Dayna's Big India Adventure

Holi Muli....Jaipur

2009-03-16T21:54:00.002+05:30

   Dayna holi'ed out during Holi festival in Jaipur
   Elephant festival in Jaipur

   Our hotel in Pushkar

2009-03-16T21:47:00.002+05:30

   me and the camels....and mobile
   our hotel that was built into the fort--amazing!

   me and cara in jasilmer in hotel
   cara and dayna jodphur hotel

finally some photos....udaipur

2009-03-16T21:39:00.008+05:30

   jain temple   street guys
   rooftop b-day part for paul
   paul's haveli where we stayed.. our morning bkfst spot
   an indian wedding!!

I'm alive and well!!!

2009-03-09T14:00:00.002+05:30

Hi Everyone!!!
I know, it's been forever since I've blogged!!! I haven't had many opportunities to use my computer the past 2 wks...and blogging at a crowded internet cafe just isn't very inspiring to me...hence the delay. However, I am using a public computer now---but I decided better just to send a quick update now and will hopefully have a chance in the near future for a "proper" blog with photos and all!
OK...so here is where Cara and I have been thus far:
Udaipur--loved it! Stayed with my friend Paul in his restored Haveli and had a very "artsy insider" udaipur experience (we even threw him a b-day dinner party on his rooftop (I am grateful Cara is still speaking with me...more on the cooking challenges in future blog)

Jodphur-Didn't love it, however had amazing shopping...so that "upped" the like factor for sure!!!Also connected with a couple that Paul is friends with and had a fab dinner at their beyond amazing "compund"!!

Jasilmer-Loved it! A stunning old fort town near Pakistan border. We stayed in a really beautifully renovated small hotel in the fort which was very special

Back to Jodphur for 3 nights and splurged at a 5 star hotel that really had 2 star service--but hey, the beds and shower were awesome...and I got to lye out by the pool one day...heavenly!

Pushkar (where I am now)-Really like it! A small "Holy" town that has a very laid back vibe..and again, good shopping. Stayed at a really cool little hotel that is the perfect place to just chill and relax. Oh yeah, apparently there is an Israeli community nearby so tons of Israeli food--had an incredible falafel pita yesterday with french fries inside--yum!!
Now we are waiting to get picked up to go to the train station (happy to report we have 1st class a/c tickets) for our next destination....Jaipur! Tomorrow we will be attending the Elephant festival (apparently they are all brightly painted, etc..) . Then we were invited to a friend's family's house to celebrate Holi--which is a huge day in India to celebrate the festival of color. We were told to only wear clothes that we wouldn't mind getting ruined because everyone throws colored powder paints at everyone--shld be an experience for sure!!!
Well that is the very edited version of my life since Feb 22nd.
Love to everyone!

Namaste,
Dayna

Mumbai Madness

2009-02-21T19:44:00.005+05:30

Well I am here in the land of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. And let me tell you, the movie definitely accurately depicts life here in Mumbai for so many people! As I was in the plane landing looking down on the city there was not one inch of empty land to be seen!!

Unfortunately (or possibly fortunately) I am only here for a very brief stop over and will not have the chance to really get a feel for the city. I am staying in the old part of Bombay called the Fort Area. I am happy to report I have managed to book a decent hotel...no moving (well, I did change rooms, but don't really think that counts). My hotel has wi-fi, so I have spent a huge chunk of time skype-ing with everyone...which of course I love (I so don't understand how it's totally free)!

Today i spent most of my time in a very posh suburb of Mumbia called Bhandra. I had a Dr's appt and that was where his "clinic" was. It took about 1 hr to get there in an a/c cab and cost $5! And get this......the entire bill for the appt and sonogram was 1600 rps (about $31)!!!! That is less than my co payments at home!!! Hmmm....I am thinkin' there is a major racket going on with the American health care system (not that i didn't think it before, but this really solidifies my view)!!

Did a bit of browsing around the market area and bought 2 really cool leather/turquoise handmade bracelets for $1.25 each. The combination of 4 months traveling and limited luggage space (not to mention how much you get hassled) has made me become super selective in my purchases...so I must say whatever I do end up buying ends up being pretty fab:-)

It's now Sunday am..

I had a great night sleep and am taking full advantage of my wi-fi and comfy room (just ordered room service for bkfst). I leave for the airport around 3pm.....so only have a few hrs today to explore the city. Am in search of slippers of all things! Mine are totally trashed due to the cow-dung flooring from YogaMagic---yuck!

I am super excited to be meeting up with my friend Cara tonight in Udaipur!!!!! She decided pretty last minute to join me in India for a month---yippie!!!! We will be staying at my new friend Paul's house for a few nights (which from the pictures I've seen looks fabulous.....it was just shot for Elle Decor UK)!!!!

Namaste,

Dayna

more yogamagic pics

2009-02-17T17:03:00.006+05:30

Entrance

where everyone eats breakfast and hangsout.....

