A Sacred Journey

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

Posted by Dominique at 9:21:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Currently it is raining in Mcloed Ganj, a small Tibetan town North of Dharamshala. It's getting cold here, especially at night when we couldn't make it without our 5 dollar space heater. It's supposed to snow soon say the locals, maybe I'll be used to the snow when I get back after all! This is also the place where the Dalai Lama (spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists) has been residing since his exile when China took over Tibet in 1959. We were fortunate enough to see him when he was doing a talk...but it was all in Tibetan so we didn't understand a thing!

Back in Rishikesh, afetr an early morning yoga class, Logan and I decided to follow-up on a contact we got from a 60-year-old Danish man in Kathmandu. He was a wise man and claimed to have sustainable farming units in Australia and planned to buy and in Nepal. He also has a small ayurvedic garden just outside Rishikesh. Our hotel manager, after a crazy and wild motorcycle adventure, brought us to the home of Nautiyal. He spoke little English but we could feel he was very excited to have us in his home, us being friends of Dadu's (the old man), which he referred to as either Mr. Cook or my guru. His wife wipped up a fine meal (everything from their farming) and served us fresh lemon grass tea from the garden....so delicious! He talked about agriculture, Dadu and medicine. I was so fascinated, this man truly lived off the land. He then showed us Dadu's garden, maybe 100 sq feet, and explained that all that plants were for. I realized Dadu must have been a very healthy man! Seeing my enthusiasm, he took us on a 2km walk to the government herb garden up the road. I have never seen such a garden, almost a km worth of aloe vera plants. Everything that could grow in that climate was there, with little signs saying what the plants were and what they were used for. At that moment I realized that herbal medicine was my passion. I suppose I already knew this, but seeing it in action made me decide that, come this spring, I'm building a greenhouse and I'm growing things. There's something powerful about growing and watching a plant and then harvesting it. From there, the possibilities are endless. Teas, tinctures, infusions, concoctions, poultices, rubs, oils, capsules....oh I love it. I bought a book on ayurveda that all bookstores seem to recommend and can't wait to get home to do my research. (So Pa, this is why I asked for a greenhouse for Xmas, even if it's just a stick with some plastic!)
In our last day in Rishikesh (we wasted some days due to food poisoning...I think) we wondered down to the River Ganga...this was the last time we would be so close and it was the purest place other than the glacier itself. I collected some water, some sand (which was so sparkly silver) and several insteresting stones. I soaked my feet and watched the sunset, feeling like a lost child who finally found home. It's difficult to leave such a beautiful place, but once the sun sets it gets awfully chilly.
Onwards to Mcloed Ganj, it was another CRAZY trip. From a bumpy bus ride back to Haridwar then a night train to Pathankot, we were once again put to the test. (I love these little tests!) Thankfully, a large group of Indian teenage girls shared our space (there's 8 bunks per room) on the train and they sang beautiful songs and spoke good english. Logan sang for them (which, of course, they loved) and I declined and showed them some pictures I had drawn. they didn't seem to understand that people don't just sing to themselves in Canada like they do here and so I didn't feel comfortable singing in front of them. Really exposed my insecurities that's for sure. Then, realizing that we hadn't packed supper for the train ride (apparently most people just don't eat!) they pulled out some home-cooked chapati and curry and offered us a serving. Can't tell you how nice it was to eat some food that was made by this young girls mother...you could almost taste the love. Finally we settled (you know how it is with a group of girls!) and woke up at 3.30am to get off at our stop. Wasn't so rough until we found out that the bus to Dharmsala only comes at 630. So we sat around at the train station in the wee hours of the morning...hum, this is familiar, I thought! Three hours later, we go out to catch our bus and see it pulling away, apparently it was 6, not 630. Never trust an Indian who only nods his head. So instead of waiting for the next one, another hour, we splurged on a personal taxi. But after realizing how crazy the switch-backs were on the road, we were glad we opted out of the 4 hour bus ride for the 2 hour taxi. I honestly hadn't slept more than 1 hour the entire night so I was beyond exhausted, to the point were I was feeling sick. All-nighters are not very cool! We arrived at a cold hotel run by buddhists monks and stayde there one night until we found the place of our dreams!
It's on the edge of town, and has huge windows that look over the forest so it's very quiet. It's got a gas burner which is my favorite part, we can now boil our own water and even cook some rice and curry. all this for Rs.400. ($10) Actually, the very best part is that we get to share it with Cory, our long-time friend who decided to spend a few weeks in India before he goes off to New Zealand for 3 months. He's a wonderful cook, it works out nicely as I clean the dishes and pick the veggies at the market and he cooks some amazing dishes! Plus we always have tea on the stove!
We've been here for almost a week now and all three of us took a Indian cooking class, and Cory and I are taking a 6-day universal massage course. Our teacher, Mahinder, is such a good guy! We've been keeping busy with lots of reading, exploring our forest and doing some shopping.
Can't tell you how nice it is to have another person to talk to, just having a new energy around (especially Cory's!) is so refreshing.
On a side note, I want to say how amazing the mind is. I had convinced myself (and Logan) that we had giardia. All the symptoms were there so finally we brought some samples to the hospital to get them analyzed. turns out there's nothing there. This took me by surprised...but I instantly started feeling better, and by the end of the next day it had all cleared up. It's crazy how powerful the mind is.
We've also been doing lots of shopping...so many beautiful things!
So this blog was rather dull and narrative, but I'm feeling really good. Just trying to stay myself and interact with that world without judgement and pre-conceived ideas. Living in the now is just so much more fun!
Much love everyone!

