Medical class yesterday was really good. I was given two new poses. One to help build strength, so I can start getting back into Sirsasana (headstand) again, and another one (more restorative) for neck/shoulder release. Although rope Sirsasana daily is wonderful, I really miss my regular Sirsasana practice. My sequence is constantly being modified according to my ability (strength and mobility). I only have 5 more medical classes before my time is up here, so I’m soaking it up and taking lots of notes so I can continue when I get home.

I had a great 2 1/2 hour personal practice this morning focusing on my lumbar which still needs some TLC. While I was practicing, three of Guruji’s priests came through the practice room and sprinkled some kind of holy water on me and everyone else who was practicing.

Let’s get on with Sunday’s Alandi trip. It was dry all morning, but when we got into Alandi, it had just rained, so everything was wet.
There are beautiful structures along the banks of the Indrayani River where people come to swim, bathe, and wash their clothes and other belongings.You can even wash your motorcycles here …… and cars.
This is a good place to make a break in the pictures, so the story in pictures of Alandi will continue tomorrow.

Right now I’m going to do my physical therapy homework. Then I’ll be off to medical class at 4pm, and I’ll stay and observe one or more beginner classes, depending on how tired and/or hungry I am.

I’ve posted tons of pictures from Parvati Hill, but what I failed to mention is that we can actually see Parvati Hill from our flat!How many temples can you find in the greenery?

Our journey to Alandi began yesterday morning after I observed the kids’ class. What’s Alandi? I thought you’d never ask.

Alandi is a pilgrimage village located on the banks of the Indrayani River, 25 km (16 mi) north of Pune. It is a Hindu holy place because, after translating the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi, St. Dnyaneshwar, also known as St. Jñanadeva (1275–1296), attained samādhi in front of Lord Shri Siddheshwar there. St. Dnyāneshwar, was a 13th-century Maharashtrian Hindu saint, poet, philosopher and yogi.

A temple complex built near the spot of Saint Dnyaneshwar’s samadhi is visited by thousands of pilgrims. On every Kartika Ekadashi (eleventh day of the Hindu month of Kartik), a big festival is held at Alandi, when a procession of pilgrims reaches the town and proceeds to Pandharpur, a distance of approx 150 km (93 mi).

The bumpy trip took us about 45 minutes in the rickshaw, so I had ample time to take pictures along the way.

The closest thing to a speed limit sign I’ve seen here is this:

There were many of these bus stops in the making. What someone failed to notice is that in order to catch a bus, pedestrians will need to cross the highway.Horn honking is very popular here. People honk for many reasons… to let someone know they’re merging, to let someone know they’re coming up along side them, to tell a pedestrian to get the hell outta the way, to tell a dog to get the hell outta the way, and for many other reasons or just for the sake of honking.It is safe and ok to do this in India.Look, a Chia Pet house. Aside from that, I still think it’s a pretty cool picture.The countryside is very beautiful.
Structures along the way (and cows).

I’ll end this blog’s pictures leaving Pune. “Now entering Alandi” will be the theme of tomorrow’s blog.

The rickshaw ride and long day trip yesterday wore me out. I got back to the flat, downloaded my pictures to photo stream with comments (& looked at them over & over again…). I was so wasted that I passed out and slept for 10 1/2 hours!!!

I had a very short inversion practice this morning. This evening I have medical class, and I’ll stay and observe a beginners class after that.

From Pune with love,

I’m on the downhill side now, and it seems like time is going by quickly. I’m getting better (or should I say braver) at walking across the street, I’ve grown accustomed to the food, I’m used to drinking tea instead of coffee (but I miss your coffee, Kevin!), I’m enjoying taking classes and practicing at the Institute (which is the real purpose I’m here), and almost daily in the presence of our Guruji, I’m finally getting better at figuring out the rupee/dollar exchange, I understand that even if I’m the only one in line, I’m going to have to wait …

… and I’m beginning to understand what, depending on the circumstance, the head wobble is all about (yes, no, maybe, very well, ok, we’ll see, I’m listening, etc.).

Below are the final pictures from Parvati Hill last Sunday.

On the way back down the steps:

Looks like this lady traded her husband for a goat! (see picture from earlier blog)

Today is Sunday, and the Institute is closed. Sharon and I are going on an Alandi sightseeing trip with Nana – a 45 minute auto rickshaw ride one way! But first, I will be observing the 8am Kids’ class (the only class offered on Sundays).

Yesterday Sharon and I went shopping at the Camp district for some final items (hopefully) we wanted to get while here. I think I’m finally done shopping. Traffic was insane. It always is. I figure that any time I venture out of my flat, I will experience insanity. Don’t get me wrong. This insanity is crazy good. Maybe it takes a crazy person to like this, but I really do.

