Kerala
Greetings from the Divine land of Kerala! For me there is nothing more rejuvenating for my body and nervous system thenn decompressing and surrendering to the love and healing of Kerala’s Ayurvedic magical treatments and positive spirit. Though I tend to live my life so that I am not depleted and
generally sustain very good Ayurvedic practices that are fortifying and nourishing, I think I forget what my nervous system feels like when completely relaxed.
It’s only been 9 months since I was last here and I am amazed at how quickly my body can store tension and stress. I am reminded how my body, muscles and cells absorb anxiety, tension, and stress. With each day that passes, I can feel myself return back to my natural
state of ease and relaxation; thus, why these treatments are designed to nourish and support the body in a consecutive manner rather then used as simple one-time spa treatment. Here lies the major difference in receivinga randomAbhyanga massage that feels good, to soon thereafter find yourself on the iPhone or Blackberry versus melting into daily rejuvenation in a relaxed setting where your phone does not work!
Pune
My travels to Pune reminded me of the wonders of traveling in India. My strong Pitta nature is
slowly being stripped away until I am just naked in surrender. First stop was Kerala airport. Not
sure why I haven’t learned yet to not question when you’re given an answer that you know doesnot make sense. I was told “no problem, you can carry on liquid – no restrictions”. So happily Idecided to carry on all of the Kerala goodies I purchased – oils, special herbal decoctions, ear andeye drops … you name it I bought it and stuffed into my backpack.Something to note about traveling in Indian airports – they will check your boarding pass at least9 times until you are literally on the plane and in your seat. Sometimes one guard checks yourboarding pass to then pass it to another guard literally 6 inches in distance until it is returnedback to you. And all of this begins at the entry door to the terminal.Layover in Bangalore. Very nice, modern airport. However, not modern enough to have allowed transfer passengers to stay in the secure zone to make a simple plane transfer. Instead you are dumped back in baggage claim and have to find your way back to security to re-enter the airport. You’ve got to be kidding me. Breath out – again.
going crazy snacking on the crumbs left by passengers at the nearby café and NO ONE is the least bit phased. I can’t believe my eyes. There is a woman just sitting at her table with birds all around
her tray and there she sits watching the birds eat (see picture). Hilarious. I quickly think of my mom and how she would be freaking out over the viruses and bacteria these birds are carrying
and everyone is just OK with it. I smile.
I sit down and order some rice because as they say when in Rome … and so I feed the birds (see
video). In all this excitement I glance down and notice the time – Oh crap my flight leaves in 15minutes! I run to the gate – empty. Not a person or agent in sight. I can’t even see the plane.What?? Are you kidding me? Did I just miss my flight feeding the birds? Ridiculous. I glance in the distance and see movement on the other side and quickly walk over. Of course, typical theychanged the gate. All is good. I should know better then to expect the gate to stay the same.I now relax into my seat until I am called to the front of the plane – something is wrong with my
luggage. What? They ask me about some small backpack because it is leaking. What is inside? Isthere some strange chemical as it smells funny - Ayurvedic medicine I say. Oh! They radio downand say OK put it back in the plane. Shit – there go my precious herbs. Back to the seat and quicklyopen one of my new books trying to forget and not worry about the condition of my backpack.Landing in Pune we are greeted by dogs chasing the plane on each side – seriously. Dogs runningalongside the plane - now how did they get through security? Really this is all too bizarre.