Just beginning to download...

...photos from India.
Here we are shooting the Himalayas at dawn - me, then me and Michael Conner. Directly behind the farthest mountain top is China.
Michael had a remote shutter he set off with his hands snuggled in his warm pockets. As you can see, I shot the old fashioned way - bare hands exposed to the very cold temperatures as I snapped the shutter.
On our way back, we see a camel's day on the job that Michael snapped as we drove by. I was so impressed with how many people work side by side with their animals. It may seem primitive, but you'd be surprised how much work animals do there, contributing to family incomes and the national financial welfare.

Farewell, India

We leave India today.
The long drive from the Himalayas back to Delhi, arriving just in time to finish packing for an early morning flight and we’re on our way home.
This has been a whirlwind, profound adventure for Michael and me.
Michael is very well traveled and says this is the most fun he’s ever had on a trip. And the most tiring.
I’m reasonably well traveled and have learned more, seen more, experienced more, worked more, stayed in more extremely diverse billets and spent more time on the road here in India than I have in any other country – including places I’ve visited for work.
I came with a particular mission to work with the students, faculty and staff at the Rai Foundation School for Girls – a school financially supported exclusively by the Rai Foundation for girls from indigent circumstances from around the world (20 countries) to help them create better, more modern lives for them and their future families.
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the place and the people – but fall in love I did.
So I spent lots more time there than I – or they – expected. But what worthwhile work with such worthwhile people for such a worthwhile cause.
Then out of the blue I was asked to speak at one of the most important holidays on the Indian calendar – New Republic Day. It’s only one of three national holidays Indians celebrate – January 26th, the day on which the constitution of the new democracy, India, a newly free country to be governed by the rule of law, was signed in 1950.
I was honored, deeply moved and thrilled to be asked to participate.
Along the way I got very sick.
I prepared for every health precaution except one I suffered many years ago – sinus infections. Air pollution and dirt stirred up from massive infrastructure construction just about everywhere we traveled lingers in the air, and because I did not prepare for it, it got me, and turned into bronchitis.
I pushed through it, however, trying to put in some recovery effort.
Still, with so much to do, sights to see, things to photograph, stuff to read, people to meet, Indian radio (music of every description) and TV (one satellite service offers more than 1,000 channels!), it’s hard to take real “down time.”
India is a *huge* nation. With a population of 1.1 billion people. So much to do, so much to see, so little time. Believe me, with 1.1 billion people for a prospective audience, when you have a hit movie, TV show or recording in India – you have a HIT!
The most popular film ever in India is "Three Idiots," a slam of the Indian education system that now puts more emphasis on passing tests than learning and inspiring a generation to use their ingenuity to create a better world.
Its inclusion of so many races, religions, political parties, cultural backgrounds and more has amazed constitutional experts from the getgo, but somehow, India is a place that appears to work more than it doesn’t.
In some areas primitive ideas and superstitions rule; in others, the nation is a world leader.
In every case, India is fascinating.
Michael took a picture that, I believe, represents India’s mindset. Two young men were hired to dig a hole. Despite a lingering beggar population, most Indians work very, very hard. They must because it’s a tough life for the vast majority of people who live here. And Indians are known for their ingenuity.
Back to the two young men.
To get the hole dug faster, they rigged a rope to the neck of a shovel. One would use the shovel to dig, the other would pull the rope to make digging easier for the shoveler by easing the full weight of the dirt being dug, making the process go so much more quickly than just two guys digging with separate shovels. For every spade full of dirt one scoop would ordinarily be carried by one person, easily three or four were rapidly maneuvered with this contraption.
