Road To Mysore

I know I'm a day late but Happy New Years!!! I can't believe that 2004 is over. I think last year has been one of my favorite years. So much has happenned the past year and when I think about it, it just makes me smile. I've decided that I will always be a child but there has been a lot of maturing this past year. I've discovered things about myself I never knew existed. It's been a great journey and I know that the coming year will be even more exciting. I will remember 2004 for two things. The year I walked away from my full time job and the first time I came to Mysore. I'm really glad I did those two things.

Celebrating New Years in Mysore has just been as fun as Christmas. I started my New Years Eve celebration by having dinner at Anu's. I really enjoy the food and the ambience there. I came with Geraldine and joined Arjuna, Yvonna, and Maita for dinner. Most of dinner was spent entertaining Conrad and Huxley(Craig and Stephanie's two young sons). They love climbing up my back and over. I spent most of my time getting both of them on headstand and shoulderstand which they enjoyed doing. Geraldine told me that one day I will be a very good father. I told her, "No, I'm a very good uncle!!!" I enjoy playing with children but when they start crying and throwing tantrums, I'm more than willing to give them back to their parents. Maybe one day, I could be a good father but no today.

After dinner, we headed to Ken's rooftop party. I took a nap earlier in the afternoon so I could make it through the night. The last party, I only lasted till 9PM so the nap was crucial for me to make it till midnight. I spent the night just chillin and hanging out with everybody. I talked to Stan and he told me that Russell(my friend/enemy) wanted to have breakfast with us. When the music started to pick up, I joined the others in the dance floor. I haven't really danced much lately but for some reason I was in the mood and just let go. I danced til midnight and then just greeted everybody a Happy New Year!!! I had a lot of fun but by 12:30AM, I was ready to call it a night.

The following morning, Phil and I scooted our way for breakfast. We met Stan there but Russell was nowhere in sight. Stan said that Russell never came home last night. I had spoken to Russell briefly last night and he had told me he had just come from a private party. He had a very big smile when he said that. We didn't know when or if he would arrive so we decided to have breakfast without him. Breakfast is normally 2 hours, so when we were finished at around 11AM, Russell and Katya arrives. Russell came in with a bigger smile than he had last night. Russell told us after Ken's party, he went to a party in Laksmipuram. According to him, the party involved 30 young Indian men dancing around him fighting for his attention. He loves the "rock star" attention he gets here. The party ended with him waking up in the middle of 30 young Indian men. I thought I had a wild party last night. Now that I think about it, it was pretty lame in comparison. I think my former friend Vincent would have enjoyed Mysore more if he came at the same time Russell does. Russell says that all this is just icing to the ashtanga practice. I'm begining to think it's the other way around.

Later that afternoon, I went to Russell's for "Saturday Afternoon at the Movies". We did our usual nominating the movies but there was already a campaign to watch "Monsoon Wedding". I nominated the movie "Shattered Glass". The movie is about a reporter who becomes famous for writing fradulent reports. Russells says, he loves the movie because we all have a little fraud in us. I partially agreed with that statement but Russell would be more the exception to the rule. To say he has a little fraud is an understatement.

I would have wanted to watch "Shattered Glass" but as expected "Monsoon Wedding" won out. I thought I would fall asleep but to my surprise, I actually enjoyed it. Unlike in prior weeks, I was happy to know that I was not the only one who enjoyed it. It was a very appropriate movie since we're in India and we could easily relate to the movie. During the movie, Russell would not stop telling us that he had a crush with Dubey, one of the dorky characters in the movie. We all thought that the bride's younger brother reminded us of him, thirty five years ago. Russell is pushing 50, looks 80 but still acts like the bride's younger brother.

I told Russell yesterday that Julie took a cheap shot at us for being computer illiterate. We both agreed that she should watch her back:) Julie, we would like to formally welcome you to Blog War 2005. That's a great way to start your New Year(ha ha ha).

