Happy New Year!

The New Year literally arrived here with a bang. I was in bed (I know, hard to imagine me in bed early), but was wakened at midnight with what sounded like dynamite going of...one bang after the other. This continued until 12:30, then stopped silent. Back to sleep I went. They really know how to celebrate here in India...many festivals throughout the year, many involving fireworks.

So, here it is, 2007. I think I spoke of the loss of my good friend Sean in my first post. So, this new year arrives with a somber, reflective mood. I'm happy to be here, but wish I could have been at his memorial. I'll have to visit when I get back.

I'm off to the airport today to pick my $50 due to me because of my luggage "situation". It was not big deal really, but I'll take the money. Just wish I didn't have to go all the way to the airport to get it. Some friends (that also have to go to the airport) and I are taking the opportunity to have lunch in Thiruvananthapuram. A good change of scenery.

Anyhow, hope everyone brings in '07 safely and with good plans for the year. My best to everyone.

Second Time Around

Hello to everyone, greetings from India! The journey was just fine, all the flights were on time and pleasant (aside from all of the screaming babies, but that's what earplugs are for). Just so y'all know, British Airways and Emirates Airlines rock. Just one minor detail, my luggage didn't arrive with me. But, Emirates made sure that it came in within 24 hours. I had to go back to the airport to pick it up, but they gave me $50 for my trouble. That feeds a person well in India for some time, 2 weeks or so anyway.

So, now I'm settled in. The first yoga practice was this morning, much needed. Great energy in the room, nice to be with Lino, Tina and the gang. That's all for the yoga.

Now to more sombering things...literally the very first email that I opened was from a friend in San Diego. She wrote to inform a number of us that a dear friend had been tragically lost in a car accident. Sean was one of the truly special people on this earth and I was blessed to have gotten to know him. It hurts not to be able to get to his memorial service, but he's always in my thoughts. I can't believe he's really gone.

Well, Kovalam has changed quite a bit in the last two years. More hotels, more restaurants, many improvements. It's getting expensive to be here...relatively speaking. I just hope it doesn't lose it's charm. But, I've run into some old friends here...and I'm sure I'll make more while I'm here.

Don't worry guys, upcoming posts will get more interesting and upbeat with pictures and the whole tamale. You'll notice you can read posts from my last trip two years ago. Thanks for checking in. I'm out.