Posted by Dominique at 5:32:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Hello everyone...can't tell you how nice it is to be back in India again! I missed the craziness...I really did.
Let's backtrack a bit first. Back in Pokhara, Nepal, I felt like I had the same stomach bug as before (pain and bloating) so I went and bought some meds (same meds for giardia as dysentery)...took them...and now I am cured once again. I believe maybe it was giardia this time... But that was over a week ago and I've been feeing fine since. Don't worry, medical help is very much availabe here and I'm a tough cookie! In our last few days in Pokhara, we bought the Tao of Pooh (good easy book) and the alchemist...i's nice to be able to read and think all day in the sun. We also bought journals...to record thoughts and ideas. We hiked up to Sarangkot (4hr) and found a nice homely place to stay in someone's house for the night. We were able to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas the next morning from 5500ft up. Chilly, but glorious. Check out Logan's blog for details on this awesome trip.
Finally we decided it was time to get out of Nepal and go back to India...we took 2 buses (12hrs total) back across the border and caught a train in Gorakhpur, India. After much confusion and spending a fortune to get a bed on the train (and meeting the highly auspicious train conductor personally)...we found ourselves on the wrong train!! Lukily we were able to get off at the following train station and wait for the right one (which was 5 hours late). Scary stuff...we sat on benches until 4am at a chilly train station in the middle of nowehere where no one spoke english. Through we were cold, hungry and tired we managed to say in good spirits. Shaddy characters came up and just starred...Logan and I took turns sleeping while clutching our bags. Scariest moments in India for sure...definetely learnt the meaning of courage when I had to go wander and find a place to pee. Had to avoid showing people that I was a foreign woman...and never let anyone see you're scared...
Finally our train came and my friend the train conductor came and showed us to our seats...I knew there was a reason for our first meeting. The entire next day was spent on the AC train eating Thali, sipping Chai and conversing at length with fellow Indian passengers as we were headed for Haridwar, in Uttar Ranchal. (we were on the high-class train so most were doctors and engineers who could afford he train) Once in Haridwar we stayed in a shitty room...but wait...it had a TV with satellite. (We never had a TV till now) The next three days Logan and I had a movie binge and just relaxed. The Ganga river runs through this holy town and so it was so nice to see it again. There were ghats and so many sadhus everywhere. There was also a huge golden Shiva statue several stories high where we met a pilgrim who proceded to tell us all about Hindu mythology until the sun set. Reminded me of Religious Studies 201 at University except taught by someone who truly believes it all. Since this town was not touristy, people didn't try and sell us things everywhere we went...nice change. However, at one point while walking on a bridge over the Ganga, I was singled out and bombarded with female and children beggars. As they often cut you off, I tried to walk around. Once off the bridge I went to pull out my change purse to help an old sadhu. The pocket was unzipped and the purse gone...maybe 700Rs worth to a lucky woman/child. That is enough for a family to live off for weeks! But to us, it's only about 20 bucks! I didn't mind very much, I just hope it found itself into the right hands. Serves me right for being such a tight-ass sometimes! (I rarely give to beggars...Logan often does) We stayed there three days before taking a 30minute local bus ride to Rishikesh, where the Ganga crashes into the plains from the glaciers. It is colder here and the sun doesn't come over the mountains until 930 or so. It is the yoga and meditation center of India and here are many many foreign people who live here. Good to see.
This morning I took in a 3 hour yoga class at 830am and wow do I ever feel good. We're planning on hiking up the river Ganga sometime and taking a swim...this is where it's cleanest!
For everyone wondering, I'm feeling great! Bought a whole bounch of awesome veggies yesterday for less than a buck and, after cleaning them all with filtered water, made a yummy salad for us. It's nice to have raw veggies again!!
I can't say I really miss Canada...I love it here. I simply wish I could take everyone I love and bring them here...what a peaceful existence here amidst the mountains and the river. Been conversing with folks from Australia, Israel, Austria, Holland, Chile and more and found that they all have such great spirits. In a way we are all pilgrims far from home seeking something beyond. I love hearing different views and experiences. All of it makes me realize how much I love Canada and how fortunate we truly are.
With that, I've been loving all the emails from home and from my sister Danielle who is currently in Thailand. (even hough I can't answer them all) It's amazing how close we are Dani...I'll send you energy in the mornings, as it is plentiful here and I am exploding with love. In every moment I wish to cry and yet I wish to laugh. I want to hug every beggar and tell them they are loved. So from this computer I send these vibes to you all, be open and you'll feel it, it is aways there. Maybe it's hormonal...but for once I really enjoy the excess of emotion. (I did a shoulderstand for 10 minutes this morning and the teacher says this posture increases hormones...)
I realize my writing is all over the place and somewhat dificult to follow but it's all in my head and my experience is so much more than I can explain.
Logan and I are getting along, but everything is so different, our ever-evolving selves find new meaning in each other. This idea of non-attachment to each other and to our relationship is so exciting. Letting things happen and take their natural course is fundamental. Sometimes I slip up and struggle a bit, but that is all part of the journey.
Through all this, I find it very important to keep an inner awareness. Travelling can be stressful...but once you focus on the now, incuding all the "obstacles", that's when you can gain insight into your true self. You (the ego) is only your reactions to environment and thus is not your true self. It is based on the past and impedes your progress. All there is is now. We get carried away thinking about destinations and the future. This will never come. Every moment is the destination and the future does not exist. Trying to create it is futile. These are my scattered thoughts of late.
I hope that makes some sense, I can explain better to those interested, but I can't fully make you understand as any truth must be learnt alone, individually, personally.
So many truths...I will never stop searching as it is the only journey I'm truly interested in, all else is an illusion. The toughest part is committing to growth, because sometimes it hurts. Working out all my inner problems and issues has gotten easier and easier as I let go of who I think I am and embrace what's left. You can't build a palace on a poor foundation and you can't fill a cup that is already full. It's all in my hands.
I'm rambling now...
Peace to all from the land of love...