Camping luxury style....

2009-02-17T16:57:00.004+05:30

   My ECO-composite "thrown" (aka toilet)
   table inside my tent
   my sink
   daybed in my dressingroom
   my bed in the tent(room behind is open ceiling dressing room, then behind that open air bathroom

Goin' Goan Style....

2009-02-16T14:04:00.000+05:30

Greetings from Goa!

So the journey continues! After a long 12 hr overnite train from kerela, I finally arrived to the sunny infamous land of laid back, hippie,and free love (think 60's era with a twist of spirituality and style). And what better way to welcome me than my hotel throwing a "trance " valentines day party! Yes, upon arrival i was greeted by saying there was going to be a "white" party that evening with 200 people!! The only info I was given that white wardrobe was mandatory!

Ugh, I didn't have many options (white not being the most practical color to bring on a 4 month trip), wishing it could have been a black party I would have been set! Not to mention, this party was supposed to be "THE" party of the season with a very exclusive invite only guest list! So I managed to put together something halfway decent (luckily accessories didn't fall under the color mandate) and was ready to experience the "trance" party that I have heard so much about. Just to be clear...the owners of YogaMagic (where I am staying) are a young hip british couple and most of the guests at the party were europeans that spend the season every year in Goa (think Ibiza with a more hippy. spiritual vibe).

All I can say is "WOW"!!!!!!! I felt like I was watching a movie or something. The people coming in were all gorgeous, scantily dressed, yoga perfect tanned bodies. Yes, a bit intimidating for the "not so fit", white, heavily clothed ( i was wearing a white tank top and white skirt, but that was a lot of clothing compared to most of the women there) american!!

It was truly a fascinating scene to watch!! I was in stimulation overdrive...looking at everything!! Did I mention it was an "alcohol free" party???? However, there where other types of mind altering products going around:-)

So that was the start to my week long experience in Goa.....

Namaste,

Dayna

More elephant pics

2009-02-12T18:06:00.005+05:30

   What a pucker on a her!
   This is the one I rode (i forgot her name), she is 39 yrs old--I told her we both have sun spots:-)
   This is Assana--she is only 3 yrs old!

Elephants, elephants, everywhere....

2009-02-12T17:27:00.003+05:30

Greetings from Fort Kochi, Kerela!

I arrived in Fort Kochi early yesterday and am very happy to report that I am very pleased with my guest house--phew!! It is very basic/simple, but fits two "musts", well maybe 3:-)

-CLEAN

-Hot Water

-in my budget

and as an extra bonus has free wi-fi, a/c and in a totally new building (which i typically don't like, but new in India isn't sometimes such a bad thing unless you have a big budget). Not to mention, I finally don't even have to use my own sheets!! All this for 1800 rps per night which is equivalent to appx $40.

Plus, the owner is super hospitable and friendly. He was born here but has been living in London with his wife and children for over 30 yrs and just opened this a few months ago. He even came to dinner with me last night (he has a daughter too and I guess was feeling fatherly to be being alone).

I really like Fort Kochi! Its super quaint and charming...and very easy to navigate. It was once a Portuguese run town, so the architecture is a mix of Portuguese and kerela style...very nice! However, I am told now the Kashmir's and foreigner's have bought up most of the old buildings. It is the cultural center of kerela, so lots of interesting activities, shops, etc. If I did have a larger hotel budget there are some really stunning boutique heritage hotels!! I might splurge and have dinner at one tonight. Hmmmm....perhaps I shldn't of bought 2 tops, 2 pants and had a pair of my favorite pants copied from a tailor in this amazing fabric. Ugh...but everything is such a bargain compared to the US!! I have shown enormous amounts of willpower thus far (with the motivation being that I really don't want more to schleep around)! BUT....when I was on Chennai I sent a parcel to the US as to "lighten my load" (aka...make room for shopping)!!

So this am I got picked up at 6:30am to spend my morning with elephants at a rescue camp about 1.5 hrs away.

Wow...I love elephants!!! They have such an interesting physique about them, they are really playful, smart/good memory (hence, I have the memory of an elephant--which I have happen to have been told plenty of times...which is fine as long as no one says I have the figure of an elephant--tee,hee) and seem very loyal.

I had my own car and driver (for $20 which included elephant ride too). There were about 7 other tourists there, but I was the only one brave enough to attempt to help wash them (well, more of a photo opp I must admit). I was a bit squeamish after I saw them all pooping and pishing right where they were getting bathed--yuck! They get a bath every day at 8am. Their handlers use coconuts to was them.

Afterwards the get their "ayurvedic food"...apparently their dosha's are in balance:-)

It was a really great experience for me..loved it!

Tonight I am going to see a typical Keralan dance performance called Karnakatil--which looks very interesting.

Until tomorrow...

Namaste,

Dayna

Houseboat Heaven....or hell????

