Coming down to the wire

...in Mysore. I have a week and a half before leaving for Kovalam and Lino Miele's retreat. The time here as simply flown by...probably because I'm so settled.

So, with the remaining time here, I will likely get into the city to see some of the landmarks I haven't yet seen, maybe spend one afternoon at the pool at the Southern Star hotel (haven't done this yet, here it's a nice place), and just begin to tie up the loose ends prior to moving on. There are choices when it comes to getting to Kovalam (actually go to Trivandrum, the major city near Kovalam). First I'll have to get to Bangalore (easy...train or car, about 100km). From there, the choices are plane (expensive but fast), bus (scary, long ride, but inexpensive) or train (similarly long trip, but more comfortable and priced reasonably)...looks like the train is the way. The retreat starts on Dec. 5...I'd like to get there on the 3rd or thereabouts.

On a sad note, I received news that one of Lino's assistants, and an incredible teacher in her own right, Gwendoline Hunt, had passed away in an unfortunate drowning accident in New Zealand. I had the true pleasure of meeting her 3 years ago when she assisted Lino in a Chicago Ashtanga yoga workshop. Didn't know her well, but in that short time she had a tremendous impact on me. Not only did she teach Ashtanga from her heart, she seemed to live life that way. She was a sweet, happy upbeat person with unlimited knowledge to share...she was in her mid 70's. Gwendoline will be dearly missed.