Firsts

I must apologise for the delay in up-dating my blog- it's been a challenge getting online at the centre. What with working long hours serving in the kitchen, dining hall and on the household duty (that's cleaning- loos, showers, the dhamma hall), getting up early (first gong goes off at 4am, preparation for brekkie starts at 5.30, servers' brekkie at 7.15 so I need to be up for one of these depending on the rota) and finishing late (servers do loving- kindness meditation with the assistant teachers at 9pm so we don't usually finish until 9.30), I haven't really found time to do much but serve and meditate. You have to learn to pace yourself as a server because it's hard work and there is a bit of fanatic zeal to contend with. I just have to remember to curb my competitive spirit.
So it's my first experience working in a kitchen- we're making meals for 150 people. I generally prepare salads or vegetables and do quite a bit of cleaning. There are some impressive over-sized bowls and other utensils and some great industrial power tools and an amazing oven which seems to be able to read your mind.
It's also my first experience of living in a caravan. All I can say so far is- COLD. And it's only October and the weather has been kind to us. I have my systems in place- hot water bottle shoved up my jumper, hat on at all times, clothes on the radiator 10 mins before I get up etc. I'v been reading a book about a guy who goes to build a log cabin and live out the winter in Alaska so I don't feel I have much to complain about on this score. I like the other caravan features though- it's luxurious and should really be termed a mobile home as it's got three bedrooms and a sizeable living-room. It's the first time I've ever had a 3 bedroom place to myself- Oh the irony!
I will try to share my thoughts and experiences more often now that I've sorted out the technology and ofund some time.
Bhavatu, Sabba, Mangalam (May all of you and all beings be happy)

Farewell beep beep beep

As I write another lump is forming in my throat- I'm surprised at how sad and sentimental I feel about leaving India. It seems to be reminding me of the time so long ago when my family said a tearful farewell to our home in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and Africa. But that was not forever and neither shall this be. I already have plans of how to get back in and stay (student visas seem to be the way to go). I haven't decided what I'll do but various plans are forming up my sleeve- yoga therapy, volunteering, studying and living in an ashram. Funds need to be replensihed first though...Gis a job?

I won't miss beeping outside my window at 11pm and 5am and whenever I'm trying to do meditation. I won't miss frustrated gents staring at my private parts! And I won't miss rickshaw drivers taking me for the wrong kind of ride, in the wrong direction completely, paying more attention to joking around with their mate who appears to be sitting on their knee as they careen round blind corners. I'm just trying to make myself feel better because since yesterday tears have been erupting at the least little thing!

I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends, to offering them all free yoga lessons and massages. I'm feeling pretty excited about bread buns covered in seeds and walks in the countryside and peace and quiet. And I can't describe the sheer bliss at the thought of getting to wear just what I like without fear of offending someone with my breasts!

The last month has flown by in a haze of headstands (I can hold one for 7 minutes now with variations), chanting (my most challenging class on the TTC- not my forte at all!), in-depth philosophy lessons with a brahmin professor (we agreed to disagree on many subjects and he certainly got me thinking!), anatomy and diet and nutrition classes. So I'm now certified to teach beginners' yoga classes although one of the most valuable lessons I learned on the course was that I don't really want to use yoga as a way to earn my daily bread. I'd much rather study and practise it as much as possible and not run the risk of spoiling our wonderful relationship by turning it into a potential cause of stress.

Waterfall

Waterfall like a saddhu's dreadlocks.
Shades of gray and silver.

I can feel your life and spirit
Rushing, falling into
Holy Mother Ganga.

Happy New Year!

We had a nice gathering last night for New Year and the partial lunar eclipse. Yesterday was the first day I didn't make a cake. Nigel Slater's brownies went down well on Christmas Day and carrot and banana cake are proving to be all-time favourites- one young Russian chap ate 4 bits this afternoon. All my muffins were sold before they had cooled down! No idea if I'm making any money though! How do you figure that out?
Been doing a fair few massages and beginning to understand what a physical job it is. It takes a lot of energy physically, mentally and emotionally. I have just met and (half) massaged a French massage teacher. I felt lucky to meet him and he gave me some top tips for my practice. I did a Kalari massage for him which is done with the client on the floor and masseur, using the hands must squat with straight back to work. I have set up a donation system where people can leave something for oil or exchange a massage for a drink or a meal. I like not doing it for money. for now anyway.
After several silly days of me fighting against the will of the barman, I have slotted into his random routine and mood swings! very tricky character not afraid to tell customers where to go if he doesn't like the look of them! Interesting approach. Not sure if I agree with it. But as his boss refuses to do anything about it, I'm finding it difficult to take the whole thing seriously. Business is still very quiet for the time of year and that wind is still blowing and chilly in the evenings. BUt during the day, the sun is out, the sea is blue and quieter and we're feeling hopeful and bright for 2010.

trouble in paradise

I had a sadhu as a customer yesterday who pointed out that Paradise can be pretty tough! Interesting perspective, but with the trouble I'm having with staff and cyclones I'm beginning to see what he's getting at.
Chocolate cookies was all I could manage today due to shortages in staff and ingredients. A bit heavy on the cocoa, i'm afraid. You win some, you lose some. planning a chocolate brownie fest tomorrow. And I have pressies to open thanks to my little sister, who is generous and organised.
Going to midnight mass at the holy family church tonight- having never been in my life, it should be an experience. That is if I can stay awake- not used to this work lark.
Just wishing the wind would stop blowing and I could get some sun-bathing and swimming in. That's what i'm here for after all!
Still can't complain- got some fish on the barbie and the sound of the waves is a constant lullaby.
Happy Christmas one and all.

juggling peanut cookies

my kitchen is very small and there's no sink. it also serves as the bar, cricket stadium and general hang-out zone for the local lads. logistical hell. having said that, i did produce some really not bad peanut cookies at the crack of dawn this morning. only time i get the facilities to myself.
barman still not really speaking to me it appears. could be an issue of territorial insecurity and thus jealousy. or envy? don't really care but trying to create three smoothies and some hot tea took a long time yesterday with us getting in each others way. communication and negotiation key at the moment if we are to avoid full-on battle. i'll get my thinking cap on...
weather still very windy and noone ventures to the beach in a sand-storm. bad news for business. new project is going out for dinner 2 or 3 times a week to check out the competition. went to a nice place last night- Shanti Cafe- on the beach, nice food, friendly, terrible music, not very cosy. met some fellow 'christians' who i may spend some of chrimbo with.

back at the Bob...

Yo! back at the Bob, lots of rain then the sun came out and stuff dried out and we oepned the cafe. Day 2 and things are going well- bought my gas oven and lots of kitchen equipment for my cake-making enterprise the other day, oven connected today, first espressos served. chaos today- a banana pancake which took an hour and a half! then she didn't like it! how i smiled!
bar man disappeared for 24 hours yesterday evening for an undisclosed reason. Mint! wasn't a problem as we all mucked in. first night though with a bunch of lovely drunk people, one with a guitar and a nice voice. trying to follow the rules of Shithead on a quantityof cheap rum! Nice!
exhausted last night. it felt good to be tired from hard work. i've been up and down those stairs 50 times today.
swimming this morning. yoga tomorrow. can't complain!
feels weird that chrimbo is upon us again. i'll be going to midnight mass at the very busy holy family church. did some carol-singing with the boys and men from the choir. 5 am. coffee and biscuits provided by good christians en route!
attempting some tamil. waNa cam is hello. how are you?