to moveContinueContinue reading “Beach bum”

Lessons learned – an essay on anger and guilt

I’ve just returned to Mysore from Rajasthan, ‘up north’ – like back home, it’s significantly more chilly up there! So, I’ve said on here before that I feel like India is teaching me all kinds of lessons, and not necessarily the ones I expected – well, last week was no different. You may have noticed I’ve beenContinueContinue reading “Lessons learned – an essay on anger and guilt”

Noisy neighbours

I should really be asleep right now. My taxi is picking me up in the early hours in order to make my early morning flight from Bangalore to Udaipur via Delhi. But the chances of me sleeping are, well, zero. Why? For a start I’m very excited, like a little girl on Christmas Eve. But, also, there’s thatContinueContinue reading “Noisy neighbours”

Feeling the heat

Ever since Maka Sankranti, which signifies the beginning of spring in Indian astrological terms, the temperature has been steadily rising in Mysore. And, given India’s unwavering faith in all things astrology, I don’t know why I’m surprised. But, blimey it was hot in the shala this morning, despite there being only four of us andContinueContinue reading “Feeling the heat”

Crying auntie and laughing cows

Today I feel a long way from home. Yesterday one of my sisters had a little baby girl and my tears of joy when she told me merged with tears of sadness that I wasn’t there to give my sister a hug and drop my first kiss onto my new niece’s soft, divine-smelling head. AnotherContinueContinue reading “Crying auntie and laughing cows”

Lego and crayons – remembering how to play

This weekend I took a bit of time out of my experimentations with a more ascetic lifestyle – I’m definitely enjoying lots of time to write and meditate but we humans are naturally social creatures and reclusivity is only appealling to me if it has clearly defined limits!  Look – me being social! By the way,ContinueContinue reading “Lego and crayons – remembering how to play”

Damn those coconuts

The other day, thanks to the seasoned wisdom of some some friends who’ve been coming here for years, I solved Mysore’s greatest mystery. Since we arrived, I’ve been finding dirty brown splodges over my clothes after they’ve dried on the line. I’ve already had to admit defeat on two t-shirts, including my favourite blue vest, whichContinueContinue reading “Damn those coconuts”

Home Alone 2

So, Chris has left again to complete the second (mahoosive) leg of his moped trip through India – this time he has around 2500 km to cover up to Delhi rather than the 600 km covered on the first leg, gulp. He reckons it will take him between 8 and 10 weeks. So I amContinueContinue reading “Home Alone 2”

Culinary cooperation and amazing ant-ics

Yesterday was all about teamwork. First of all, we took a cooking class with Manju, the gifted, maternal and all-round lovely cook at Mandira Cafe. It was great to enter the tiny, dark kitchen where all the magic happens, and watch Manju at work over the gas hob, taking notes and helping chop, grate and stir.ContinueContinue reading “Culinary cooperation and amazing ant-ics”