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Granola to Go

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

what the???

O Canada, what have you done? Stephen Harper??? Come on- you cannot be serious.

I have to take some personal responsibility. I did not vote from here. I could have, technically, but the election was called at the busiest time of year and to fill the forms and have them in on time was a bit daunting, then I was away for weeks and then it was the election. Oh dear.

Glad that Jack the and Democrats made some progress and we are slow to change aren't we? But Stephen Harper? Not that he can do much with the minority but even so. The upside for me is I'm not there to experience the doom and gloom.


Memories of India:

Walking around Kottyam (setting of God of Small Things, a novel I'd just finished reading) and being serenaded by a protest march of the Kerala Co-op workers. They were speaking Malayalam so I didn't know what they were saying but there were drums plus wind and brass instruments played. The march line was very long but also peaceful. Just walking through the streets making their point...very cool piece of life to witness.

Things I miss about India:

eating with my hands
masala dosa for breakfast
the beaches!
people telling me how beautiful I am at least once a day
motorcycle taxis
train chai "Chayaa, chayaa, coffee, coffee!" call the enthusiastic men who sell you the aforementioned drinks for 4 rupees (10 cents)
and for those of you in the know, so many HIGs only two eyes

Things I enjoy about being back home:

warm to hot showers
baths
laundry
lemon lavendar blueberry muffins

that's all for now.

take care, one and all

Monday, January 16, 2006

and meanwhile, back in Kuwait

Greetings all!

I came home to Kuwait a few days ago, significantly suntanned, considerably healthier and slightly thinner than when I departed three weeks ago. We returned on the 13th and Emir (head of state) died early on the morning of the 15th when we were to start school. Much of the city (including school) is closed to mourn for three days. The official mourning period is 40 days but things close only for 3 days. It is a much more serene Kuwait these days. Not much traffic, not much in the way of consumerism, it is actually quite enjoyable. I walked to the nearby mall with some friends at midday yesterday. There were families and fishers out by the water, enjoying the calm cool weather. It finally feels like a place where I am happy to live. It still smells bad but the cooler temperatures and the rain have made the place much prettier. The mourning makes everyone more docile.

As for India, there is so much to say but so much that cannot be spoken, only experienced. I loved the journey and though I did not see or do many things I had hoped to, it worked out well and I had a lovely and restful time. I met fabulous people, both locals and other tourists and enjoyed the goodness of people in the world.

I got off and on moving trains and buses (they were moving slowly) and never once thought it unsafe. I can drink from a water bottle and certain cups without my lips touching. I ate spicy food with my hands and didn't flinch. I learned to bargain and to walk away if the deal wasn't good enough.

The temples, the religions, the architecture, the politics are all very intriguing but I have not even scratched the surface of understanding. I feel differently inside though I cannot explain it. The sense of gratitude, inner calm and universal goodness will carry me through months, and perhaps lifetimes, to come.

Love and goodness to all.

By the way, please write to me! Anyone? Everyone? Where are you?

Sunday, January 01, 2006

and a Happy New Year!

Greetings from warm (as in friendly) and sunny Kerala!

I spent 20 hours (including new year's) on an "express" train from Goa to Trivandrum. Bronwyn was sick the entire time, still is, and now we are making plans for the next weeks and a half. I'm heading to an ashram for a few days tomorrow, then up the coast a bit and finally to check out some significant sites before going to Delhi to fly back to Kuwait.

Tha mammoth train rides are tiresome but interesting. They are an opportunity to interact with locals as train riding is inexpensive. I've been on sleeper trains on which the bunks are just big enough and only slightly uncomfortable. I slept farily well all things considered. I'm not overly worried about theft though still wear my money belt all the time. Everything else I have is replaceable.

Travelling to India is as cheap as everyone says, and spiritually rewarding even if you were not to come for spiritual reasons. The scenery is incredible and the people are so friendly and helpful and curious. As I mentioned last time, I generally forget that I look different than the locals but they definitely notice me. I had heaps of new years' wishes and inquisitive smiles today as I walked about Trivandrum. One piece of advice on travelling to Southern India: really, only bring the clothes on your back and perhaps one change of clothes. The garmets you purchase here are gorgeous and inexpensive and you'll want to buy heaps of clothes! But you don;t want to be burdened with a big bag as the autorickshaws and motorbike taxis don;t have much room for baggage. That's right, my new preferred mode of transit is Motorbike taxi. There is something incredibly romantic about being transported around towns and to beaches on the back of a motorbike, hair blowing in the wind (yeah, no helmets), zipping around the aforementioned autorickshaws and buses. Not to worry, nothing goes faster than 60kms per hour here. No rush. Except now I must be on my way. All the best, everyone.

A most lovely 2006 to all!