Jain Temple

Mumbai Today

Prakash and Shailaja showed Hollie and I around Mumbai/Bombay today. They have been so kind and generous to us. We saw a variety of temples including a Jain Temple, several Hindu temples, and the Farsi Wall of Silence (where Farsi funerals are held - bodies are layed out on towers and consumed by vultures). We visited a beautiful hanging garden, did some shopping for white meditation clothes (required by the yoga program), visited Prakash and Shailaja's community club and enjoyed some of the best food we have ever eaten. Shailaja is such a talented cook. I've been paying attention so, when I get back, I'm going to host a dinner party featuring the favorite foods from our trip. You will all be invited :). Prakash is a wonderful tour guide. Everyone who has experienced his hospitality encourages him to open up a tour company. He planned an ambitious and fun itinerary for Hollie and I during the four days, which we are spending here in Mumbai. We are so grateful.

Good Morning!!!

It is about 7 am and we are leaving our hotel for our flight to Mumbai. We love you dear friends!

We Love Paris

Hollie and I had so much fun today. We will definately come back with Jordie in the Spring. The subway is organized and makes it incredibly easy to get around. Our hotel is reasonably priced, modern and comfortable. There is also a really fun waterpark attached to the hotel. The residents of Paris, whom we encountered, are helpful, kind and interesting people. We love Paris.

We Made It To Paris

The direct flight from SLC to Paris was wonderful. Hollie and I pre-ordered our Asian Vegetarian meals, which were wonderful. I highly recommend selecting the special diet options when flying; not only do you get better quality food but, special requests are also served first (A point which made us feel a bit guilty but also satisfied :)). Hollie kept jokingly giving me a cheesy smile and a thumbs up as we ate our meal about 20 min before the other passengers. We took the RER (train) from the airport to our hotel (The Pullman Paris Rive Gauche). Since we have just arrived, we are going to head out now and visit the Lovre and possibly another site or two. I would really like to come back in the Spring and take Jordie to Disneyland Paris (the yoga, Lovre, etc are just not her thing yet).

We Leave Tomorrow

Hollie, Jordie, Raphael and I spent Christmas near Lake Powell. I love the surreal landscape of this area. I had to work for part of of Christmas Eve and then again on Christmas Day. We rented a hotel room but ultimately decided to stay at my friend Anthony's home. I only had a couple of massage appointments each day which gave us a lot of time for festivities, hiking and exploration of the area.

I can't believe that we leave tomorrow for India. Hollie and I are going to each take 2 pairs of yoga pants, three shirts, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a first aid kit and a laptop. If we need anything else, I'm sure we can get it there or do without. I am so grateful to my wonderful friends for their help and love. They have made my burdens light.

Goodbye Things

Hollie and I leave for India in less than a week. We will be there from December
27th - February 7th. I am so grateful that we will be able to have this experience. I sold my couches (1,200), my very nice keyboard (1,300), my massage chair (200), and my baby martin guitar (200). These items, along with my frequent flyer miles payed for our entire month and a half trip, including yoga teacher certification, flights, room and board. My only other expenses are my mortage (1,150 x 2 months) and utilities (less than 300). Jordie will be staying with Wade (she didn't want to go to India). I'll miss her so much but I know how much she loves her Dad. Skype will help us stay in touch. When we return, Hollie and I will both be certified as yoga instructors. We are so excited to learn from the nuns and monks who run the program.