More, they were obviously good friends having fun.
I’ve written about the easy way drivers share the road with other cars, trucks, tripeds, bicycles, motorcycles, camels, elephants, oxen, buckboards, water buffalo, monkeys, dogs, goats, pigs, horses and more – including those coming in the opposite direction. Top speeds do not normally exceed 40km/hr so it’s not exactly a speedway even on open, clear roads. Again, it is fascinating to see such respect as all share the same road, actually helping one another reach their destinations – again, even those heading in the opposite direction.
That was actually us one night. Singh overshot the exit, so he turned on the flashing lights as we made our way going the opposite direction of the traffic on a major highway and not a soul did anything except make way for us.
Indian TV news has covered the Cairo crisis around the clock since its inception. TV journalists here are aggressive; one newer station also does investigative reporting, working to ferret out corruption in Indian government.
India takes its role as a free democracy very seriously; they would prefer that other nations were similarly free, but do not have the foreign policy of interfering with internal conflicts of other nations ruled by dictators or less democratic governments.
In India, there are no groups threatening succession, no Chai Party claiming that the government is out to do them in. They are proud to be part of a nation ruled by law, because they have tasted the bitter, destructive fruit of being ruled by another nation that considered them second class and worse.
Fundamentalism is seen as a threat, however, because fundamentalists do not believe in the rule of constitutional law, but want a theocracy ruled by rules of fanatical religious law, which is antithetical to the Indian way of life, though most Indians are deeply spiritual.
It’s impossible to describe watching dawn appear on a peak of the Himalayan Mountains, except to explain that Michael and I actually wept as we witnessed and photographed this event after the drive up to the peak under a sky so bright with nearby stars they felt close enough to grab.
Our driver, Singh. The best driver ever. The Hindi word for “best” or “first class” is pronounced “ba-ree’-ah,” so we said that to him often. “Bareeah driver!”
A wonderful family man who not only escorted us everywhere, but actually took care of Michael and I the day we were both sick and went to the hospital to see a doctor. We received our medical coverage cards, so in case we return and get sick, we’re in the system.
We met Singh’s 12 year old son Senjai and 23 year-old daughter, Nirmala, who works in marketing now but wants to become a journalist.
Senjai told me there are two things Indian people tend not to have as part of their personalities – fear and anger. With true faith there can be no fear; with an attitude of forgiveness and constantly moving forward, anger can be dealt with in a more positive way, channeled into constructive action.
Senjai told me he watches TV – including US programs from Animal Planet (good, educational), Discovery (yes! Educational!), Cartoon Network (OK..) and WWE (World Wrestling..? That phony, violent show? Really? Senjai, does your dad know?).
His favorite Hollywood films are Pirates of the Caribbean (all) and Spiderman (all). Favorite Hollywood actor – Johnny Depp.
Managing Himalayan roads and washouts is not a task for the weak hearted or the amateur driver. Singh intimately knows and loves his country and was proud to show us things not normally available to “tourists.”
I have to say, in three short weeks I have come to respect, admire and love this country. Of course knowing so many people here now makes a difference, but seeing how the country works (and doesn’t) first hand, it now has a very special place in my heart.
Visiting any developing country is hard work for a Westerner.
Interrupted electricity, wifi, water (which can also not be present at all), little hot water, congested air; although the ubiquitous animals did not bother me or Michael, I can understand how others might wonder…
Thanks to “squat toilets” – most public toilets are basically a hole in the ground – I return to the US with legs as strong as wrought iron because one has to “sit” without benefit of anything on which to sit. Like the exercise where you lean up against a wall with your legs perpendicular, only there’s no wall for balance. I bet I can crush a walnut with my knees, now.
