Highlights from India

We did so many things whilst in India and the simple encounters we made en route with some amazing people have to be a great highlight but there are some memorable moments certainly for me that stick out as highlights along the way....
Bylakuppe : the Tibetan community 2 hours from Mysore with 10000 monks living and studying in this amazing environment with monastries, schools, hosiptals and the constant sound of prayer and chant as musical backdrop to our stay. A shere delight to share this with them and with our friend and guide Sonam.
The Backwaters - the boat trip with Johnson's Eco Boat was a definite higligh for us all. Very chilled out, lots of space, Fab food! and a perfect way to view life in all its guises on this stretch of water.....simple magical.
Yoga with Venkatesh in Mysore - a unique way of practising hatha yoga to work from within to without focussing on the breath, limited movement and looking to the organs to stretch as opposed to the body
Varkala - this unique cliff-side spot with its red cliffs jutting sharply down into the sea. We stayed at the perfect spot Sea Pearl Chalets which was quite simply ideal with its eagle eye view of the beach below, perfect little garden for morning yoga and afternoon chilling whilst watching the birds of prey fly over head....
The station platform at Coimbatore - witnessing the muslim community say farewell to a few loved-ones leaving for the hadge and Mecca....very moving
The steam train ride to Ooty - long but worth it as it wound its way up the mountain side to Ooty with breath taking views and drops either side to turn the stomach
Pondicherry and staying at the Aurodindo ashram accommodation by the sea with its incredible garden - prefect for yoga and meditation in the morning
Amma's ashram and the amazing kirtan vibes in the evening and the beautiful morning chanting energy
Walking up the Chembra Peak and the tea plantations!
Ayurvedic Massage - enjoying the vigorous moves of the ayurvedic massage especially a lovely little lady in Mamallapuram
The many people we met especially Lakshmi on the train to Coimbatore who sang to us so beautifully, Giatri who leet us squat in her home as Martine was so poorly for a couple of hours, Sonam our beautiful Tibetan friend who showed so much kindness towards us, Pradeep who helped us so much after Martine got her bag stolen from the hotel room aand the many nodding head people who listened too us when we needed help or talked to us and patiently explained the does and donts of India.... Namaste to all!