I hate to fly and I was feeling very nervous on our way to Paris and even more nervous as we flew over the Caspian Sea and we had So Much turbulence! I thought maybe we would crash. But we didn’t!
We found our name sign and driver after a Long search and were worried. Our luggage would not fit into his tiny car – but it did. After a 40 minute drive thru highways we made it to Sharon’s apt. A 3 flight walk up with emerald marble! We were captivated by Sharon and her decor of Indian puppets, masks, sculptures and mirrored pillows. We were grateful to find our own bedroom- with bath and ceiling fan- no AC- and slept Great.
The next morning I awoke with a sense of gloom– was I ready to meet India- in the daylight? Was I capable of living this exotic trip at my advanced age?? Do I have it in me?? I heard dogs barking out on the street and I was feeling afraid to look out the window! Would it be dusty and dirty or would there be parrots in the trees? Also my back was hurting and I hate that. I should have come to India 20 years ago!
I found my way to the charming dining area and was greeted by a cup of coffee! Then I proceeded to roll out my yoga mat and do my Ashtanga practice. Sharon’s 97 yr old mother watched from the couch and she cheered me on- applauding for every move I made!!!
There was a lovely rice- veggie lunch and two events that we went with Sharon to. First, her driver took us to an elegant home of the Danish Ambassador for a book launch and performance by Austic children. Because we were with Sharon we too were photographed by the press- then off to the Habitat Center – a cultural landmark where we heard a talk by a Monk – on Emptiness-Delighting in doing Good things- The best way to take care of yourself is by getting rid of negative emotions-
Our second day I did my yoga , walked around the park with Allynn and he did balloons for a family out enjoying the sunshine! We had a late afternoon pickup by a driver or one of Sharon’s friends who has created a school to teach performing arts to Gypsy slum children! We met with this Amazing Dutch woman in a empty shopping mall after a 40 minute Harrowing drive thru mad traffic- I had to close my eyes- Her hope is that Allynn can teach her kids balloon making and I can design a stilt costume–and we made a meeting for 2 days from now- meanwhile, when we left To go home, She told us our driver would be taking her home- in the opposite direction- and did we want to try a rickshaw? I said no thank you- I would prefer a taxi but I was certain that just any taxi driver would Never find Sharon’s place! I had no idea where we had come from- how could I direct Them? I was Furious and trying not to Panic! Our second day in Delhi and we were put on a limb- wonder of wonders, we made it back , with some asking for help by the driver. Yes, I am pissed at that lady and need to know that when we return on Monday the same driver brings us back- We are green behind the ears- We had a quick stop today at the Craft Museum and will return there tomorrow- breathtaking- So long for now to our wonderful friends and family- I can’t believe I am typing this all with my thumb on my I phone – Thanks to Eve for showing me how and setting this up for us !! Namaste Annie