And some simple processes are made complicated here. In a store, let’s say an Indian sweets store - one person takes your order and puts it together. Then someone else right next to him/her rings up your order. OK, then you have to take the bill across the store to the money taker and pay him/her. After you receive your change, your bill is stamped and you take it back to the person who put your order together to show you paid and that person hands you your order.
Three people to do the job of one person in other countries.
Small markets are everywhere, where apparently India’s favorite snack is Lay’s Potato Chips, because they are sold by the boatload here.
Speaking of snacks, Michael and I have both lost a noticeable amount of weight on our trip – between eating extremely healthy and being so active we couldn’t help it.
I’ll never forget the magnificent chai tea served here. The best has a taste of ginger in it.
Saying good-by is going to be such sweet sorrow.
I am so looking forward to seeing my pets, friends, actors, writers and other coachees as well as sleeping in my own bed!
And I already miss my new friends; all the things I’ve seen and experienced will come to mind vividly for months and years to come.
We covered such a small area of India’s total landscape, but the memories we carry are vast.
Michael and I have both been invited back by our host, which is terrific.
I’ve also decided I’m going to recommend to our host two people that he may want to invite for a trip like we enjoyed. I’m going to discuss this possibility with someone I know whom I believe will benefit greatly from this experience and share the knowledge gleaned with others.
And I want to ask a reader of this blog to write me why she or he would love to take this trip to India so I can submit the “winner” to our host. The idea is to want to learn the most and share what is learned with others.
Our host does not want you to like India, just experience the nation because few Westerners have, then have your own ideas and responses to what you see, experience and learn. How would you share your observations?
The caveat is that you must pay for your own airplane ticket – but lots of deals are available. You will be picked up from there if our host extends the invitation to you. And there is no social director. You have to know where you want to go.
So, email me if you’re interested at cpcontacts@comcast.net.
Just know that if you wish to come to India, you must really *want* to come to India. The trip itself is very long and arduous from North America, coming and going.
Meanwhile, it will take me a very long time to process all I have experienced here. I’ll be posting photos Michael and I took over the next several weeks. Wifi in India is slow for the traveler, so uploading photographs is a *very* time consuming job and I’ve opted to wait to show you many of our visual highlights.
Some changes I’ve made in my life already because of this trip:
I will never leave a glass of water poured for me at a restaurant; I will always drink that water or catch the wait person in time to ask that no water be poured.
My eating habits have changed drastically; I now wish to responsibly use whatever I have wisely and profoundly, including food.
Indians are very keen about their attire – nearly half a common wage here is spent on clothes. I’m not going that far, but my wardrobe, which is ordinarily a last priority for me, has been spiffed up!
My commitment to vegetarianism and animal welfare is deeper.
My devotion to matters of spirituality has expanded; I am ordinarily quite spiritual, but now this is true in a more actualized way.
Always carry toilet paper.
Have my camera nearby more often.
Watch more Bollywood – it’s silly, musical, romantic and “good clean fun!” India makes more films than any other nation by far. Movies are affordable entertainment here, so audiences are huge.
Check out the Cricket World Cup games.
I simply cannot see the world the same way after experiencing the wonders of this magnificent country, which will continue to haunt and fascinate me to my last breath. Things are not always as they appear to be; something that appears quite dysfunctional is, in fact, brilliantly functional. Likewise, things that may appear to be well organized and functional may well be a complete catastrophe.

