preparation

bliss

Two weeks. Beach. Lots of yoga. Yummy food. Nice people. It doesn’t get better than this. Here’s to India, and my 5 weeks here. Yogashala was a fabulous place, and I am so happy to have met Padma and spent time in her glowing presence. She is a wonderful person and a great teacher. My practice has deepened so much.

 

Tomorrow, Kota Kinabalu and the mountains and jungles of Borneo.

kerala logistical roundup

Now that I’m wrapping up in Kerala, I thought I would do a quick overview of some of the wonderful places I’ve stayed and eaten while here.

 

Kollam – We called the DTPC and arranged a homestay through them, at either Summer Home or Summer House (can’t remember) run by Shashi. It’s right on the beach and was a relaxing getaway. Shashi also owns a seafood restaurant, so dinner is not to be missed! We also did a canoe toe of Munroe Island in Astamundi Lake. Also quite nice.

 

Alleppey – Our first night was in Alleppey, where we stayed at the Palmy Residency. VERY nice people, very nice place. Then our second night we went out to Chennamkary to stay at GreenPalm Homes. An amazing experience.

 

Kochi – We bucked tradition and stayed in Ernakulam, instead of Ft. Chchin, at a cute little place called John’s Residency. Very basic, but clean, and John is a nice guy. Dinner was at a great place called Hotel Aryas. We also had lunch at a great place in Fort Cochin called Dal Roti. Yum. And to top off a wonderful time, we found a women’s collective spice shop in Fort Cochin. and a great bookstore in Ernakulam.

 

Kannur – I went up specifically to see the theyyam. A must-see, I think. Stayed at Costa Malabari, right on the beach. Food was great.

 

Periyar – I stayed at Chitrasala Homestay. The family is soooo nice. I really enjoyed the tea factory tour and spice garden.

 

Kovalam – I was here for 2 weeks, so lots going on. First of, I’m staying at Pink Flower, which hosts Yoga Shala. Padma is really super nice and a fantastic teacher. I’ve been having meals all over the beach – everything is great. Going off the boardwalk and further back from the beach nets some bette

happy new year

I have 6 days left in Mongolia, before I depart for a few months of travel and then head back to the US. Time flies! All travel posts will be here.

a little something about traveling

It’s not for the faint of heart. At least, a 3-month trip spanning 5 countries and 2 continents is not. But just a few things I’ve learned:

 

  1. Round trip does not have to start or end in the same place to be roundtrip. Saved $700.
  2. Promptly spent $700 on a 1-way that might not be worth it, much like the US Gov did with that surprise money from TARP.
  3. Trips originating in developing countries are cheaper.
  4. Round trips are cheaper. Sometimes by half.
  5. Russia makes it obnoxiously hard to get a visa. I have to provide invitation letter, tourist voucher, application, and a lot of money.
  6. Rumor has it the visa office is only open for an hour in UB.
  7. Thank God I already have my Indian visa and don’t have to worry about getting it.
  8. I might have to get an exit visa for Mongolia.
  9. Soviet bureaucracy is time-consuming.
  10. It’s still snowing in April in Siberia.

Tomorrow I go to verify that I can get my Russian visa before I leave UB, or else I’m not taking the train. Once that is verified, I will gather paperwork, and then proceed back over there to drop off my passport and hope for the best, while shelling out a LOT of money for this adventure.