2009-02-08T21:44:00.004+05:30

Hello everyone!

Well I left the Ayurveda beach resort this am, and am now on a beautiful houseboat which I have all to myself with a staff of 3! But before I go into details of my day on the houseboat, I will give you an update from my last stay.

The place was stunningly beautiful!! The ayurveda treatments were interesting, but doing the program for 6 days isn't enough time to get my dosha's in balance. Oh well, guess I will have to continue being dosha unbalanced for now. However, i do have super soft skin from the TONS of oil they slather you with, not to mention the relaxed state it puts you in. I also had a rejuvenation massage daily where you lie on a mat totally naked, spread out and they pour hot oil all over you, then the therapist holds onto a rope from the ceiling and begins to rub you down with her feet (Yes, it does sound sort of kinky..)!!! Ok, the combination that I am not very into feet (actually soooo not a foot person), and the hygienic issue--this was one massage I was questioning. However, after i got over my issues, it was really great in a barbaric kind of way:-) And yes, she cleaned her feet in a bowl prior to rubbing them all over me.

On a totally different note, I ended up meeting some really interesting nice people at the resort and ended up having several dinner invitations:-). One of the woman who I totally loved is from the UK and her daughter lives in NYC and is also a fashion stylist! She comes to Manaltheeram every year (along with many other people)--so I had dinner with her a few times. My last day i also met a nice older couple from the UK. They live part-time in Israel. So if I ever get to Israel I apparently have a place to stay:-)

OK...yes, I had bug issues here too!!! I actually had a scorpion on my balcony!!! The first night I saw it I called up the front desk explaining what it looked like because i have never seen a real one before--but have seen pictures and they are very distinct looking!! They sent someone up and he couldn't find it anywhere! Did I mention it is 10:30pm, of course always the time I spot the bugs so I can't go to sleep--ugh! Again, another sleeping pill is in order.....

So it seems to me that is very clear that whatever it is you fear, or think about somehow comes to you! In my case....BUGS!!!

Which brings me to the houseboat.....I am getting swamped by mosquito's---yikes!!!!! The sun is down and the chef is cooking my dinner and it smells great!

OK--gotta shut down my computer--

Well, it is now night time and I have been stuck in my tiny room on the houseboat since 7pm due to the infestation of bugs/mosquito's!!!! Apparently because this houseboat has no a/c or screens anywhere the bugs get too much to be on the deck so they serve dinner on my bed!!!!!

Not only do I have to be couped up in my tiny room, but it's hot as hell because I can't open the windows--they said too many bugs will come in--UGH!!!!

So here I sit in a hot, cramped room sweating my ass off and paying LOTS of money to do so!!! It is now 9:15pm and I have had dinner (0n my bed) and taken a bucket cold shower (which for a change felt good because I am so f*#*ing hot)!!

It's really a shame because the day was so great! Amazing scenery, wonderful lunch and beautiful sunset.

Tomorrow am we dock at 9:00am then I head to my next destination--Fort Kochi.

I just booked the guesthouse the other day, so we shall see what tomorrow has in store....

Namaste,

Dayna

My Ayurveda diagnosis

2009-02-06T21:33:00.004+05:30

Hi Everyone!

Well I am starting day 4 at Manalthheeram Ayurveda resort. But before going into my days, I will give you a VERY brief intro to what Ayurveda means.

It is an ancient science of the study of life (has been around for over 5000 yrs). According to Ayurveda, every living and non-living being in the universe is a combination of earth, water, fire, air and ether. These 5 elements manifest into the body into three categories Vatha, Pitha, and Kapha--which are called Doshas (not to be confused with dosa's..which are tasty crepe like snacks).

The goal of the treatment is to have all of your Dosha's in balance to lead a healthy life both physically, mentally and spiritually.

I was diagnosed mostly Vatha (apparently the cause to my dry hair and skin), with a bit of Pitha. I was also given a diet of food choices that they suggest I follow.

So last night I ate Vegetable Kofta (mashed veggies/potatoes in a thick creamy sauce), chappatis with butter and cream of tomato soup!! I don't know about this diet...I have a feeling I am going to end up gaining weight on this plan (hello, didn't they see my thighs)????

Later today I am meeting with an astrologer who has already done my chart. I had to give him my bday, place and exact time of my birth ugh, I hope that i really was born on 12:18pm (hoping that give or take ten minutes won't change the entire details of my future:-)

And finally, I have included some pics of where I am staying...truly beautiful!

Namaste,

Dayna

Here we go again....

2009-02-05T21:57:00.002+05:30

Hello Everyone!

Hope you all are staying warm over there (I'm not even going to mention the temp here)!!

I am now in the south western state of Kerela, their tag line is "God's Own Country" (which God is yet to be determined since they pray to sooo many)!! It's amazingly beautiful, the setting from my hotel is truly straight from a postcard!

