My friends Lisa, Maria and I have have spent some days volunteering our time at an orphanage here in Mysore.  Lisa and Maria prepared a wonderful class on personal hygiene and put together little wash kits for the children which they got a tremendous amount of joy from.  I went along and took some photos to share with the orphanage, and I am going to organize for after the new year a “school photo” type day for all of the kids.  These children, mostly girls rescued from the street/sex industry are just so amazing and full of love, and inspiration.   Spending just a few hours a week there could change anyone’s life, it is an experience filled with so much joy that it can bring tears to your eyes.  They love having their photos taken, and viewing them is such a rare treat…this opportunity to have these digital or paper memories is something most of us take so much for granted, I am very happy to have the opportunity to go back there to arrange these portrait and group photos for them.

Anonymous asked: Hi! I descovered your blog on an internet surfing daydream.. SO inspired by your journey. I often visit your site to peruse your beautiful pics & ponder my own travel plans next year. I grew up in NZ but was born in States & would like to do someting similar to you - travel through on my own in a van. I was wondering if you felt safe on your solo travels? I want to have my own adventure but the idea of sleeping in a van alone at night sometimes worries me. Did you ever encounter any problems?

the only people who ever bothered me int he middle of the night were the police…no kidding.

you will be just fine, but if you get scarred find a lover ;)

skeletells asked: traveling the world through you, since i can't go myself. thank you for sharing all the pictures they are wonderful.

awwww shucks

really wanting to post more photos, but the internet is increibly slow and the computers are ancient and by the time i get through my persoanl internetting/computing i am beyond sick the whole thing.  it takes me two hours to accomplish what would normally take 20.

really what i meant to say is…i have photos, and hopefully you will see them soon :)

musambi-deactivated20120324 asked: Hello! I'm from Bangalore, and I think your blog is rather lovely! I've come across a lot of offensive posts about India, and your blog was a pleasant change. I'm glad you're having fun, and if you need anything feel free to contact me. :) Have fun!

So sweet, Thank you!  I just love Southern India right now. The people are amazing and the weather is perfect this time of year!  I’m sure I will be back in Bangalore at some time, we should have a chai together :)  Let me know if you come to Mysore int he near future.

artasculture asked: It's amazing that seemingly, only a few short months ago it was looking like your journey was ending. I'm so happy to see that you've embraced the changes in your life as an opportunity to explore your new possibilities. I have so many questions for you, but for now I'll leave it at expressing my admiration for your passion, and that I can only hope that someday I will emulate the same drive for adventure in my own life. So much love sent your way~

NAMASTE

Anonymous asked: What is the night life like? Are you still embracing your "hairiness"?

my nightlife consists of the ocassional dinner out with friends, a book and sleep.  and yes :)

Anonymous asked: Looks like you're home. If you make it to a market, could you please take some pictures there. I'd love to see the colours of spices and fabrics. What does a day's menu for you consist of?

oh yes, i made a lovely frind at the market this afternoon so i will be going back this week to take some photos of him and other vendors.  food prices can range drastically…but the low end (if you eat where the locals do) is 30-60 rupees (around 50 cents) for breakfast and 50-80 rupees ($1-$1.50) for lunch or dinner.   A dinner splurge for me, with many courses and drinks would be 300 rupees ($6.00). I will usually eat one meal out per day, and the rest is fruit and vegetables from the market.

Anonymous asked: How long was your flight and what is the temperature there?

24 hours of pretty much straight flying…it gets more unbearable everytime :(

coolkidpaysh asked: Nice blog :) What software do you use to edit your pictures?

generally i ise lightroom….but i have no personal computer here in india so the photos are/will be completely unedited.

Home Sweet Home…Indian Style

I have arrived at my destination/temporary home in Mysore, India…the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga.   Directly across the road from the yogashala I am practicing at there was an apartment open.  Very cheap by North American standards, but if I decide to stay here in Mysore longer than one month I will find a place with others to cut costs.  There are many people my age from all over the world here, it is interesting to be in a place that has a fair number of foreigners, but is not “touristy”.  Everyone is here to study something, from yoga to massage, auevedic, dance, art, music…it is a wonderful place and i look forward to exploring it all. It is also very hot and humid here, but with a coconut hut on every corner and only costing 12rupees each (25 cents!) it is more than bearable!

The Boudoir…

Eat in kitchen / yoga practice room / sunroom…

Master on-suite bathroom / dishwasher / laundry room

I also have a nice rooftop to dry clothes and hang out on and there is a large yard with a garden, palm trees, benches, a swing and a couple of cats and dogs.

more photos will be coming…now that i have found the only internet place in the city where you actually connect a usb :)