What's Happening?

There's enough happening now to share. Sorry it took so long, but I don't want to "blog" just for the sake of "blogging"

Ok, so here in Kovalam, my name is "Mr. Beel" ("Beel" is "Bill with a Malayalam accent). That's fine, I can live with that. But the other day, went to the Lonley Planet restaurant for the first time for breakfast (great reputation, wonderful indian breakfast, very nice surroundings and good music). The waiter comes to the table, looks at me a few times and says "Arnold". "What" I said...he says "Arnold"...the famous filum star in America...you look like". I got a huge laugh out of that and told him to call me Governor Schwarzanegger (sp?). We all laughed again and proceded to finish and incredible breakfast.

That same day at dinner (at "Beatles", a beachfront, 2 tier restaurant that usually plays...you guessed it...The Beatles! Playing other stuff now). Anyhow, I was about to order, and I get that same funny look from the waiter. He looks at me again and says...you guessed it..."Arnold". Now, I don't know if they all talk to each other, or is this was just a cooincidence, or if I really do look like Arnold? Who knows...we had fun with it, now you guys out there can. Go easy on me.

Shoe Man
Was on the beach the other day with friends, and one of the many walking vendors...wallahs, whatever you want to call them, approached us selling shoes. This man was very proud of his work...and rightfully so, he had some nice stuff. Just happened to have something in all of our sizes to try on...gave his pitch and then did the hard sell. We told him "no thanks" maybe some other time. He didn't give up...but finally told us where his shop was and went on down the beach. One of my friends actually went back later that day and bought a pair (I was with), and he again started working on me. I made the mistake of saying "later"...he took it to heart. From that moment on, every time he saw me, I was reminded that I had "promised to come back later". The next morning on the way to breakfast, I purposely took a different route to try and avoid him, and just as I thought about the shoe man, there he was behind me! Had to walk away again. You see, I really was planning to buy a pair, but on my terms. And so I did later that evening. Shoe man was very greatful for the r's 400 that we negotiated. Good deal for both.

Similarly, there are many ladies selling "fruit salad" along the beach. Wherever, you are, you will be approached by at least 6 fruit salad ladies. They seem to have "turf", and when one isn't looking or is busy, the others take advantage. They make wonderful salads...heaping piles of fresh mango, papya, banana, and pineapple with coconut sprinkled on top. Just a little scary are the knives they use and the water they used to clean them (not to mention their hands). Still, I thnk it's worth the risk (you can take your own plate and fork if you like). But once you buy from a particular lady, you are her property. You have become a best friend, or so it seems by the greeting you get everytime you pass by. The remember everyone. Again, worth the r's 40 or so for what you get. Best to do it in the morning...fruit is fresh.

Lino has decided to lead class on Fridays (as long as we can fit everyone in the room). This is a wonderful thing...on Fridays, you are supposed to do only primary series, regardless of what your normal practice is. By leading class, he is giving us many things...counting proper vinyasa, and making sure people do only primary series. This is difficult for many, but it is the right way. Thanks Lino...the best. And I know I wasn't going to talk about yoga...so shoot me.

Hope this is enough to chew on for a while. I'll have more soon. Miss everyone, but not the snow! Please keep the comments coming.