Here's the plan for the next 3 months:
FEB 20: Leave Goa by Train to Mumbai
FEB 21: Day in Mumbai, evening Train to Bhuj, Gujarat
FEB 22-24: Explore Bhuj and Mandvi in Gujarat State
FEB 25-Mar 8: 10 Day Vipassana Meditation
MAR 9-14: Explore the Dessert and Ocean near meditation centre
Train to Delhi, then Train to Rishikesh
MAR 15-26: 2 weeks Ashtanga with Louise Ellis in Rishikesh
MAR 27-30: Bus north of Rishikesh to Gangotri in the Himilayas
APR 1-8: 8 Day Sattipatana Vipassana Meditation Course in Dehra Dun
APR 9: Travel to Delhi
APR 10: Taj Mahal
APR 11: Fly to THAILAND for 3 weeks to 1 month of Thai Massage courses
Mid MAYish: Oh Canada!....unless the Himilayas are calling, but I think I will likely head home :)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
This has all been wonderful but now I'm on my way
My time is nearing an end here in Goa and I must say, I look forward to moving on. It's been just over 3 months living and practising here and now it is time to head north and experience some more of this diverse and well, crazy country.
There are many aspects of Goa that I will miss like the Yoga Shala and daily teachings of Rolf and Marci, but I will carry their teachings and the motivation of the Shala with me as I continue practising daily on my own. I will also miss the lovely woman and her daughter that I buy a fresh coconut from each morning at the Calangute market. Among the blaring Indian music, cows and fruit stalls she is always there with the sweetest, tastiest coconuts, perfect after a morning practise. I will miss the place that has become home here in Arpora and the beautiful family that I rent from. They are always making sure I am ok and treating me with home cooking. The daily routine I have developed has treated me so well over the last three months, and I am immensely grateful, but I truly feel ready for change.
Things have really shifted here in the last week, which I take as a sign of being ready to move on. For instance, the incredible Ayurvedic doctor I frequently visit in Panjim opened up to me for the first time in 3 months showing me pictures of his family and new puppies. Rarely has he shown interest in chatting.
Also, I spent hours with a lovely woman, close to my age, who tailored a handmade table cloth for my mother. We talked and shared and enjoyed each others company and I even helped her sew buttons on in order to get it done in time for me to send. It was a real joy and made me appreciate catching a glimpse into the life of an Indian woman my age.
I think there is a real beauty that comes with staying in one place for a duration of time. The more I frequented the same places over and over, the more the locals got used to me and had my soft papaya or daily newspaper ready for me when I arrived at the same time each day, with a smile. It's the little things like this that really count.
Perhaps we never really 'know' a place but I feel I had a good taste of aspects of this community where I am and in many ways I feel fulfilled. I have also struggled with this culture and place but I am accepting that is part of the package and in the end, I feel I am leaving on a really good note, with the intention of returning to practise with Rolf and Marci next season. We shall see!
But for now, I move on to new places and new faces and new experiences and as one of my favourite bands (that I have not heard in too long!) writes: This has all been wonderful but now I'm on my way!
All the best and much love,
t
There are many aspects of Goa that I will miss like the Yoga Shala and daily teachings of Rolf and Marci, but I will carry their teachings and the motivation of the Shala with me as I continue practising daily on my own. I will also miss the lovely woman and her daughter that I buy a fresh coconut from each morning at the Calangute market. Among the blaring Indian music, cows and fruit stalls she is always there with the sweetest, tastiest coconuts, perfect after a morning practise. I will miss the place that has become home here in Arpora and the beautiful family that I rent from. They are always making sure I am ok and treating me with home cooking. The daily routine I have developed has treated me so well over the last three months, and I am immensely grateful, but I truly feel ready for change.
Things have really shifted here in the last week, which I take as a sign of being ready to move on. For instance, the incredible Ayurvedic doctor I frequently visit in Panjim opened up to me for the first time in 3 months showing me pictures of his family and new puppies. Rarely has he shown interest in chatting.
Also, I spent hours with a lovely woman, close to my age, who tailored a handmade table cloth for my mother. We talked and shared and enjoyed each others company and I even helped her sew buttons on in order to get it done in time for me to send. It was a real joy and made me appreciate catching a glimpse into the life of an Indian woman my age.
I think there is a real beauty that comes with staying in one place for a duration of time. The more I frequented the same places over and over, the more the locals got used to me and had my soft papaya or daily newspaper ready for me when I arrived at the same time each day, with a smile. It's the little things like this that really count.
Perhaps we never really 'know' a place but I feel I had a good taste of aspects of this community where I am and in many ways I feel fulfilled. I have also struggled with this culture and place but I am accepting that is part of the package and in the end, I feel I am leaving on a really good note, with the intention of returning to practise with Rolf and Marci next season. We shall see!
But for now, I move on to new places and new faces and new experiences and as one of my favourite bands (that I have not heard in too long!) writes: This has all been wonderful but now I'm on my way!
All the best and much love,
t
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