Two weeks in McLeodganj, three weeks in India….what can I say, every day is an adventure.  This has been another interesting week, at least every other day I’m ready to leave this dirty little town to get back to my kitties and sweetie…but, it’s been a great learning experience. The views of the mountains are stunning, I have to say.

Last Sunday (day off), a small group of us walked up to Bhagsu to see an interesting Siva temple and waterfall.  This area is the newlywed capital of India, newlywed Indian couples were everywhere.  We also passed a public swimming pool!  Of course, there were no women in the pool and if there were, they would be wearing all of their clothes (seriously).  The waterfall was amazing, everyone (mostly monks) was out washing their clothes in the streams and having a swim.  On the steep road up, we passed a mountain man, goats, monkeys and many tourists. Coming back, we took an auto-rickshaw…now that was a fun and BUMPY ride!!!

New food for the week?  Samosa (fried potato empanda with spices), Bhagsu cake (chocolate, caramel wafer-like cake), dosa (rice crepe) and monk tea (I think it’s tea with milk and cinnamon).  Still not eating any fruits and veggies – after being sick last week…and the “W” incident, just not going there.  I’m really, really sick of bread though.

Class has been quite interesting…I am learning more yoga philosophy than I ever thought existed (and we’re just touching a little on everything). This week we learned how to use the neti pot…now that was something else I never thought I’d do, but it wasn’t bad. For the neti lesson, we were taken to a mountain top with a wonderful view of the valley, and sun rising (we’re in the western Himalayas)….we started off with our Sun Salutation practice then the whole neti procedure. It was really a nice day – we then hiked down….However, I haven’t yet been able to duplicate the neti practice on my own…haha!
Other exeperiences in class – a whole yoga practice of “humming” yoga – now that was HARD and so funny….especially when we were doing cat and tiger…{“meow”}. Also learning all about Bundras, Mudras, Koshas….still a little confused on these, and I better start studying….
The program is challenging just due to the volume of work in such a short time, but I’m really enjoying it.
Tomorrow is my first teaching practical and our mid-term exam is Thursday…then I think we teach again the last week and have our final. We will be here for the Festival of Lights (the last week), which is India’s version of Christmas, so we’re having a party…I’m suggesting “Secret Santa”…haha!
From here on out, I will probably be posting most of my details from home, just because I need Sunday to study and sight see…..I pretty much know this town inside and out, now! haha…But, so tired of the noise, aggression and pollution…..(It’s so interesting to see monkeys among everything else every once and awhile.)

Other tidbits:
If you’re coming to India, keep your fingernails short, you eat a lot with your hands and napkins and TP are limited.

I have many new bug friends in my room – Mr. Centipede has joined in on the fun.