Wrapping up India

My India trip is wrapping up; I'll soon be returning home. I've had an amazing time. My travels through the South were great. I loved being in Kerala - beautiful land and equally lovely people. Highlights include the beach at Varkala and my days in the mountains at Munnar. Varkala is perched on top of cliffs overlooking the ocean. While there I stayed at the Cliff Lounge Guest House, www.clifflounge.com, run by Manoj & Malin. It's a very easy and relaxed place, great for a few days or longer of R&R. And I so enjoyed getting to know Manoj and Malin; I will certainly make an effort to visit again. The hill station, Munnar, is cool and beautiful. Although it rained every day, I was happy to get out for a soggy walk in the hills, accompanied by my young friend Babu.

I made a brief stop in Aurangabad to visit the caves at Ajanta and Ellora. These are early Buddhist and Hindu painted and carved caves. Getting to see the art there was my own personal pilgrimage. From there, it was back to Ahmedabad and my friends at Darpana.


Last weekend was Holi, a festival of color. All day long people sprinkle colored powder on each other and throw water. I confess that I'm still not really sure what it's all about, but it was fun to experience it. I played Holi with all the children in the neighborhood and their mothers. Later, there was more Holi with my friends. My glasses are stained with color - they look like they're still playing Holi.

I've made some very good friends here and am a little sad to be leaving. But I'm anxious to get home and back to my work at Life-Cise. See you soon.

Julie