Posted by Dominique at 12:17:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Hello!! Long time no post I see!!
Unfortunately Internet is very expensive in Pokhara so I'll have to keep this short!
Back in Kathmandu we visited the largest Tibetan Buddhist stupa, Bodhnath. We arrived around sunset, so I sat and solar-gazed in top of the stupa until it had disappeared behind the valley...what a glorious day. Haven't felt so peaceful in a while. Feels good. However, the next day, I decided I needed to see a doc. I had been having some stomac pain and just all around strangeness. I could easily have dealt with it for many more weeks...but I thought hey...it'll be awhile till I can get good care after we leave Kathmandu. Visited an American doctor (actually the guy who wrote the health chapter for the lonely planet guide book!) and got some test done. Turned out I had dysentery...ewwww. So I had to take 1 pill for three days and now it's gone! Hooray! I think I caught it in Varanasi...it's notorious for those kinds of bugs! Logan didn't seem to catch anything however...lucky boy! Although these bugs often take a few months before symptoms appears...wouldn't be surprised if I caught something else before we get back!! Thank god for health insurance!
A few days after being rid of dysentery we took an early morning bus to Pokhara, a smaller town 6 hours West of Kathmandu. Kept busy with books and sleeping, since Logan claimed that playing our Chess or Backgammon boards would have made him nauseous! Seriously tho, we've been playing of alot of chess...we'll be masters! (We're trying to invent our own game right now actually!)
As soon as we arrived, many, many touts tried to get us to Lakeside hotels... (becaue they get commision)( so lukily a Dutch man came and helped us) He showed us a killer hotel...150NRs for a large room with windows on 3 walls and with some good views of the annapurna range and the macchapuchare peak. So beautfiful in the morning! There is a large lake called Fewa Tal lake where we rented a row boat and explored an island that seems to have selectively breeded beautiful pidgeons that are all white or mixtures of brown, white, pink...so amazing!
I wanted to rent a motorbike to cruise around in with logan so I tried on out. Was doing alright until I had to turn around...and I turned too sharp and skidded out. Since I was by myself...many many Nepali boys came to my rescue as the bike weighs a ton...I just managed to escape it's grip. But lazy I noticed I lost some skin and hair on my leg...battles scars I guess. I still think motorbikes are wicked...but I won't be riding on here. We decided on cycle bikes for less than a dollar a day!
One nice thing about Pokhara is that we can filter the water...bottled water is hard to find and we're saving a bundle a bundle of money and plastic. (Trust me, I'm using a little more than necessary to purify, just to make sure!)
A few ago, we hiked a few hours in a steep forest till we came to the top of a hill where many cultures (Japanese, Indian...) got together and made a World Peace Pagoda (look it up for pics). Nice stupa, but even better views. We vowed to come back because we found some awesome vines (no joke!) that you could swing on. Yesterday we made videos hoping to post them...but once again we are limited by the poor quality computers. Darn.
We also visited a killer waterfall. Its the point where a river goes and plunges 100m and becomes an underground river. We got to explore a cave and see where it falls...caves are awesome.
So my sister Danielle is leaving for Thailand this week for a month...it's nice to know we'll be closer together! Just make sure you take lazy days...do nothing ya know? Also, to reduce/eliminate culture shock, leave your beliefs and habits at home. Culture shock is the result of attachment to your society...you are Not in Canada anymore. Very important...be open to it. Also, notice your thoughts and how limiting they are. Notice the words you use to express something and how they really don't say it all. Verbalization kills the moment...because the brain is busy trying to access words and convey them. Enjoy the sunset without saying, "that's a nice sunset" to your friend because, surely, they have noticed. Admire a tree without attaching words...it feels good. Just be. Enjoy yourself my sister. And smile a lot. Travelling is only one of the many ways to expand your being, take advantage.
Martine I miss you!
Still about 25 degrees here...but we'll be heading back to northern india and we'll have to wear our wooly jackets again!
Still feeling great, been filtering our water for 4 days now!
Oh Cory, see you in a few weeks!! (We may not be in Dharmsala till December due to how sweet Nepal is!!!)
Oh how I wish I could talk to all of you...not that I'm homesick, but human interaction feels so good! Especially with those you love!
Keep the emails and comments coming!
Om Mani Padme Hum

