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



Kenya

           We have had three days of amazing lodges, camps, and animals as well as new friends. Solio Lodge with its thriving rhino reserve, having started with 16 black and white rhino and now having over 200, was the first of our stops.



White rhino of Solio

            Enasoit Camp managed by Peter and Karen Grubber was our second stop and is located on its own airstrip one hour by car from Nanyuki. The camp is (heaving) with wildlife, so much so that you sit in the camp and all of the elephant, zebra, giraffe, lions and antelopes come to you. They have a pet cheetah named Aarage whose best friend is Aekwa the Samburu dog.



Aarage and Aekwa

Our new friend at Enasoit Camp

Elephants at the salt pond at Enasoit Camp

           Last there is Sirikoi, the newest of the Lewa Conservancy properties. It has been many years since I last visited the Lewa Conservancy and stayed at Wilderness Trails with Will and Emma Craig. This time I'm hosted by Sue Roberts at her property called Sirikoi. What a treat I had in store in this little oasis in the bush -- the love Willie and Sue have poured into this property is obvious at every turn. The flowers from Sue's garden are everywhere and every meal is a treat. I especially enjoyed watching their animal orphans which include cheetah, giraffe and water buffalo. Here too the rhino and giraffe are thriving. 

Celebrating my birthday at Sirikoi

           These people are passionate about their country of Kenya, its abundant resources, wildlife and cultures. The last few days I've met up with old friends and made new ones, and I have found that I too am very passionate about the people and this land of Kenya.







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.


M

When Pigs Fly

Thank you for reading my very first blog post! I hope you'll follow my blog and enjoy this little piggies adventures!

When pigs fly it is a special time. No,this is not Vegas. This Little Piggy is in the City of Lights...Paris! Where else can you be with such friends as Patrick, Antoinette and Laurence who make the city come alive for me. I watched a butcher prepare his choice cuts of beef while singing "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley. I ate the best steak tartare I have ever had at Le Stella Bistro, and walked the streets of the left bank with a guide who opened my eyes and heart to all the amazing things that make up this oldest part of Paris. 

It is special when pigs fly and its not about how you get there as much as what you do when you are there. Next stop - INDIA!

Bon Soir Mon Amis,

M