OMMMMMMMM!

Early morning is my favorite time of day, and it is no different here in Varanasi. OM is the primordial sound of the universe, and when describing early morning here it is the OM starting at the navel or center of the city and working upwards through the chakras to emerge, and erupt at the Holy Ganges.

Sunrise on the Ganges

 

Boats on the Ganges



Preparation for Evening Services

 

Women Bathing in the Ganges

The sun begins to rise on the far banks of the river, and the linga continues to stretch towards me. I watch the river and all those on its shores slowly awake to begin a new day...a day of life and a day of death; a day of all that life brings to us if we are here in the moment to take it all in. We internalize each sensation, and make them ours. OMmmmm.......

Crematorium on the Ganges



Daily Photos - Celebrations

Happy, Happy Birthday to Yeardley

Rex on the Road to Fort Cochin

Wishing Julie luck before her Kathakali dance performance.

Mumbai - Holy Smokes!

We arrive in Mumbai a little after midnight. I check the weather on my blackberry and it states 69 degrees and smoke. SMOKE! What does smoke mean? Is something burning? Three perky little pigs whisk through customs and baggage claim eager to see our Toby Sinclair - India guide extraordinaire -  once more. 

Four Little Piggies + Toby: Yeardley Williams, Toby Sinclair, Martha Gaughen, Meg McGriff North & Vicki Upchurch

We carry an 8x10 picture of him to hold up to the awaiting crowd. I cry out, "Has anyone seen this man?" And a wonderful gentleman approaches and with his Indian accent says with excitement "He is over there!" Toby sees us, sees the sign and let's out an exclamation of both joy and chagrin. I can tell he is thinking, "Here we go again!"

Gateway to India across from Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai

Meg & Martha sandalwood facial. Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

We are back in India and so thrilled to be here. There is no smoke but there is the smell of sandalwood incense. Yes we are back in India where all the senses are brought to max overdrive. The smells, the sounds, the texture of all that is India wash over you every minute of everyday.


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