Gokalum, the neighborhood in Mysore where I'm staying, feels more familiar by the day. The sounds and smells are not so foreign anymore and I'm not shocked to see a whole family on a single motorcycle (yes: Mom, dad, and two kids!), cows meandering down the road, palm trees full of coconuts, pigs and dogs rooting around in trash, desk chairs for sale on the shoulder of a dirt road, big baskets of flowers on ladies' heads. I know some good places to eat, where to get homemade chocolate, how squeeze four people into the back of a rickshaw, and how to ride sidesaddle on a scooter. India doesn't feel so daunting and I'm ready to see more!
I'm gathering names of places to visit in March and April and I want to manifest some traveling friends. People at the Shala are very friendly and I'm hoping to get to know more of them.
Here are some photos from around Gokalum. Dear Universe, please send me some more excitement!
Julia, I love your writing and your photo's! I love YOU! Mom
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love youuuu!
DeleteJulia - your descriptions and photos are exquisite. I love that you are asking for more adventure as if being in India was not exciting adventure. We enjoy seeing and reading everything. The markets are amazing. Can you cook in your apartment? Have you thought about a care packet?
ReplyDeleteLove to you - Liz and Mark
Thanks! Yes, we recently got a propane stove and a small collection of kitchen things so I am happy to be doing some simple cooking at home. And my friend Virginia just got a blender for the house! Hooray for delicious smoothies!!
DeleteThat picture of the tree that looks like an old lady's wrinkled skin I think is staggeringly beautiful! Also, I want to know more about the painted cobra, because that looks wonderful! India sounds like a dream of an experience to me because of the different sensations it offers than what we Americans are used to speaking of the tones of colors, the flavors, and what people do in how they live their lives (the whole family on a motorcycle, the extensive markets). I'm interested in how you will be traveling in April and March (I don't know your plans). There's a big international community of travelers, like you, who it could be greatly beneficial to connect with. Good luck and love, Julia!
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