After all the hassle and bussle on where to go for the shala closing, we decided to head for Goa. A few days before we were suppose to leave, we were deciding whether to go to Goa or Kovalam. Kovalam seemed exciting and at one point I actually committed to Russell about going with him. Then Russell said that he may stay longer than a week because his friend Noami was only suppose to stay a week but decided to stay for 3 weeks. I later found out that Lino charges 150 euros a week(about $200 US) which was way more than I was willing to pay anyone for a week. For that amount, I expect to be levitating at the end of the week. It's actually more than the shala here. The 12 hour car ride to Kovalam did not seem like something I felt like doing too. I think at the end of a 12 hour car ride, I maybe strangling Russell. So it was Goa.

Phil, Geraldine and I were all set to go to Goa. Unfortunately the day before leaving, Phil got sick so he ended up staying in Mysore. We left Mysore right after practice last Tuesday and took a car to Bangalore so we could catch the 2PM flight to Goa. Everything went smoothly and we arrived in Goa around 5PM, the same day. Geraldine arranged for us to stay at the Purple Valley Retreat Center since she personally knew Roger and Annie who helped us settle in quite nicely.

Goa is nothing like Mysore. We got our first shock when we arranged transportation the following day to go from the retreat center to the yoga drop in center and back(about 10 minute ride one way). The taxi charged us 250 ruppees for such a short distance. I don't remember ever paying that much for such a short distance here in Mysore. We solved that problem quickly that day by getting a scooter which cost us 200 ruppees a day. To put things in proper perspective, I pay about 50 to 60 ruppees a day to rent a scooter here.

Once we got over the price shock, it was time to go about our business. We first checked out the weekly Anjuna Market, which is every Wednesday. It is a must see market. I was pretty impressed with the size of the market, the amount of people and the variety of merchandise being sold. It was also very chaotic and in your face type of a market. Unlike Mysore, Goa is really hot. Something like Philippines hot. Two hours into the market scene, I was just dying to get out of Anjuna. We checked out Anjuna beach but it wasn't too inviting. We decided to join Mia and Jody(from the retreat) in Asvam Beach.

Asvam is about 30 minutes from Anjuna. The beach there was a lot better. There was less people and the beach almost seemed endless. I'd like to say that the beach was great but I grew up in the Philippines so I'm a little spoiled. I'm used to cyrstal clear blue waters which I'm sure Goa didn't have since it's an open sea. Considering that I've been in Mysore for over 3 months, it was nice to be in the beach. I particularly enjoyed the scooter ride from Anjuna to Asvam because it was so scenic and I had a new scooter which had all the power I needed. Maybe one day, I'll get a real motorcycle.

The following days were pretty much the same with a few variation. Yoga at 7AM at the Purple Valley drop in center. Two hour buffet breakfast at the Purple Valley retreat center. Relax and maybe a quick nap. Head to Asvam beach for the day. Scoot home while the sun was setting. Buffet dinner at the Purple Valley Retreat Center. A little socializing with people from the retreat(one night I joined them for drinks at the German Bakery and another night we had a tango dance party). In bed around 10 or 11 and at it again the following day.

I think I enjoyed scootering around Goa the most. Everything in Goa is far apart and there are a lot of scenic stretches. Driving along the beach was my favorite part. The roads are better and there was less traffic. I miss my powerful brand new scooter too. It was worth the 200 ruppees a day I paid.

Since the Purple Valley Drop-in Center was closed yesterday, we decided to drive to Asvam beach around 7AM and walk on the beach. I enjoy walking on the beach as much as I enjoy swimming in it. We were tempted to jump in the water but didn't bring any clothes. We saw some fishing boats come in and watch them pulled the fish from the nets. They were all small fishes. By 9AM, I was ready for breakfast so we headed back to the retreat center.