However, it didn't all start off that way......

Tuesday Feb 3rd I land at the airport and immediately meet my driver who proceeds to take me to the ayuervedic hotel (which I have been looking forward to for months, not to mention the hrs I spent on the web searching for the PERFECT one)!! As we drive, we pass so many billboards with pics of beautiful resorts, but don't see any for mine (which, am happy about..afterall, I am looking for the "authentic" ayurvedic experience)!!

As soon as we pull into the place my mind goes immediately to those beautiful billboards..wishing I was staying there! So here I go again, not happy with my choice (yikes, could this be a reoccurring theme in my life) and want to switch hotels! But hey, I am in India trying to open my mind...I decide to stay one day and see how it goes.

I wake up early the next day for Yoga. I meet a wonderful woman who must have sensed I was unhappy with the hotel (I don't know how because I was quiet the whole time). She told me she was staying at a fabulous resort down the road right on the beach and invited me if I wanted to see it! So hesitantly I decide to go (hey, the world works in weird ways)....

WOW...as soon as I entered the gates and saw the arabian sea and the bungalows all around I decided I MUST stay here!!! Immediately I walked with a skip to the reception and they had one room available! Ok, yet again, another "Splurge"--but hey, I am in God's country...and staying at a place that isn't even fit for a (hmm, can't think of what is the equivalent to bottom of the God chain, but you catch my drift).

Now the challenge was to get out of my reservation at the ungodly place I was staying at! I had made the reservation months before and had given them a 100 euro deposit. Miraculously after much trepidation on the hotels behalf (and an extra 50 euro on my end), they let me out of my ressie!!

Yippie...Arabian sea and cute bungalows here I come!!!!

More photos....

2009-02-01T09:24:00.004+05:30

Some bracelets that we made....

Apparently this cow is a papertarian.....

The path of Enlightenment....

2009-01-29T21:16:00.003+05:30

Hello Everyone!

I am currently in a town called Tiruvannamalai--which is one of the holiest cities in Tamil Nadu (as stated in a previous blog). It has one of the largest temples called Arunachala Temple--which is dedicated to Siva--God of Fire (there are soooo many God's that people worship here...it's mind blowing). Last night I visited the temple and was even given a tour by one of the women in the program that I'm volunteering at. The women's name is Sumahti--and she is the sweetest, warmest and kind person!!! She was so happy to take me into all the shrines and have me be blesses by various priests who smeared ash across my forehead and smudged bindi's between my eye's. After an hour into the tour, my feet were all itchy from bites (no shoes allowed), my bladder was about to burst (yet another challenge in india--staying hydrated while trying to minimize the number of times to use the toilet) and a growling stomach (I barely ate lunch...meals can be a bit tricky for me).

But she was just beemimg with joy so my tour continued from shrine to shrine. Finally, 2 hrs later I treated her to dinner at one of the best restaraunts in town ($25 for 4 people), and we all laughed and enjoyed the food. She managed to tell me in her broken english "sister, you please promise me to come and see me every year".

The other main attraction to this town is a famous ashram called Sri Ramana Maharishi. It attracts a ton of westerners seeking the path to enlightment and spirituality...I suposse. I am very fascinated to see sooooo many westerner's that look like they all live in Venice beach or Woodstock all swarming in this little area--so bizarre!! The Indian woman traveling with us remarked that she feels like she is in a western country...that's how many westerners there are!! I heard someone today refer to it as spiritual Disneyland.

In any case, we were invited to have dinner tonight at the ashram which was an experience in itself!! The meal is free, but you must be invited. Again, no shoes allowed anywhwere. People line up in single file to enter a huge room that has rows and rows of bannana leaves on the ground with a glass and you just go in order and sit on the ground. Then men walk down the aisles with large vessels of food and plop rice, dal, chutney and a veg curry onto the leaf.

Now I am thinking...uh, oh!! I have serious food issues and I am not very good at eating with my hands....this could be interesting!! Well, I did the best I could---but was probably the only person who left food on their leaf.

Ugh...a mouse just ran in front of me..so i need to rap this up (ugh, I am even now in the $25 dollar hotel, as opposed to the $6 a night hotel I was at the other night)!!!

I am including a pic of me eating lunch at the volunteer program from the other day.

Until tomorrow.....

Namaste,

Dayna

The people of RTU

2009-01-28T18:54:00.003+05:30

The artisans looking at all of the products we made during the week

   The "cook" preparing poori's
   man walking
   Two very cool boys.....
   school girls

Pics of me...

2009-01-28T18:44:00.005+05:30

The girls wanted to dress me in a sari, so one of them brought in their b-day sari and had such a fun time putting me in it! They also gave me their jewelery to wear and even did my hair they way they wear there's (apparently the way I wear my hair is only for grannies..ha)!

   me and the kids
   Dayna and Swapna (the woman from IFFAD)
   Dayna with the sweets...yum)!!