Posted by Dominique at 9:52:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Woke up this morning to clear blue skies and birds chirping, seems like the storms finally left us. Two nights ago it rained very hard and got quite cold. There was an amazing thunder and lightning show which is very fitting as it was also the first day of Diwali, the festival of lights. This festival is huge...reminds me of Christmas in ways. Everyone hangs string lights and sets up candles everywhere (unsafe places seems to be the preferred space!) and beautiful fresh marigold garlands that the women so careful string. There are carolers and dancers (some with music that makes your head spin) and firecrackers are heard near and far every few minutes. They sure party hard. The weather is still fairly nice in the day...it's like Christmas in the fall. Except of course, Diwali is the celebration of the God Rama coming back victorious from battle with the "evil demons". Way back before Jesus's time.
Our first few days in Kathmandu we simply oriented ourselves, scoped out the best and cheapest restaurants and we ventured to Swayambhunath. This is a large stupa (but not the largest) and a very important site to the Tibetans Buddhist refugees in Nepal. We hiked up a huge set of stairs (steeper than 50degrees!) and were rewarded by amazing views of the Kathmandu Valley (with mountains all 'round) and an impressive white-washed stupa. It was also nice to see, amongst all the tourists, shops and restaurants, some saffron-clad monks spinning their prayers wheels and making offerings. This temple is also known as the monkey temple, not because it belongs to the monkey god hanuman, but because it is full of monkeys. Definetely the highlight of the day. What fascinating creatures to observe, especially these ones. They were totally unfazed by us. We could get so close. Logan and I had bought some fruit for our day-trip and decided to sit down and snack. Next thing we knew, the monkey were on to us. Logan decides to feed a banana to the nearest monkey and in no time at all we had 5 monkey sitting right beside us on the bench, slowly imposing themselves on our large bunch of tasty plantains. So I got scared. A monkey grabbed my arm and I quickly got up and booked it...leaving the bananas. The monkey proceded to peel and gobble up about 8 bananas while the rest watched and scrapped the peels. Disaster averted I thought...but damn, those were good bananas! Gave us a good laugh none the less. I can see how the monkeys have stolen tourist's cameras and such!!!
A few days later we went to Patan, a smaller village on the south side of Kathmandu. We took some public transit...chaotic but efficient, as usual. We headed over to the zoo and vene though it was tiny and pathetic, it thouroughly loved it! Asides from the poor conditions some of these animals were in, it was quite magical. They don't seem to have to same safety standards so I got within 2 meters of a leopard. There were monkey and tigers, elephants and leopards, rhinos and hipposk, eagles and a huge selection of colorful birds. And all this within 300 square meters! What a day that was...I felt like I was 6 all over again, seeing some animals up close for the first time!
Many days have passed I see since my last blog but we're really been taking it easy. Logan's finishing his nasty cold (he's still half-ogre through) and I got a bit of a cough also. We've had to stay in on the cold nights but now that we're both got warm wool jackets, we're toasty! I'm still feeling bloated at times...but I discovered that doing very slow, stretchy, yoga after meals helps a whole lot. Wouldn't that be funny, all this time my body has simply been telling me it needs a bit of yoga!!!
We're doing a little more shopping but trying to keep it light.
In the next few days we're going to see Bodhnath, the largest Tibetan stupa and then we're off to Pokhara. If we're feeling up to it, we'll do some hiking for sure! We're really enjoying taking it easy. Not having to get up early, go to work, make breakfast or do anything really, is a great feeling. Not to rub it in or anything...
Oh I almost forgot, I got myself a 1 hour Thai massage here. It was quite amazing! Hurt a bit, but my muscles were pretty sore. I don't know if it's the beds or what, but both Logan and I have been having some nasty neck and back pain, so massages everynight is in order!!
Happy Diwali everyone! (And Halloween I guess too!)
Haven't heard from some of you guys in awhile...I miss you!!
Namaste

