mebtravelling

One day.

And the world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles,

no matter how long,

but only by a spiritual journey,

a journey of one inch,

very arduous and humbling and joyful,

by which we arrive at the ground at our feet,

and learn to be at home.

—Wendell Berry

The first 2 are bona vide Masseuses, but all were present THE ENTIRE TIME

Yet another Ayurvedic massage was not my idea; however, the daily 8oz glass of freshly squeezed o.j. with a tablespoon of glucose was not enough for the wonderful older nun who has put herself in charge of my health (i.e. my Greater Trochanter!). I’m quite certain it’s the Cane Factor (she also uses one). In any case, I went with the driver a couple days ago, to the city of Trichy, about an hour’s drive from the ashram. I am slated to do it again, but am seriously considering a request to replace another massage with 16 oz of oj a day.

Think of a liter of oil poured all over by 2 masseuses while doing a sort of dance – with their arms and hands – on your back/front/side. For one hour.

Starting at dawn, I walk this road to the chapel 7 or 8 times a day. If you think it looks pleasant, think it feels peaceful, wonder if I feel fortunate to be here — yes!

The just-under 16 hours to Dubai were easy, despite an inauspicious start:  once at the gate,   I heard the announcement for “Families w. Small Children, ” which these days is my signal to move slyly forward with my cane as prominent as possible – it never fails. The agent was not, I noticed, checking for India Visas. He did, however, say to me, “You are going to Dubai?” and I nodded. “Well!” he smiled, “this plane is going to Frankfurt!”

Forget the cane. I thought seriously of tossing it away as I dashed to the other side of the twin gates to  join the throng of Indians headed for Dubai.

I arrived in Chennai just before 3,this morning and returned to the airport with my driver to pick up Elizabeth, arriving from Kuala Lumpur  at 7:30. It has been over 3 years!  She looks wonderful, has thrown away her crutches (but not her cast),  yet imho remains far too thin (I will make her eat more “Plate of Pancake” and Dosa, this week).