Here, for example … I may have mentioned before the driving pecking order, but I may have failed to mention that cows have the ultimate right of way. By default.

If a bus breaks down, what better to tow it with than another bus??

… and I must say that is some very high tech towing equipment.

Last night’s Pranayama class was led by Rajlaxmi. We did some very basic Pranayama. Her instructions were very clear, and not rushed, allowing us to simply be in the breath.

This morning’s Women’s Class was led by Raya. It was similar to a “lead” asana class where the teacher calls out the names of the poses and the students do them according to their practice with minimum instructions. A lot of poses were covered in the two hour class (standing, inversions, backbends & forward bends). I was able to do everything using modifications where needed for my shoulder, and the sequence gave me great release in both my shoulder and sacrum.

My lunch today was spicy goodness! I think maybe the best of all the meals Anita has made me so far. I know they all look alike, but there really are tasty taste differences, and it’s so nice to come home from practice or class and have lunch prepared for me!

Here are more pictures I took at Parvati Hill on Sunday.

It’s so lush and green.

The yellow in the map above shows the areas in the 17th century of Peshwa Dynasty rule. Pune, where I am, is just southwest.

Open practice today at 4pm – I think I’ll do restorative!

Due to Independence Day, there was no yoga at RIMYI Thursday. In the morning, I went for a nice, short, brisk walk and came across a McDonald’s (no, I didn’t eat there).… and this house that someone actually lives in.
After lunch, Nana drove Sharon and me across the river for an Ayurvedic massage. It was good. They used a lot of Ayurvedic oils. The oil got slopped on, and then rubbed quickly to create heat. Then there was a hot treatment at the end that penetrated into my joints, focusing on my low back and shoulder (I liked this part the best). The massage lasted a little over an hour, at which time I was led to the bathroom to take a shower. After the massage, we walked across the street to Fab India, which reminded me of a Cost Plus World Market or Pier One Imports, and then hailed a rickshaw back to our flat.

Here are more pictures from Parvati Hill on Sunday.Local boys.

Today is 9 to noon open practice, 6pm Pranayama with Geetaji, and Sharon and I are planning a shopping trip at Camp in between.

Geetaji didn’t teach Wednesday’s women’s class. Instead, Guruji (working at the horse) taught the class through Abhi and Raya. It was a great class, and interesting to see the interaction between Guruji and his younger teachers.

After lunch I went for a nice long walk, and then picked up some fresh fruit from one of the fruit stands and milk from the market.
On the way back, I ran into Kathleen and one of her flatmates, Aubrey (London), who were on their way for coffee and chocolate. Somehow my arm got twisted …The three of us shared two pieces of chocolate cake that was divine.Aubrey showed off the new shoes he bought.and Kathleen licked the plate clean.

I can watch from my room a building being constructed across the street. They’ve got state of the art scaffolding.
and high quality safety handrails (this is 8 stories up)

These women shovel concrete mix.and help each other load it.and carry it.Workers standing around on the 8th floor are wondering when their concrete mix will get there.Oh there it is. Considering the amount of time it took the ladies to make it to the 8th floor, I’m guessing there isn’t an elevator.Here’s a full view of the building wrapped in bamboo scaffolding.
Now, back to the Sunday Parvati Hill pictures. Here are some panoramic shots of Pune from the view point above one of the temples.

Agatha & ManYee atop the temple view point.

Today is Independence Day in India, and a national holiday, so there are no classes at the Institute. A yoga day off for us.

According to Wikipedia, today commemorates India’s independence from British rule in 1947 following an independence movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress. Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan, which was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties.

The holiday is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. Indians celebrate the day by displaying the national flag on their attire, accessories, homes and vehicles, by listening to patriotic songs, watching patriotic movies, and bonding with family and friends. If you’re interested in more reading on this, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(India)

I’m going to celebrate the day by having an Ayurvedic massage.

Yesterday I had a great 2 1/2 hour practice. My shoulder is getting stronger every day. I’m able to do most poses, some of them with modifications, and it’s so nice to be able to do long inversions again. Medical class is going well. I have my sequence memorized and can do most of the asanas without assistance, although in medical class, I’ve always got an assistant nearby. Yesterday, I was fortunate to have Stephanie by my side. Guruji was there to oversee the class, but he stayed on the platform and gave directions to his assistants from there.

To continue my Sunday sightseeing, after our chai stop, Nana took us to Parvati Hill where he left us to fend for ourselves.

The Parvati Temple on top of Parvati Hill, 2100′ above sea level, was built in the 17th century under Peshwa Dynasty rule. A Peshwa is the equivalent of a modern prime minister. Parvati Hill is the 2nd highest point and the Parvati Temple is the oldest heritage structure in Pune. There are 103 steps to the 5 temples on top of the hill. If you’re interested in more information, go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parvati_Hill

These first pictures are of the trek up the long steps.