Pics of me...

2009-01-28T18:44:00.001+05:30

Pics of me...

2009-01-28T18:44:00.000+05:30

some products I designed

2009-01-28T18:38:00.003+05:30

bracelet made from recycled scrap fabric

another bracelet
recycled fabric tote bag with batik lining

Pictures!!!!

2009-01-28T18:32:00.003+05:30

The area around the guest rooms and foster homes

   My bathroom/shower (yes, that bucket was my shower..)
   The patio to my room
   inside my room

So I just moved to a hotel that has wi-fi in the lobby--yippie!!! I can finally share some photos of my experience during my RTU volunteer week

The Life of a volunteer.....

2009-01-25T18:15:00.002+05:30

Hello Everyone!
So I completed my first week at RTU..which was really a wonderful experience for me in so many ways! Today we arrived at the second NGO called Shantimalai Trust which is located in Trivunumalai...famous for a huge temple and well-known ashram (will give more details on above in next post). It took almost 9 hrs to get here (via 2 separate cars rides and a 5 hr train ride). They had me booked in 2nd class non a/c ----which is basically people, families everywhere--babies swinging in scarfs from the ceiling..people busting out very funky smelling food and just pure chaos!! Luckily, after an hour I was able to upgrade to first class A/C which was much more pleasant! Especially since I only slept for 2 hrs last night--yet, another BUG incident!! This time it dropped from the ceiling right into my nightie--OY!!!!!! And because I didn't have the luxury of taking a sleeping pill because I had to wake at 5:30am...I slept with the light on and barely got any sleep. Then, due to some festival (there is almost always a festival), music started blarring from mega phones at 4am--no joke!!
Anyway, I am now in the new location and have to run back to my very basic hotel room--they are bring me a bucket of hot water at 7pm for my shower. Who knows how clean that water will be...but again, thank god for the doxyclone!!
The Internet cafe is just across from my guest house--so can check emails, post daily--yippie!!!!
Unfortunately my apple laptop doesn't seem to be in sync with their system so cant down;oad photos--hmm???

Hope everyone is well!!
Until tomorrow......
Namaste,
Dayna

Loving my Volunteer work!

2009-01-20T19:28:00.002+05:30

Hello evryone!!

This will have to be a brief update because I only have a few minutes at the internet cafe in the closest town to the village (which isn't so close)!!
As of today I have completed a collection of "recycled" accessories (they are amazing) along with throw pillows, bracelets, robes and bedpreads!! The organization that I am working with is called RTU (reaching the unreached) and it is truly a wonderful socially comitted community that does so much to help the poor and underprivlaged!!!! The people have been so warm and open...and the orphans...ugh, so cute!!! They don't see many westerner's and love to see me and shake my hand, etc! And the Artisians are really excited and open to be working on all of my design ideas...it's so great!!
The living accomadations are sweet...but very basic. I don't have a shower and have to pour cold water over me with a bucket and pitcher!!! Thankfully I have a western toilet! And the mess hall you sit on the floor to eat and everyone uses the same round platters for their food and just rinses them with water (luckily I am taking doxycyclone for anti-malaria, so am counting on that to kill off any funky bacterial germs). The food has been my biggest challenge, but they are going to start to make me eggs for breakfast at least. It is so remote, they can't even get yogurt or museli or papaya, etc.
My day begins at a 6:30 yoga session with Raghu (he is my chaperone from the main fair trade organization I am with), then bkfst at 8am, and in the workshops by 8:30am!!
We brake for luch around 12:30-1:30, then finish around 6pm, have dinner 7:30pm and in bed around 9ish!!!
Gotta run...will hopefully be back in 3 days to blog again!!
Namaste,
Dayna

The train and the Taj....

2009-01-16T23:31:00.002+05:30

   Stairway to heaven....(well, to my room)
   view into my room from my very large balcony (that overlooks the city)
   my lovely room
   and last but not least....the train (these picture are flattering)

More Dune resort...(can you tell I liked it..)???

2009-01-16T23:27:00.000+05:30

Dune Eco Resort

2009-01-16T23:12:00.002+05:30

   THE infamous BUG BATHROOM
   doorway to a bungalow
   They had beds around everywhere to lounge
   My private house and garden
   My porch

Chennai

2009-01-16T23:07:00.002+05:30

room I stayed in at Vee Pee's house (left)

Pondicherry

2009-01-16T23:01:00.004+05:30

Happy Pongal (take two..) From Madurai

2009-01-16T17:36:00.005+05:30

Opps! I pushed the "publish post" by accident!

Hello Everyone!

Well, the adventure continues.......

