"I'm coming to America! Today!"

12 hours in a bus from Dharamsala
18 hour layover in Delhi
9 hr flight from Delhi to brussels
2 hr layover
8.5 hr flight from Brussels to Philly
4 hr layover
6 hr flight to Sacramento
= 59 hours of travel.....

I have 7 hours to go!

I arrived in Philly with 6 hours of sleep in 3 days, definitely culture shock, but a fiercely positive attitude. It's sure been interesting...

I left the parched, ancient and depleted soils of India, and felt my heart squeeze as I said Goodbye out the plane window to a land of color, celebration, and chaos. It happened. I fell in Love with India. And one day, I will return.

Flying into the US took me by surprise. The first thing I noticed was the haze of pollution, and I realized... Ugh. It's everywhere. Then I deboarded the plane... First impressions? Drab. Grey and white; grey and white. Uniforms; regulations; grey and white. BUT, I also noticed smiles. The customs agents; immigration officers; and security ALL had a jovial and lightheartedness that I realize was not common in a country heavy with burden. Sarcasm; wit; conversation; happy... Warm. Americans may not have much of a culture we call out own, but I realize that humor, joy and play ARE aspects of our culture that aren't as common in some other countries. Not in the lighthearted way in which I am seeing people play now. Exciting to have a new perspective on my own country. As the days unfold, new impressions will come. Perhaps I will keep blogging....;-)

It's only been a few hours, I'm tired, and in some ways I miss India... But it feels good to be home.

A fond farewell

Well the time has flown.... And in two days I begin the journey "home", to the USA.  For the last three months, I have had the blessing of making these Himalayan mountains my home.... It has been wonderful.  I have done many hours of yoga and meditation; made beautiful friends from all over the world; eaten many chapatis; pet many cows and goats; exchanged smiles with red cloaked monks; sung bhajans; played in the rain; eaten mangos; and thoroughly enjoyed this precious experience in another culture.  I love India.

And....

I'm ready to go home.  I miss nutritious organic food; green veggies and dark chocolate.  I miss clean toilets with toilet paper; cars that don't honk their horns; and men who ignore me when I walk by.  I miss fresh air, and earth without garbage on it.  I miss my boyfriend.... Friends and family.

On Monday, I take a bus to Delhi through the night.  I arrive in the morning and spend the day in Delhi and then fly out on Tuesday night.  I fly for about 32 hours, with a relatively quick stop in Belgium so I can grab some waffles... Then I arrive into Sacramento wednesday night, approximately 12 hours in the past.  Whew! Long journey.  

I am so thankful for this rich time, for it has truly been an adventure both within and without.  Thank you all for coming along with me!

Goodbye Asia!!! I love you!!

Misty Mountains

Blog:

Down to the last two weeks of this 6 month adventure...  How fast time has gone.  It has been such a rich and deep adventure, both inside and outside.  I had planned to spend these last two weeks up in Laddack, but have had a change of plan.  As much as I would love to see those rugged mountain peaks, I feel compelled to stay here in dharamsala.  I have a stronger desire to stay put and not travel.  I'm quite happy here... It's beautiful, I have community, everything is familiar, and I am still studying yoga at the iyengar center.  I enjoy the place I stay, and all feels well (perhaps it is a deeper part of me who is ready to stop traveling and root down a bit).  

The rains have finally come.. We had a teaser a couple weeks ago, and then sunshine after (not complaining).  Yesterday, it rained all day and today too.  The mountains are shrouded in mystical fog and look far steeper than they did before.  It's stunning.  I haven't been able to capture it on camera.. Sorry!  For those of you familiar with Maui, it looks like the Iao Valley.  Those lush green peaks surrounded by eternal mists... 

The iyengar yoga still continues to amaze me, and I am finding continuing depth in it in all of my bodies.  

I am scheduled to enjoy an ayurvedic massage today... Ah, yes, I remember those good ole days of having a massage everyday... Why did I ever stop that?!

Well, most of you I will see very soon... Happy July 4th!  May you all know the freedom that is inherently yours... Your birthright...  It is who you are...