We headed to the Goa airport around 1:30PM yesterday, left Goa around 5PM(our flight was delayed), got to Bangalore around 6:30PM and got home around 11:30 last night. I enjoyed Goa but I missed Mysore. I'm glad to be home.

I normally get help in Mari B & C but yesterday I was fortunate to get help from A to C. Saraswati stayed with me as I did my vinyasas between sides and postures. While she was helping me out she said, "You leave soon, when do you leave?" I told her I leave Friday next week. She smiled and said, "See you in LA." I smiled back at her and said, "Yes!" Not seeing them in LA is not an option.

In almost 4 months here in Mysore, I have always gotten an average of 3 adjustments per class. The least amount of adjustments I've gotten while I was here is 2 and it's only happened 3 or 4 times. Somebody once asked me, "How do you do it?" It's really simple. First of all, I'm a beginner and I cannot bind in Mari B and C on my own. If you wait patiently and they do expect you to wait. They will come over and help you. I'm guaranteed two adjustments per class. The other random adjustments I get has a lot to do with the fact I've proven to them that I'm here for the long haul. I will be back in September for another 3 to 4 months and hope to come back every year.

Practicing ashtanga in Mysore or anywhere else is not only about getting adjustments or getting into asanas. It's about respecting your teachers, respecting the practice and building a long-term relationship with your teachers. I've noticed that the people that get the most help here have been here for a long time and have been coming back regularly. It's difficult for any teacher to give you any significant help if your practicing with them for only one month(also known as a yoga tourist).

I'm sad to leave but I'm ready. I've been mentally preparing myself for this and I'm looking forward to practicing with Noah and Kimberly. I'm looking forward to going in a real movie theater(stadium seating of course), watching a good movie and eating popcorn(I know that's not the healthiest thing but I want to do it anyway...oh well).

They say that when you come to Mysore for the first time, you bond with the people you arrive with. Last Monday, Anthea left for Kerala and Rhonda(one of the original LA crew) left for LA. Phil, Reema and I are the only ones left. I've meet new friends but my bond with those who have already left is special. We were all newbies together and we learned the ways of Mysore often stumbling together. In the past 3 weeks, Jennifer, Luke and Laura from the LA shala arrived. They're all cool and we've had dinner and breakfast a few times but they're bonding with the people they've arrived with.

Phil was supposed to leave when the shala closes in March but with Rhonda leaving he pulled a quick one and decided to leave on January 18(3 days before me...sneaky bastard). I feel like it's time for me to leave too...8 days and counting.

hi joey…..

S

I just got this email from my former boss. I'm not sure what exactly he means by all this. When I talked to him last month I told him I was looking for part-time work for tax season and was willing to put 40 hours per week. He said he was cool with that and that we would figure out the details later. So I moved my departure date from Mysore 10 days earlier expecting to start work on February 1.

Yesterday I sent him an email just to touch base with him and maybe work out the details. This is the response I got. I guess I don't have work waiting for me after all. It's there if I want it but I think his expecting me to put 50 to 55 hours per week. I responded and said that I would be there for the whole tax season and make sure all my clients needs are served but was hoping to work only 40 hours per week. I also asked him what he exactly means by "giving us your all". I've set my boundaries and I'll know next week if I'm still unemployed.

Yesterday, Sharath announced that there will be 2 led primary classes(5AM & 6:30AM) and one led intermediate class at 8AM. We have a fullhouse. I estimate that there are at least 160 students at the main shala, another 30 or 40 with Sharath and maybe 15 or 20 with Saraswati. There are so many new faces. There are basically 3 groups which practice. The first group starts at 5AM, the second group comes in between 6 to 6:30 and the last group comes in between 7 to 7:30. Earlier this week, I was surprised to see the lobby to be still full when I left the practice floor at around 6:45. I'm so happy I'm in the 5AM slot because I know I don't have to wait for a mat space to open.