Yesterday I went to the famous temple Minakshi Sundareshvara (good thing this is written, not audio, have no idea how to pronounce it). In any case, it is a HUGE temple (basically like a gigantic compound) full of corridors, halls, museum and shrines. But before entering, one has to check their Chupas (shoes) waay before you even get to the temple! Yes, that means walking barefoot on the streets of India--eeks! I never thought of myself as a germ-a-phob.....but seems India has certainly brought it out in me (great, another neurosis...)! The temple is unbelievably beautiful--full of colorful ornate figures, drawings, sculptures and shrines. Unfortunately non- hindu's are not permit ed into the inner-sanctuaries (according to my guide, apparently their is a loop hole......just throw on a sari and place a bindi on your forehead..you're in!) I smiled and politely passed. I was in a house of worship... no way was I going to be messing with my kharma these days!!

So it turns out that I"ve hit the jackpot and came during a huge holiday called Pongal.

Pongal is a holiday celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu that symbolizes the harvest. It brings many different types of celebrations...and today I experienced one of them. I attended the Taming of the Bulls, (photos above) which is very different than Bull fighting in many ways:

1) No bulls get killed

2) These bulls are covered with colored rice powder and decorations (think bright polka dots and sparkles)

3) Instead of prominent matadors, visualize unkempt local village men wearing short skirts (forgot the name of them, but all men in southern india wear them) and bare feet

4) The object is for someone to hold onto the bull as long as possible

5) Prizes range from toasters, irons, pots and cots (yes, seems like quite a large risk for such a small prize)

6) Everyone leaves a winner (If the village men can't hold onto the Bull, the bull's owner gets the prize

Tomorrow will be a day of chilling out by the pool and yes, yet another massage:-) I am allowing myself to indulge...for sunday brings 2 weeks of a totally different lifestyle!!

Namaste,

Dayna

PS...will be down loading lots of photos tonight!

Happy Pongal!

2009-01-16T17:35:00.000+05:30

More photos....

2009-01-15T21:19:00.005+05:30

Taj Mahal. The other girl in the pic is Becky...she was also staying at the guest house in Delhi.

Finally....photos!! Here are a few from Old Delhi..more to come!

2009-01-15T21:09:00.000+05:30

Day 15

2009-01-15T12:33:00.004+05:30

Hi Everyone!

I survived my first train ride in India! I went a/c first class sleeper, so in my mind I was thinking not luxury, but not totally nasty. Well, turns out that it was definitely more on the nasty side (Dad, nothing like the overnite train we took to Sicily)! However, I was told that I was very lucky because I didn't have to share my cabin with anyone else (always something to be grateful for)!

Finally, after a 6 hr ride (from 10:30pm-4:30am) I arrived at my destination and even managed to sleep for a few hrs (again, with the help of my own sheets and pillow).

Once I arrived, I found a porter who carried my luggage on his head (I did show him that it had wheels--but he had zero interest in that mode of transport) up and down many stairs!!

And that's when my 5 star experience began! From a distance I spotted my driver who was wearing a chauffeur's hat and white gloves (afterall, I am staying at the TAJ--tee, hee)!!

We arrived at the hotel around 5am, and again, with the amazing help from my travel magazine friends in India--I was given a VIP status and an amazing suite with a HUGE balcony overlooking the famous temples in Madurai. My last hotel was very funky, beachy and nature driven--this is pure luxury!!! I am sure no big bugs here!!!!

When they showed me my room I was so happy, and had the biggest grin ever (they were probably surprised to see a VIP so impressed)! The beds have down duvet covers, high thread count sheets, big flat screen TV and huge marble bathroom..yippie....ahhhhh!!!

So now, after sleeping until 10am, and having a great breakfast I will be going to see the famous temple and palace at 3:30pm with a car and driver.

I have decided to splurge and stay here an extra night (until jan 18th). It might make my transition to my stay at the volunteer accommodations a bit more difficult---but it's a risk I am willing to take:-)

Oh yeah....the rooms have wi-fi!!!! So I will be able to finally skype and ichat the next few days!!!!

And I will also have ample time to try to figure out how to download photos to my blog. If I can't figure it out..perhaps I will do a link to one of those photo sites. Am open to any suggestions!

In conclusion, I might run out of money before April 18th if I keep splurging like this......but it does make traveling by myself much more manageable:-)

Until later....

Namaste,

Dayna

OMG....pinch me, I'm in heaven!!!

2009-01-14T13:56:00.003+05:30

Hello Everyone!!

OK....so I love a nice design hotel and a little luxury:-) I am staying at an amazing eco hotel called dune resort----it is beyond beautiful!!!!!! And.....my new friends at the India travel magazine called, and the hotel totally hooked me up big time!! I am staying in a fabulous house, they did my laundry in 2 hrs, then yes, you guessed it....after a few lazily hours lying by the pool overlooking the beach and drinking lassi's.....I spent 2 hrs at the spa:-) So far it's been the best since I arrived in India--truly an unforgettable experience!! I had 2 people working on me--ahhh, pure bliss!! Afterwards, I had the most delicious dinner in their outdoor pagoda restaurant. Everything here is 100% organic--and many of the products are grown on-site in their farm.

