Two days off

Today (Wednesday) is some special holiday, at least according to Sharath and Guruji, so no yoga today. And tomorrow is a new moon, so, no yoga again. Now that my internal clock seems to have adjusted to being here, I'll try to make the best of these days.

I'm still in temporary housing...I'll have to stop by Shiva's place to see if he's found anything. After that, I'd like to take the scooter to Laxmipuram...where the old shala is. Up until the time the new shala opened, that's where the students lived/ate/shopped, etc. So, I'm going look around. Maybe eat at Aunty's, check out the Kaveri Lodge, and other local favorite spots. Maybe go to a movie...I've been told the theatres are very large, air conditioned, and have incredible sound systems because of the "musical" nature of Bollywood films. Many other students take longer day trips...but there's plenty of time for that later.

More sights/sounds and other things to share. I've notice that in the early morning you'll hear the "cry's" or "chants" coming from locals selling anything from flowers to fruits/vegetables. I don't know this for sure, but it seems that they are just making noise to announce their presence, and to tell what they are selling...sort of like the ice cream man at home with his bells. Also, there is the boy out in front of Tina's (local favorite breakfast spot for students...very western, very safe food...almost too western). The boy will put flowers on ALL of the scooters and expect rupee's when you return...mainly from the women. He is quite persistent...seems he is skipping out on school to learn "business" on the streets.

Also seems that many students will have dental work, medical check-up's and the like while visiting Mysore. My current housemate had braces put on yesterday...says the cost is about 1/10th of that at home, and the quality of work every bit as good. Seems everything costs less here...except if you are flying within the country and are not an Indian citizen...in which case, you can always use the train system. I plan to take advantage of these things as well.

All for now.