Posted by Dominique at 11:59:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

First off, Danielle you have got to go to Nepal!! Anyone with a love of mountains, valleys, jungles, waterfalls and the like must make this journey. It is glorious!!
The early morning bus from Varanasi to the Nepal border was brutal, however. They basically take one seat, split it in two and there you go...your seat! I didn't even fit in one seat and I was definetely the smallest tourist on the bus! Ten hours later (and much uncomfortableness and nauseousness) we got the Belahiya border station and signed immigration paper and obtained visas. Our overnight accomodation in Sonauli (border city in Nepal) was a major dive but the 7hr bus ride to Kathmandu the next day totally made up for it! So luscious! So calm and fresh! I love this place.
Logan and I found a decent deal at a hotel and proceeded to check out a book house. We picked up a lonely planet for Nepal, bought it, and instantly decided that Nepal is worth a few weeks of our trip, not just a week like we had planned. We're looking into trekking the himalayas, white-water rafting, doing a safari and Logan even mentioned bungee jumping (160m into a canyon). Not my thing, I think, perhaps I should do a smaller jump before attempting one of the largest in the world!!
Kathmandu city is very interesting. The people are not as pushy in their business and generally more friendly than the Indians (if this is possible!). Also, the men are much better looking and more mature!! The weather is nice but cooler, a jacket is nice at night. It's so nice to not be sweating profusely all the time. There is quite a bit of pollution and garbage, but you always know that you are surrounded by mountains on all sides. Shops are fairly cheap but in general things are 10-30% more expensive than in Inida. We're having to get used to the Nepalese Rupee which worth less than the Indian Rupee. Approx. 100INR=160NPR. Makes me think we need to find a cheaper hotel if we're staying here longer.
I had a pot of organic Nepali green tea yesterday and it brought tears to my eyes. It has been over a month since I've had green tea,let alone this delicious cup! I also had a salad (washed in purified water) and that made my day!
So I'll keep this blog short and I'll give an update once I know more-so what we're going to be up to here.
Our ideas for an itinerary are going all over Kathmandu, busing to Royal Chitwan national park and seeing all sorts of wildlife, staying there a few day then busing to Pokhara, further west and north. From there we'd do a few days of trekking in the Himalayas (checkout the annapurna range) and some rafting (class 4+). Then we'd exit Nepal through Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. This is tentative, and dependent on the good deals we may be able to get. I am so thankful we decided to break our India trip for Nepal, it's a very nice change!
Health update: Mom maybe you can help. Since leaving Varanasi I've been feeling bloated all the time yet I'm not eating that much. I get somewhat painful stomac cramps in the afternoon and evening, especially after eating. It isn't really a problem, just uncomfortable more than anything. If it doesn't go away in a few day, I'll seek some advice. (Probably just a little gut bug) Logan is still doing great tho!
I thought I had much more interesting to say...but I have forgotten, I think I'll buy a notepad for such things!
Although I must say that I've noticed lately that all my insecurities are out in the open. There's no where to hide them really. Thus I am feeling a little low at times but I also realize I'm working through these things, which was one of my intentions in doing this trip. Oh the complexities!!
Hope you are all doing well at home and I enjoy hearing from everyone!