This morning, I had breakfast with Phil, Michael, Luke and Laura. Luke(arrived 2 weeks ago) and Laura(arrived a week ago) are both from the LA shala. I recognized Luke when I first met him but never met Laura since she started practicing in the shala only last September. I left LA last August.

During breakfast, I asked Laura if she bumped into Rhonda(still from the LA shala) before she left last Monday. She said, "No but I met Karrie her sister in LA." She continued to say, "Isn't she the one who fell in love with someone here in Mysore?" There was silence after she said that. Phil starts smiling and then I start laughing at Phil. Then Michael, Phil and I start laughing. Luke and Laura were obviously clueless so Laura asks, "What's so funny?" Michael says, "Yeah, that's me".

This morning I had breakfast with Phil, Russell, Stan and Michael at the Green Hotel. It was Phil goodbye breakfast. He left tonight at 7 for Bangalore and is on his way back to London/Jersey(no not New Jersey). I've made a lot of new friends the past two months but Phil is the last of the "original crew". I feel like I've been abandoned...I'm ready to go...3 more days.

Yesterday Russell got into a motorcycle accident. He saw an ant crossing, swerved and flew out of his motorcycle...thank God his motorcycle is alright.

Yesterday I arranged with Shiva for a car to take me to Bangalore. I decided to get an airconditioned Indica instead of the old reliable Ambassador. It was a little more expensive but would be worthwhile since it's a 4 to 5 hour ride, the roads are very dusty and I would be going at noon which could be very hot. Unfortunately, the airconditioner was barely working and it was just too hot for it to sustain it's coolness(not a very good investment). To top it off, we got a flat tire midway and we had to step out of the car and enjoy the sun and the heat. I eventually made it to the airport around 5PM and checked in by 6PM. It was my first leg and I already felt like crap. I don't do very well in the heat and I was sweating on the way to Bangalore.

At 8:30PM, I hopped on Singapore Airlines Flt 429 for Singapore. My main air carrier is Cathay Pacific but since it does not fly out of Bangalore, my travel agent arranged it so I don't have to go through Mumbai(I still hate Mumbai). I've always heard that Singapore Airlines had one of the newest fleets, the best service, wider seats and is more expensive. All the above is true. I was really quite impressed and may consider flying exclusively with them next time. When I got a quote from them last year, it was about 500 dollars more(maybe worth it). The flight was a little over 3 hours and we got in around 3:00AM.

I thought the Hong Kong airport was quite impressive but the Singapore airport is absolutely much better. More reason to fly Singapore Airlines. My flight to Hong Kong didn't leave until 10AM so I wanted to check-in the transit hotel. I was advice to reserve a room a week before I arrive. I should have listened(dumb ass). The rooms were fully book so I had to settle for a 2 hour nap at the nap room which was much lower end. I took a much needed shower and didn't start my nap until 5:30AM since the nap rooms was not was available until then. I had to wait in the lounge for a couple of hours before I could get any horizontal sleep(much needed).

I got up at 7:30AM and took another shower since the next shower I'm going to take won't be until I get to LA(seems like forever). Got my shit together and headed to check-in with Cathay Pacific. We boarded at 10AM and I was instantly reminded on how much nicer the Singapore Airline plane was...much newer, cleaner, wider seats and flat out better. I really should consider flying Singapore Airlines. It was another 3 hour flight to Hong Kong and I got in around 2PM. I've been travelling for about 24 hours already and I'm just completely exhausted...it's not even funny anymore. Again, I'm reminded on how much nicer the Singapore airport is...oh well.

I'm presently at the Hong Kong airport waiting to get on my last leg to LA. Unfortunately the last leg is the worst leg(damn it). The Hong Kong to LA leg is at least 13 hours(God please help me maintain my sanity...) I have about an hour and a half to kill(what do I do with myself?) I arrive in LA on Saturday around 1PM(Hong Kong is about 12 to 13 hours ahead of LA).