So now for a little humour ......I happily come back to my room feeling so excited to finally have my first night in a luxurious bed with nice linens (i have been using the sheet and pillowcase i brought with me everynight thus far). I go to wash up in the bathroom, i lift up the towel and no joke--a HUGE BLACK BUG at least 4 inches long and 2 inches wide with gold lines on its back jumped out!!!!!!!! OK....at first I totally scream and freak out.....then I just strated to crack up!!!!! Here I am, placing so much importance on how nice my accommodations are---and here is where I find my first bug in India. And not just any bug......I am talking HUGE!!!!! Waaay to huge to kill...the sound would have been more than I could bare. So now I am beginning to panic. It's after 11pm...all the houses are very isolated..and I was too embarrassed to call someone to come. I finally was able to catch it and put a glass and towel over it--PHEW!!! I then decided that a sleeping pill was in order.... So after doing a very thorough bed bug check (and with the help of my sleeping pill, and my sheets....I zonked out).

This am the hotel treated me to a private yoga session with their yoga master---which was great!! Afterwards, had an amazing breakfast...homemade pomegranate yogurt with musli and carrot, cabbage, pineapple ginger fresh juice. I figure I shld take advantage of the healthy food here--because it sooo is not available in most parts of india (or at least that i would feel comfortable eating).

At 8pm I will head off to my overnite train to Madurai at 10:20pm. I have a first class a/c sleeper (which meansthere will be 4 beds in my area). Shld be quite the experience!!!!

Hope everyone is well!!

Until tomorrow.....

Namaste,

Dayna

Get ready for Yogi Dayna.....

2009-01-12T21:34:00.002+05:30

Hello Everyone!

As of this am I have completed my 3rd private yoga class (which is from 8am-9am...). All I can say is that I lost every bit of whatever muscle I had attained during my 6 month workout stint...while on the 2 month "off" stint. I actually thought I was flexible and that it would be easy! Not!!! However, I can definitely see how beneficial it can be and am excited to make it my morning ritual. Luckily for me, the guy that will be my "chaperon" during my 2 weeks of volunteering is a Hatha yoga teacher and said he will teach me every am!! Should be interesting because it will have to be before breakfast which is at 7:30am--yikes!!! Seems there is a very good chance I could be coming back to the USA as a "morning" person!!!

So I have really enjoyed my stay here in Pondicherry!!! It has a huge french influence--I am staying in the French Area which has bougainvillea filled little streets and beautiful old french colonial architecture all with the background of the Bay of Bengal. However, it is still India which makes for a very contrasting city.

Yesterday I decided to become a member of the French Alliance Foundation which is across from my hotel ($4 for one month membership). So last night I saw a film (which was packed with french ex-pats that are now living in Pondi) and then had dinner (just like a typical sun night in NYC).

Today I went to a famous "experimental" community called Auroville. It is a UNESCO global city that began in 1968 that is self-sustained and sole belief is that we are all one, along with some other major philosophies that are really beautiful and inspiring.

Afterwards...yes, you guessed it....another massage!! I was determined to not leave Pondi without a proper Ayurveda massage. So I headed to the Sri Aurobondi Ashram--and Yippie--it was awesome!!!!

Tomorrow I head out to a very cool Eco design resort called Dune Village for the night, then will board an overnight sleeper train to Madurai the eve of Jan 14th (which I am sure will be interesting..hopefully in a good way). I am again splurging....and will stay at the TAJ Garden retreat for 2 nights...yeeess!! Now keep in mind, my "splurging" is $100-$150 per night including bksft and taxes). Oh yeah, I have already accessed a magazine connection (the biggest travel magazine in India) and they have called the Taj to let them know I will be arriving, etc....--YEAH!!

I start my volunteer work on Jan 18-Feb 1. The organization is called IFFAD. I will be working with two different groups on helping design their artisan's products that are better geared to sell in the western markets. I am sure the living quarters will be very simple, but am hoping by then--some of my "yogi-ness" will be starting to settle into my "high maintenance" brain.

Namaste,

Dayna

Greetings from Pondicherry!!

2009-01-10T22:11:00.003+05:30

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I have updated my blog-- seems that Wi-Fi is not readily available, nor internet for that matter (hello...isn't india the second largest tech country after the USA).

OK, so where do I begin????

Let's start with my remaining days in Delhi.....

-went to a fun party with Tarunn and Sanjanay until 4am (and they served a full dinner at 2am)

-went to the Taj Mahal which was beyond amazing!!! I can see why it is one of the 7 wonders of the world!

-got scammed on the street by a shoe polish man that threw a pile of shit on my brand new sneakers (longer story, but will leave it at that)

Chennai:

-stayed with the founder and his family of the organization that I am volunteering with. Even though they were so warm and gracious, they live very sparsely and it was a bit challenging for me with the sleeping arrangements. And the food...let's just say that they made me chicken masala for breakfast the first morning. So I don't want to hear from anyone about my "limited eating" anymore:-)

Which brings us up to date......

