14.01.2008 Coffee Day, not Indian Coffee! It'd be an interesting study to look at what people bring with them when they travel abroad to feel at home and at ease. Robin has brought his own coffee and coffee maker from Copenhagen, for reasons I don't blame him for. When you are in India for a lengthy time there are certain comforts from home you need to bring, especially when it is so difficult to get decent coffee anywhere in town and you are addicted to your...

8.1.2008 Last few days in Kovalam I've been thinking a lot about writing in the past few days but somehow found myself busy and always away from my laptop when I wanted to write my observations. It seems that the town is getting less busy, although it is still possible to see the package tour people, with big bear guts, tatooes, cigarette in their mouths and lobster colour. I just keep thinking how insane I would go if I had to spend 2 weeks in this place doi...

31.12.2007 Just do it, stand up! It is the last day of the year, although it feels like yet another day in Kovalam. Sometimes I have to wait to hear peoples conversations about "what are you doing tonight to celebrate" to remember the importance of today. I dont feel like reflecting on my year or being lethagic about it though. I feel so much more grounded and happy instead. So today is about the past few days of what I have been trying to accomplish...

28.12.2007 Kirtan with Jai Uttal Last night I went to see Jai Uttal at his kirtan camp in Somatheram Resort to join his group of an evening kirtan workshop. I had met him in London in June and had the most amazing few days simply chantinga nd working with music, and also learning oddisy dance from his wife Nubia. He has a beautiful soul, an open heart that actually shows in his posture as though his heart will jump out of his chest, a warm welcoming smile and g...

25.12.2007 Happy Christmas! Well, I've been in India for the past three years for christmas and very used to Indian way of celebrating it. I went for a long walk on the beach at 8am this morning, whilst still quiet, many westerners walking along, dogs falling them aimlessly, shops getting ready for the busy day and greeting people with "haooy christmas" as they walk past. Its a beautiful sunny day and the waves are crashing hard as though they are als...