Posted by Dominique at 12:34:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Hello friends.
Change of plans. We liked Varanasi so much we decided to postpone our
journey to Kathmandu and stay in Benares another 4 days. We are
starting to get to know the streets and where everything is. We've
been doing alot of chilling in our guest house room just reading and
talking. Due to being a white foreigner, it is difficult to find a
quiet place to read outside where you won't be bothered by someone
selling you something, children asking for rupees, or a tour guide
pressing his services on you and then demanding pay for it. We'd leave
our rooms for meals and generally went to the market everyday and
walked around. Finally the guest house stopped treating us like
tourists because they realie we have been there a long time and have
seen all the "sight-seeing". I am defientely exctied for a change,
however.
One morning we got up at 530 and experienced the sun rising over the
Ganga river (smoggy but beautiful) while sitting in a boat. I did a
puja (lighting a candle and letting it go in the Ganga) and thought
about all those I loved and missed and about the circmstances that have
brought he here. How lucky am I to eat a wonderful fresh-cooked meal
three times a day and stay in guest houses while just outside others
cannot feed or shelter themselves. Their dignity remains only in their
day to jobs and contributing to their small communities.
Logan gave several children some toys and they were so happy. There
couldn't have been much sleep that night as the next morning, bright
and early, about 7 children were laughing and playing with some plastic
race cars from MacDonald. It's beautiful but disturbing all at once.
Made some phones calls the other day...sorry about the boring one to
the entire family...so many people and the delay made me unsure of what
to say. My apologies for a disapointing call...I walked away realizing
that I really did not feel that I connected like I wanted to. Seems
like your reality is so far and so different than mine that
communication is difficult to do without formality and distance.
I awoke at about 5 am this morning feeling sick...but a few bathroom
trips later I seem to be doing better. Don't worry or anything...I
tried to eat well today...I want to be in good shape for Kathmandu
tomorrow. Well actually, Kathmandu won't be for two days as we're
staying the night at a hotel on the border.
Varanasi has been great. Logan and I are getting along better than
before (finally settled into travelling together) and we seems to meet
all the right people.
Due to a OSHO book I've been reading (The psychology of the esoteric)
I've been focusing on energy levels/centers and different phases of
consciousnesses lately. I like lying in bed and listening to the
never-ending sounds of the Indian night. My body falls asleep but my
mind is deeply involved in these sounds. Women talking, men yelling,
children crying, cows mooing, dogs fighting, distant hums of riskhaws
and cars and the drone of crickets is the basis. It's unbelievable the
patterns and sequences that occur. It's almost like music. It's
amazing trying to be aware of everything, in every moment. Something
new is constantly occuring, but this is only noticeable if you can be
conscious. Stop running tapes in the mind and simply be. Stop being
attached and you ease the let-down. Life is about compromise, you must
be un-attached. As Logan tells me often, "sometimes you must ride the
horse in the direction he's already going". I've realized that I have
some very obssesive aspects to my behaviour. Little things (like
Logan's stuff lying around) annoy me and I feel the need to plan our
days. I've been focusing on leaving these parts of myself and falling
in love with spontenaity and compassion as well as the silence of my
mind. Wish me luck!
Much love to all those who search for the truth,
the inward seeker is the only truth seeker.

Namaste

Posted by Dominique at 9:45:00 AM | Permalink | Comments