Today myself and the guesthouse hostess were in a commercial, shot down by main ghat at 6 am this morning. They had some fellow shave my head on the steps before hand, and then proceeded to argue about price with the producers for 15 min. My line was simple, in response to the question " why have I come to India?" " To see if they really drink the water".
Later back at the hotel we met at to change out of wardrobe, a monkey chased me and a bellboy back into the hotel. But, the bellboy slammed the door shut on me to save his own ass! lol. No worries though, I got in no problem;)
I really love India for so many reasons, but the days it sucks, it really sucks:(
It can be really lonely, as most people see me as a bottomless pocket of rupees only. Always working to overcome the language barrier, even though most know some english, you still have to be really aware of what is being said. Day by day the layers of illusion come away, I've gotten to know a couple of local guys a little. And slowly they let me know the truth of what goes on. The bottom line with all the "holy men", priests in the temples etc, is money. So that bubble burst as I like being in a certain temple, which I may return to anyways just not as often. The big lesson is not to look outside myself, the temple is really are own heart, the incense is our prayers etc.
So I spend my time learning hindi from my teacher, and tomorrow I am going to go and volunteer at the mother Tereasa mission as part of my karma yoga. I think the job they give me is washing laundry by hand, which I like to do. India is one big mirror teaching me always on so many levels. I will return next year, but probably not to a big city again, once I've got hindi under my belt I will spend my time closer to the mountains in the villages. And will practice my yoga there.
It's great to hear that you're learning about the 'true' India and learning to find the only authentic temple is within.
ReplyDeleteLove the posts, please keep them coming.