Lush

We discover ourselves ....

...Feasting on lush coconuts, taking walks down the trash strewn bumpy pot-holed streets bedecked with little brightly painted houses (my favorite color combination is lime green with vibrant orange trim), drinking black chai tea, and finding new Indian snacks, such as lightly salted wheat crackers, dates, sweet coconut candy mixed with jaggerey, and masala potato chips.

...Spending too much time in the blaring noon day sun and fiercely applying aloe to our scorched backs and feet,wondering what day it is-- it is easy to lose track here. Going on a spontaneous trip to Varkala with two new friends(Jennifer and Vishuanot), and being badgered by men trying to sell drums who won't take no for an answer. Waiting in the filthy train stations at night, and accidentally getting on the wrong train, and finally finding the right one. Taking fast rickshaw rides from Karunagappali to Amritapuri. Buying copious amounts of bottled water.

...Making many new friends from around the world( India, USA, Denmark, Germany, Russia, Romania, Australia, France, and England). Having heated discussions about the life choices of Michael Jackson with our garrulous friend Romina. Listening to the chirping geckos lazily laying on our ceiling, walls, and windowsills. Enjoying the torrential downpours and longing to puddle splash and frolic but knowing better. (It is easy to procure worms from the wet ground.)

... Learning how to pronounce words in Sanskrit. Singing from Amma's Bhajan books and having zero inhibitions to bust out a tune in public. Observing men ferrying woman across the river in narrow wooden boats. Finding dead fish on the seashore. Feeling uncomfortable when men gawk at Adam's lip ring and our white skin. Feeling good when woman smile at us and ask our names. Becoming embarrassed when accidentally responding to an Aussie in an Australian accent. I think I said, "Me's good on Sunday morning."

...Going up and down to and from our room in the unreliable elevator that is consistently losing power. (I don't relish the idea of being crammed in a small space with 8 people for 30 plus minutes while someone rescues us. Thankfully this hasn't happened, yet. ) Watching Pujas take place in the Kalari( Amma's house from childhood; the first place she gave darshan).Taking Ayurveda medicine for digestion, back pain and the nerves--the most foul tasting medicine I have ever swallowed. Thinking about family and friends so far away at home and wondering what they are up to.

...Swimming in the warm, salty , rough Arabian Sea. Surprisingly having no cravings for food from home. Finding ourselves completely accustomed to the replacement of hello, goodbye, thank you and excuse me with the words Namah Shivaya. Itching mosquito bites on our shins and toes. Enjoying the days when we have capricious weather; one minute is is unbearably hot with no breeze, and the next it is windy with loads of rain. Finally, looking forward to 4 more weeks of doing seva, bhajans, pujas, the beach, the rain, the sun, the moon, holy water, smiling faces, and all the smells and sights of this corner of Kerala, India.

-Eva