Lasting thoughts and last words...

Namaste friends,
Currently we're in Delhi, the big crazy capital, enjoying the weather and honestly, the craziness as well!
Before we left the peaceful himalayas, I received a killer massage from my massage teacher, Mahinder, for free of course. Finally got rid of that "crick in me neck" caused by endless uncomfortable pillows! We a whole lot of shopping and consumming goods in Macloed Ganj and we even ventured out to Dharamsala, but discovered it was simply a busy, dirty town with nothing to do! We spent most of our time eating tasty Japanese food (Cory got food-poisoning from the Egg-Udon!) and hanging out around our hotel reading and sharing ideas and thoughts. Saturday, one of the first sunny days in the week, I headed out on my own and hiked down to the river bed, a steep but rewarding descent filled with cows, goats, village people and fascinating plants, some of which I think were mint. I met an India man cutting up rocks to build houses by the river and (because his English and my Hindi were limited) we shared Indian cigarettes while listening to the gushing of the small waterfalls between massive boulders. I picked a whole bunch of silver sparkling slate stones to smuggle back to Canada as a reminder of the beautiful river and the connection I felt to it.
Finally, the time came to leave this serene town and head to Delhi. It poured madly all day, resulting in slush and snow all over the road to the bus stand. We boarded the sleeper bus, which was truly luxurious I thought, although the beds were narrow. Lukily I only had to share with Cory and we're both small people. I slept well but Logan and Cory felt the need to paint the lower windows with Dal and Chapati from a few hours ago...I am so glad I don't get car sick...ewwww.
Our first day in Delhi was devoted to Cory's shopping needs since he was catching a flight to New Zealand that evening. It was difficult parting with him, even though we had been apart for 2 months previously and then only together for 2 weeks. He'll be in New Zealand for 3 months at least and I am so happy for him, what great adventures he will have. All good-byes are the start of new beginnings and therefore I welcome them, the foreshadowing of change.
So once again, it was just Logan and I in this wondrous country with about a week to spare before we fly home. We visited the zoo first (so nice to be with someone who considers zoos a major attraction not to be missed...kids at heart I suppose) and saw many animals for the first time in the Delhi zoo. It truly is a really nice place, huge enclosures and mostly happy animals, except for the escaped badger-type animals who tried to each our ankles!
Another day we visited the Jama Masjid, a huge, glorious mosque that some of you may have seen in movies or books. Logan sad and conversed with some Indians about politics while I wandered and had to turn down many marriage proposals! Soon it was prayer time (muslims pray 5 times a day) and all non-muslims had to leave (at least it was free to enter, so we came back later). After listening to the Imam's nasally, droning rendition of the Koran from outside the mosque, we headed over to the Red Fort. It's size was quite impressive, 4km I believe and the large, spacious water gardens were very inspiring.
Recently, we made the journey to South Delhi to the newly-build Lotus Temple. It is a Baha'i temple devoted to all believers of all faiths. Search on google for photos, there is a wonderful energy about the place. We were privileged to hear some chanting in the acoustically perfect dome which is usually silent. However, after visiting the Baha'i interpretive center, I kind of got the impression that their religion was slightly cult-like. There were prophets and great men who form the basis of everything Baha'i. Oh well, nice temple nonetheless.
My last few days have been mostly devoted to reading fiction and non-fiction India books while soaking up the Sun's warm rays on our lovely rooftop terrace while sipping Hot Ginger Honey drinks. Logan went out for a Delhi-mon snap adventure, which, like the video game, consists of hiring a cycle rickshaw to drive you around while you take photos of Indians, cows, markets, beggars and everything India.
We did a bit more shopping here, before realizing that we needed to tone it down if we were going to eat for the next few days! As we speak, a camel leather belt is being custom made. I designed everythin about it with the help of the shop/factory owner. (Don't worry, they wait for camels to die in India before taking their skin, otherwise it's illegal). I can't wait to see it!
Well, here it is, my last blog before returning home. A gruelling 48 hour journey it will be from the time we leave our hotel to when we land in Calgary, but I'm going to love every minute of it! I'm feeling better than ever, it seems my body has fully adjusted to India, what a shame I have to leave this beautiful land so soon!
I'll be back Mother Ganga, Sister Himalaya, Father Sky and Brother Desert.
I love you all very much and will never forget my experiences in this sacred land.
Thank you for showing me a part of this immense planet and with it, more of myself.

See you all soon!!
PS: I'm going to try and make it to the Solstice II gathering party on the 22nd. Hopefully the jet-lag's not too bad, I want to see everyone!
You're daughter/friend/sister/lover/fellow traveller
Dominiku