Pondicherry:

-Well that started off a bit bumpy. When I arrived to the guest house I had booked online---I hated it!!! Thank goodness Raghu and my driver were with me because we then proceeded to go to 4 or 5 other places and I had to look at everyroom (yes, you all can imagine I'm sure). I am sure they thought I was crazy because all of the places to them probably seemed great...but to me they were all just to budget looking. So I was beginning to have what I think might have been my first anxiety attack--and they felt so bad and were so sweet. At that point I was willing to pay top dollar at the 5 star hotel---but since it's peak season and the weekend everything was completely booked!!! We finally found a very cute heritage hotel--that is a bit dingy, but was the best from what was available. Again, I found myself in need of some sort of comfort and noticed there was a very rustic"spa" directly next to the hotel. They were able to take me straight away for an ayurvedic massage that without a doubt was the most unhygenic massage I ever had and think it made me even more stressed (well, it was only $5 for an hour). However, they did offer private yoga classes for $4 per hour and I signed up for an 8am class.

Gratefully, I woke up feeling much better, and Yoga was a great way to start the day!!

I explored the city all day and FINALLY hit the shops!!! Truly, there is nothing like a bit of shopping to get the spirit rolling again:-)

And after a full day of shopping I stumbled across a nice beauty salon and ended up having my roots done, and have an appt for a mani-pedi tomorrow (ok...I need to allow myself to have some luxury in my life)!!

I have taken lots of pictures but can't figure out how to add them to the blog...

More tomorrow!

Namaste,

Dayna

Day One....Delhi

2009-01-03T12:24:00.002+05:30

Greetings from India!

Okay, day #1 down.....and boy was it interesting. I ventured out to two markets via auto rickshaw (which is a tiny open air 3 wheel motorized buggy). That alone was a crazy experience given the insane traffic and the way people drive here (makes NYC look beyond mellow). The cost was 30 rupiees (and that included a stop at the atm) which equals about 70cents. At first the driver got confused and tried to drop me off at some really scary location...and I kept showing him the address where I wanted to go and I finally got there. However, it wasn't quit the "high-end" shopping experience I was prepared for! So I found myself another auto rickshaw and headed for Khan Market--which is where apparently many ex-pats and diplomats go. That too was surprisingly "overwhelming" to me. Not exactly sure what was to blame, the jet-lag or what was truly anxiety:-) But one thing for sure is that my built- in GPS spa system kicked in ..so magically I found one right away and treated myself to an awesome facial for $12!!!! Naturally that did the trick and put me at ease. Afterwards I was trying to find a restaurant for lunch but to no avail. Everything was "booked" and ended up having to go to some cheesy "western style" restaurant. Did a bit of exploring the shops afterwards...but was just too knackered to really put the effort in to it.

When I got back to the hotel, basically past out and woke up to a lovely veg dinner prepared for me. Anyone that knows me, knows I am not the most adventurous eater (to say the least), but I was a trooper and managed to eat a little of everything (and there were some funky things).

So today I am going to be having lunch and then some shopping with Heidi and Darren's friend Tarunn and his wife--which I am so thrilled about!!

Until later.....

Let The Adventure begin.....

2009-01-02T09:44:00.002+05:30

Happy New Year Everyone!

Well, I made it! So far so good! The plane ride was great (thanks to ambien and going business sure didn't hurt)! And after a few hrs of sleep I am already up and on my 3rd cup of coffee contemplating on what I want to do today. I am thinking to ease my way into the "Delhi experience" and start by checking out some of the high-end shopping centers near the guest house (including a visit to FABIndia--kinda like the TOPSHOP of India). Then afterwards get a massage and some good food. Eleven, (the guest house I am staying at) is for sure much more basic than what i am used to----but it is clean, safe and has a warm, friendly owner that makes up for what it is lacking in the aehstethic department.

Also, I plan on sharing all of my wonderful finds with everyone and will be posting "daily finds". I will be posting pictures of amazing items I come across and will take orders to send to people. The tricky part will be that everything will be offered on a very exclusive, limited time-frame (availible for only 2 days)--so if you see something you will need to place your order asap. I am working on the best method to make this happen....might even be able to take credit card payments via my sister's company. Will keep everyone updated.

Namaste,

Dayna

17 days and counting.......

2008-12-15T09:08:00.003+05:30

Finally have put together a blog...yay!!! So now I can scratch off something from my very long "TO DO" list (only 149 things left...)!

My blog address is daynaspitz.blogspot.com

I will be bringing my laptop to India in the hopes to write in it daily (I know...wishful thinking)!!

My goal is to try to share my experiences with all of you and stay connected on some level. I am feeling very excited, anxious and scared about this journey...OY!!!