Above, ManYee with her spicy peanuts she bought at a vendor along the way. I actually ate some and lived to tell about it, & yes, they were very spicy!!
The trek wasn’t too strenuous, and the weather that day was perfect, contrary to the iPhone/iPad Weather App that seems to show we’re in a constant thunderstorm.

We came across a group of Indian fellows who were taking turns taking group photos. I told them I’d take their group photo if they’d take ours. So I took a few group photos of them, and when the time came for our group photo to be taken, all the guys ran to be in the picture with us! What the heck… The more the merrier, I say.

The two people in the background were unrelated and came from the other side of the arch to get in our photo too. Everybody wanted to be in the picture with us. The kid with the platter on his head followed us around the whole time begging us to buy his food, which we didn’t.

This Kurma (tortoise), above, was carved in the floor of one of the temples – the second time I’ve seen Kurma carved in the floor of a temple.

I took so many more beautiful pictures I will share in coming days.

Last night around 9pm we heard loud drumming. It got louder and louder, and the next thing we knew, there was a parade going past our building. It was pretty cool. You can’t see much, but I took this photo from my 9th floor bedroom window. What you can see in the photo is that cars still have the right of way, even when there’s a parade …

I know you’ll find this shocking … I skip the elevator and take the stairs to our 9th floor flat 🙂

Today is 9:30 am women’s class with Geetaji and 4pm open practice with grocery shopping for a few necessities in between.

Yesterday’s lunch was spicy and delicious. I’m not really sure what it was, but my guess is some sort of eggplant or squash. The chapati had green chilies and was spicy hot.

Here’s Anita, my cook.

And here are some more pictures taken Sunday at Pataleshwar Temple Cave.

I’m not really sure what this one (above) is, or whether it’s right side up or upside down. It could be an upside down elephant. Any ideas??

Parents will often approach us and ask their child to shake our hand. After shaking my hand, this little girl was coaxed to shake ManYee’s. Very friendly people, the Indians are. That’s Agatha in the background.

Carving above a pond at the entrance near the street, and below, a closeup of the carving, which appears to me to be some sort of pilgrimage.

After leaving the cave, we stopped for chai.

Nana (our driver).

We drink a lot of chai and ginger tea here.

The next picture taken from the rickshaw is great. On the left is a motorcycle carrying 2 people. Closest to our rickshaw is a motorcycle carrying 3 people, and in the background, it’s hard to see, but that motorcycle is carrying an entire family of 4! It’s common for women to ride side-saddle, and many times holding a child.

Last night after the medical class (which was great), I stayed and observed Raya’s intermediate class. Raya’s an outstanding teacher who studies extensively with Guruji. His class was dynamic and full of energy. I got tired just watching. For those of you yogis who understand… The invocation was done in Virasana, which led directly to Ustrasana (without changing leg position), then right into Urdhva Danurasana, then right up into jumpings and, well, you get the picture from there… Raya is concise and demanding with a touch of humor, and a joy to observe.

Today is Prashant’s 7am class, open practice at 9, medical class at 4 (Guruji oversees medical class tonight…), and observation of a beginners class at 6pm with Uday teaching.

Sunday is a day off at the Institute, so we made the most of it by doing some sightseeing. I enjoyed every photo opportunity and took enough pictures to last the week.

Here’s a picture I captured from the rickshaw along the way, a very common sight along the roads.
Btw, I’ve been asked to clarify whether we’ve been riding in a rickshaw or a tuk tuk. I believe it’s officially called a tuk tuk, but in Pune it’s called an “auto” rickshaw, abbreviated to just plain rickshaw. I haven’t seen a “real” rickshaw (man-pulled) here.

Nana picked us up at 11am and first took us to the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, which is an 8th century rock-cut cave temple carved out of a single huge basalt rock dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. If you’re interested in more history on this, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_rock-cut_architecture. The pictures inside the cave were taken without a flash to get the true essence of the cave, which explains why some of them are dark, however, there are some actual light fixtures in the cave.

L-R, Kathleen (Milwaukee), Me, ManYee (Hong Kong/Australia) & Agatha (Poland) in front of a very large Banyon Tree.Here I am with my closest Indian friends. These guys came up to me and asked to have their picture taken with me. Only me. They said I’m special (for some reason)… Bruce seems to think it’s because it looks like I’m expecting a flood (he gets a sneak preview of all my pictures through photo stream). Well, maybe. But, whatever the reason, they were very nice, even if they’re going to make fun of me later 🙂

Although I’ve been using my iPhone to take most of the pictures I’ve posted on my blog, I used the new little Samsung digital for this sight-seeing outing, and it proved to be a gem. Many more pictures will follow during the week.

Today, Prashant 7am class, followed by 9am open practice, then medical class for me at 4 with Geetaji.