A thought just occurred to me...the "Road to Mysore" officially ends the moment I land at LAX(that about 14 hours from now). I don't think I'll stop blogging though. I just need to think of a new title for my blog. I will officially end this chapter when I'm back and when I have all my thoughts together. Wake me up...I still can't believe this chapter is ending...NOOOO...Great journey though. I think my next journey will be better...

I must have been really tired when I wrote my last entry because I was off the mark on a few things I said. First of all, the time difference between LA & Hong Kong is 15 or 16 hours not 12 hours(changes when we go into daylight savings time). Second, the last leg from Hong Kong to LA is only over 11 hours not 13 hours(still a long flight). I think there was one more thing I said which was wrong but I forgot.

The flight from Hong Kong to LA wasn't as bad as I expected. I was relatively relaxed and spent most of my time reading and watching a few movies. I got about 3 hours of sleep in the plane but in one hour increments. I was really lucky on this trip because there was only one empty seat on the whole plane and it was next to me. I had an isle seat so nobody was sitting beside me in either side...sweet. How lucky can you be?

I arrived in LA around 1PM yesterday and got through customs and immigration pretty quickly. It was the first time I arrived in the US as US citizen so it was pretty sweet to get out of the airport quickly. They didn't even open my bags which they usually do and the lines weren't too long. My brother picked me up and we went straight to my friend's house in Rancho Caucamonga and picked up my car. It was strange driving for the first time in a long time. It's weird driving on the right side of the road. Also weird to drive on roads without pot holes. I glad to be back:)...for now anyway. Drove straight to my brother's house in Orange, CA where I will be camping out for the next 2 days or so.

By 7PM, I was already feeling the jetlag but forced myself to stay up. By 9PM, I thought it would be safe to fall asleep...big mistake. I was hoping to wake up around 5AM instead, I was wide awake by 1:30AM. Tried to get back to sleep...didn't happen. My rythm is really off. I feel lost and disoriented...

Headed to the LA shala around 7:45AM and got there by 8:30(normally take an hour but there was no traffic). I was happy to see my teachers and the LA crew(saw only Shannon and George, I'm sure I'll see the rest of them in the next few days). I felt lost in my practice this morning. It was strange to have so much space between mats, practicing with heaters on and on wood floors. Considering it was first practice back and I'm still jetlagged..I shouldn't complain. Chatted with Noah, Kimberly, Shannon and other yoga students after class. I was tempted to join Noah & Kimberly for some Thai food but I desperately wanted and needed a good salad. Headed to Whole Foods for that. It's hard to believe that salad could taste so good. After eating mostly cooked and mashed vegetables, my body was craving for some raw vegetables...it really hit the spot.

This afternoon, I watched my first football game of the season with a friend. When I left for Mysore last year one of my biggest concern was missing football season and my Miami Dolphins. I'm so happy I was in Mysore last year for football season because the Dolphins were 4-12(4 wins and 12 losses). I would have been pulling my hair every Sunday. Today's games we blowout. I don't know why I waste my time.

I thought my transition here in LA would be easy. I was wrong. Words to describe how I've been feeling since I got back...lost, disoriented, spaced out, weird, confused, strange, overwhelmed and out of place. Rhonda told me she felt weird the first week she arrived but felt better a week after. Noah said I should feel normal after 3 weeks(I don't have 3 weeks to feel normal). My friend Graeme sent me an email to describe how he felt when he first arrived...

Read yor recent blog entries and see you touched-down back home in one piece! Glad you got back safely. It's a bit strange being back, huh.... Here's some stuff I emailed anthea about being back in scotland...maybe you'll see some similarities...

Have a good one.
Graeme

I'm glad I'm not alone feeling this way but I need to snap out of it as soon as I can. I was supposed to start work on February 1 but decided to turn down the offer. I've been pushing myself to get ready and I think it's backfired at me. Mysore has taught me how to slow down but didn't teach me how to turn on the switch. I was ready to leave Mysore but I guess I was not ready to be in LA.

