I was glad my alarm worked and it woke me up at 5:45 so I could get to the 6:15 class. Allynn was on his way to his gym and I was glad he was walking me in the dark to the Shala. I had just read a notice posted on a tree outside the Shala stating recent harassment to women yoga students has become a problem and be sure to walk together in groups. As we got close to the Shala, Allynn remarked “odd there are no yogis around.” And I wondered if I’d gotten the timing wrong. But once inside the gate I saw all the shoes. And I took mine off and walked up the cool red tile steps and in the door. Inside, in the entry way was a yogi on his mat in child’s pose and the manager guy who never smiles pointed to a spot next to him where I could put my mat. And I realized the Shala was full of yoga students already and I was late. Three more people arrived and we had our own space for yoga in the hall which was facing the Shala room and I thought it was nice to be there on the cool marble floor, partially out of view of the teacher.
Then the class began and it was hot and very quickly I was a puddle of sweat. The teacher was Saraswathi.
And we were doing all the jump backs- between each side of every pose- which I haven’t been doing on my own. So I was dying and there are a few poses I have stopped doing which I was faced with and had a hard time doing ( lotus shoulder stand with hands holding knees which I never got) . Then finally it was over. I rolled up my mat and went out, seeing the next crowd outside, eagerly waiting to get in for the next class. During the class I noticed a couple in my little alcove not doing the poses; hanging out, basically, just watching. I thought they had the perfect spot because they were really hidden, completely out of view of the teacher, who is walking around the room, verbally correcting people. There were no assistants; I guess it was too crowded. And I was thinking how I felt lucky to be there- as space was really at a premium.
Back to my hotel my “bed coffee” arrived at my door soon after I did . A welcome sight but the size of the cups are like doll cups! Irritatingly tiny! And as I drink it I am picturing the vente size cups at Starbucks – what are these people here thinking?
And I don’t have the nerve to ask for another- it is free – maybe I will – tomorrow. After a great nap where I felt like I’d just run a marathon – I could feel my heart still beating in my chest, we walked down the hill into the lovely sunny Sunday and had Indian breakfast with masala tea. It consists of a crispy crepe with some cooked chunks of potatoes inside and 2 kinds of dipping sauce.
And you get to use your fingers, tear it apart , and play with your food. No utensils are given.
After an hour there our fruit boy showed up. 
Allynn made some balloons for him and then we walked a bit, marveling at the creative architecture in the buildings we see everywhere.
There seems to be no lack of unusual ideas about how to design buildings here. Looks like there are no restrictions on colors, size – the buildings sometimes are right next to each other and most are surrounded by an enclosure – fencing or a wall and a gate at the driveway.
It’s a lot like Mexico as far as the variety of colors go. And a lot of it reminds me of a Frank Loyd Wright fantasy or nightmare. The wrought iron decor is mind boggling and people take great pride in dolling up their homes.
Onto the next coffee shop, Allynn ran into s friend from the Green Hotel, I wrote in my notebook and waited for my doll sized coffee. Which brings up another challenge here is the waiting game. When you place your order for coffee it might be 20 minutes before it arrives. And that is pretty much standard here. That is just how it is. There is nothing to be done about it.
We bought a bundle of fruit and carried it back to our hotel . Time for another nap. I have my transformational healing session in 2 hours. Better rest up for it.
– bye – see you later! Annie