Elllora and Ajanta

The caves of Ellora and Ajanta are unbelievable. They are stone 'caves' that were hand carved by thousands of workers over hundreds of years. These caves are actually groupings of temples and monasteries. The Ajanta caves are Buddhist while Ellora are Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. The 26 caves in Ajanta had many carvings and sculptures as well as paintings depicting the life of the Buddha. The workers and monks used simple hammers and chisels to create their amazing designs. It's hard to imagine the sheer volume of rock that must of been taken from the sites.

In the picture is the Hindu temple Kahlais, at the Ellora caves. This temple is carved from one piece of rock without the use of scaffolding. They started from the top and worked their way down.

Leaving for the Caves

Tomorrow morning I set off for the caves of Ellora and Ajanta. They're a six hour drive from here. Jennie and I will stay there for three nights relaxing before the long trek home. Aurangabad to Mumbai to NYC to Cincinnati to Indianapolis to Bloomington. I look forward to seeing the caves but am more excited to see you all!

President Obama

My friend Jess and I made t-shirts for the Obama party last night. All of India is thrilled with the new president. He's on the cover of every paper and all over the news. Can't wait to come home!

Ghandi Cap

I have been on the hunt for a Ghandi cap and have been asking everyone where to get one since I got here. I'm sure you can picture this cap. It's the white cloth cap Ghandi used to wear...also like a Steak 'n Shake hat. No one has been able to tell me where to get one. We set off Friday afternoon in a rickshaw determinened to find one.

We asked the rickshaw driver to take us to a shop that sold them. He drove us across town to a shop that of course did not. So we asked the shop owner where to go. In broken english he told us to go to some shop that didn't exist so we asked someone else. He drew a map that took us to another shop that sold hardware. We asked the man selling hankerchiefs, he pointed across the street. They sold t shirts. We stopped someone on the street but he laughed and kept walking. What makes this scenerio even more comical is that everyone walking around this neighborhood was wearing one! It was like a MadTV skit!

We were ready to take a rickshaw back to Model Colony when we spotted another shop that looked promising. We hit the jack pot. Tons of Ghandi hats for me and Doti's for my friend. We easily struck up a conversation with the shop merchant (who looked like Ghandi himself!). He was so friendly and of course asked us 'And you are from?'. We told him and he said his daughter and the rest of his family were living in Dallas! He had even visited for six months in 1997.

This is a typical Indian experience where anything is possible if you are willing to keep asking the question.

A Diwali Birthday

As we were leaving Pune for Mysore the city was really gearing up for the big holiday. Lots of light and lanterns were already going up all around the neighborhood. I figured that by the time the holiday came people would be dancing for joy in the streets. Mysore proved to be more diverse than Pune - meaning that there are more Muslims and Christians. Consequently the celebration was a bit more subdued. We had also heard that the state of the economy in India has really put a damper on the festivities this year. Regardless, the fireworks were still going off for hours (and I mean hours) last night and the night before and the one before that.

For my birthday, which was on Diwali eve, we shopped at the large open air market which was bustling with people. All the hindus getting ready for their big family events. The aisles were mobbed! People stepping over each other trying to get to the items they wanted. I tried to take pictures but ended up walking around with my mouth open most of the time.

After the market we took a rickshaw to an Auyurvedic clinic near our hotel and got a scalp treatment/facial massage/herbal pack. It felt great and was a fun experience too. Lots of smell good oil were rubbed all over my scalp and face. Then a man massaged my entire head. I admit I was a little worried he would rub all my hair off my head. After the massage was the steam and herbal pack. We all left refreshed but pretty oily! Indians believe oils are good for you so they're not grossed out by them like we are.

For the birthday dinner we all got dressed up and went to what was probably one of the nicest restaurants in Mysore. In Pune I had purchased and Indian Kurta (traditional men's dress) so I got to try our my new wears. The food was delicious and we had lots of laughs.

The days seemed pretty magical. It was easy to feel that way being in such a magical place.

Diwali

October 28th is Diwali so the institute is closed for the week for celebration. This holiday is a big one. It's like our Christmas. There are many stories behind the meaning of Diwali. Most everyone agrees that it is a "Festival of Lights" where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.

My new friends and I are leaving this afternoon for Bangelore and then on to Mysore for the rest of the week. I have heard that Mysore is a phenomenally beautiful city and I can't wait to see what it's like all dressed up for the holiday. I am also relieved to leave the noises of Pune.

Love Fest

Almost the entire trip I have been spending time with three new friends. Two of them I knew from teacher trainings, one more than the other. And the third I hadn't met before coming to India. Instantly we all hit it off and have been virtually inseparable. Going on day trips, shopping, practicing, eating and eating and eating.

The trip to Pune, especially for the first time, is turning out to be more than just about the yoga. It's about the food, the smells, the colors, the people, and the long trip here. And for me the trip is also turning out to be about these great new friendships. I was so nervous to come here. Terrified about the long flight and what I would find when the plane landed but it's as if the friendships are here to evaporate the fears. I'm relieved to say they have evaporated.