Last Tuesday I got to bed at around 10PM, hoping I could be awake by 5 or 6AM. I woke up at 1:30AM and couldn't get back to sleep. By 2:30AM, I didn't know what to do with myself so I decided to drive around the city. I took Santa Monica Blvd, from Silverlake to Santa Monica and took Wilshire from Santa Monica back to Silverlake. I was just so bored and spaced out, I really didn't know why I was driving or where I was heading.

On my way to Santa Monica, I stopped at an IHOP in West Hollywood. At around 3:00AM, I was starving and knew if I ate, I would have to skip practice that morning. I sat at the IHOP feeling like an outsider. It was strange to be sitting there watching people coming from a late night shift. I got home around 4:30AM and managed to get back to bed around 5AM.

In Mysore, if you got one or two errands done in the day, it was time relax and celebrate...bring out the champagne. Since getting back here, I've been doing 5 to 10 errands a day and still have 100 more to do. It never really ends. No wonder there are a lot of crazy people here.

Today I woke up feeling better. Still a little out of place but better. I don't feel totally at home yet. I got to practice this morning around 7AM. I couldn't figure out whose body I was in but managed to force it to start practicing. I started out sluggish but as I got going I felt better. I was happy to see Rhonda, Karrie and Amanda for the first time since coming back. There was no time for coconuts, so I didn't get to talk to any of them. They left before I finished. I'm hoping for a better practice day tomorrow(unless I wake up at 1:30AM again).

Last Tuesday, I moved in Laura's apartment. She's still in Mysore so she let me crash in her place while I look for my own place. She has a sweet apartment in a nice area, a few blocks from the shala. A few buildings away from where she lives, I saw an apartment for rent sign. I called them a couple of days ago and arranged to see it. Since living in Mysore, my standards are not very high, so if the place is half decent, I would take it.

This morning I met up with the property manager at 9AM and checked out the apartment. It was actually better than I expected. It has a lot of closet space, hardwood floors in the living room and carpet in the bedroom. I told the lady I would take it but she found out I was unemployed she got worried. I told her to check out my credit report and she requested copies of my bank statements. I faxed her my bank statements and she later told me I was good to go. I hope to sign the lease later this afternoon and start moving in tomorrow. I'm looking forward to getting everything out of boxes. I think once I settle down I'll feel better about myself.

Yes, today is my birthday. Don't ask how old I am...I don't believe in aging...I stopped counting.

Had a great practice this morning. It was an easy practice. My body felt pretty open. I didn't expect it. Yesterday's practice was the complete opposite. I think I'm feeling a little bit grounded now. Yesterday, I signed the lease for on my new apartment. Knowing that I no longer have to live with all my things in boxes is definitely helping my transition. I feel like I'm slowly moving forward. I also stopped pressuring myself on getting ready for work. I'm taking my time. I told my headhunters I won't be go on any interview until next week. I need to settle down first. I spent the whole day unpacking my things. Not one of my favorite hobbies.

This morning I had breakfast with the original LA crew. After practice, Rhonda, Karrie, Vincent, Shannon and I headed to Brite Spot in Sunset Blvd and a little east of Alvarado. I'm slowly getting acquainted with the area and was happy to find a new good place to have breakfast. Great butterscotch pancakes!!!

The food was great but all of us were dreaming of Tina's fenugreek rotis with tomato chutney, fruit salad, egg or banana dosas, masala chai and badam milk. It was nice to see everyone and just hangout. I've seen Rhonda, Karrie and Shannon during the week but we never really got to talk. In LA, we practice and then rush out of the shala to get to work so we're lucky if we even make any eye contact. It was the first time I saw Vincent since he left Mysore. He's been practicing on his own in Long Beach so he drove all the way to Silverlake to see us. Shannon, Vincent and I brought some of our pictures. We all had a great time in Mysore and our pictures said everything. I miss Mysore already...