One thing Michael and I have decided is a scientific fact, only we’re not sure how to prove it: Indian people, are, by far, the most beautiful people on the planet. Regardless of age, gender, weight, whatever. Beautiful. Then we decided if we see all of them as beautiful, why not all the rest of the people on the planet? So beauty is in everyone and we will choose to see it.

We cannot thank our host enough for giving us the opportunity of a lifetime.

Namaste, beloved India.

On top of the Himalayas...

Michael and I took pictures of the highest peak of the Himalayas near where we are staying at dawn this morning.
Driving up at 5 a.m., the stars were so big and bright and felt so close it was as if we could almost reach out and grab them.
The pictures of the mountains as the sun begins to cast its light on the mountain tops will speak for themselves. Just on the other side of the highest peak we photographed lies China.
After our 90-minute photo shoot, we had a traditional Indian breakfast, prepared by a friend of the late British naturalist Jim Corbett, a hero in this area who worked tirelessly to preserve the natural beauty and animals of this region.
The modest building in which he made our breakfast bread and chai was built in 1847.
Pictures to come later - wifi is very slow here unless you're in a business or government office, so it takes a major time commitment to upload them -- we'll hopefully be home this weekend (unless weather causes delays), and I'll be able to post the many photos that have been awaiting your perusal.
This evening we're going to an animal preserve to photograph its stars in their natural habitat, then I'm going for round two of taking pictures of the hundreds upon hundreds of swallows that come inside the resort to spend every night in two huge ficus trees planted near the pool.
Meanwhile, Indian TV news reports that Egypts President Mubarak "unleashed" his "supporters" to show that there are still people who like him, in what Indian media described as a last minute desperate attempt to influence national and international opinion about him.
Trouble is, the anti-government/Mubarak protesters were unarmed, his supporters showed up armed.
Indian TV has been carrying the story live for days, and while the anti-Mubarak throngs have been thousands and thousands deep, Mubarak "supporters" were few by comparison.
One Indian TV reporter was attacked with rocks, he dived behind an army truck, where he was asked by a soldier for his ID. He said he was Indian, a journalist, and showed credentials. The soldier told the reproter to get behind him and he would lead him to safety.
Since then the army withdrew from the area, apparently not wanting to appear to be attacking any protesters, even though at this point someone needs to restore order and stop the violence.
Along with the Egypt story, the cricket World Cup games are the big story. Cricket is played everywhere here; I've come to enjoy the game from watching it here.
I just read that CNN's Anderson Cooper was also assaulted by pro-Mubarak demonstrators (who at this point it seems may be described as thugs) and that US media are sending their stars to cover this story.
In the grand scheme of things, I believe it warrants this sort of coverage.
It's the first "internet uprising" spurred by young people, starting in Tunisia weeks ago.
One conclusion drawn by several broadcasters and newspaper journalists here: dictators are on their way out; that gradually the world will be rid of them. That Mubarak should be the last Pharoah of Egypt, and his ouster will be followed by others.
Later!

The Instant Expert! Ask me any question...

After nearly three weeks in India - meeting so many people, going so many places, listening to radio and watching TV here, I believe I have become an authority in an amazingly short time!
To prove this, I am responding to the questions Michael has asked me over the past several days with answers that I believe any Indian knows to be true...
Michael: So if cars are supposed to drive on the left side of the road, why do they also weave in and out of the right lane and even use the center of the road to travel without stopping?
Instant Expert CP: Because, my friend, this is India.
M: If monkeys are supposed to be free here, why do some people own monkeys and walk them on a leash?
IECP: Because, Michael, this is India.
M: Hmmm. Although animals except monkeys are supposed to have owners, most seem free to wander as they wish. What's up with that?
IECP: Do they seem unhappy, these animals? Cows, pigs, goats, dogs, cats..?
M: They seem either completely laid back or happy - even playful.
IECP: I see. And do you know why that is?
M: Because...
IECP: Because this is India.
M: I think I see a pattern, here. OK. In other countries, people with different religions don't seem to get along. But here they live in harmony. Why is that?
IECP: Because. This is India.
M: Why are parrots allowed to fly freely here, where in other countries they are in cages?
IECP: Because this is India.
M: There is still a lot of ignorance in India. Tigers have disappeared because people killed them, selling their body parts to black marketers. Yet there is a tradition of conservation and respect for nature - I hear even killing a tree is frowned upon.
IECP: Yes, that is because this is India.
M: Rich people live next to poor people without rancor; people who do not speak English live alongside many who do, and even they get along. I don't understand... this can't be *just* because ... this is India...
IECP: Think about it. In India there is an attitude of let people live as they wish as long as they do not harm others. That as long as others are not hurt or worse, we all have good intentions.
In matters of driving, there is a dance of traffic among animals of every size, pedestrians, cars, vans, trucks, tripeds, buckboards, bicycles and more - eveyone's attitude allows each to share the road while reaching your own destination as quickly as possible without stopping for long distances (many, many miles) because there are almost no traffic lights.
You make way for someone else as someone else makes way for you. All for one, one for all.
No road rage, no insistence that I get farther faster than anyone else.
There is no assumption that if someone happens to be going in the opposite direction they are doing something wrong - they are helped to get going in the right direction or to their destination. And there is the proper assumption the driver is not impaired with alcohol or drugs.
People are not made out to be "wrong" - rather, it is assumed everyone is doing something right, in the right place for the right reason, no matter how it may look.
M: So you're saying ... that ... the reason these things work even though they may not look like they work to an outsider ... is ...
IECP: Correct. This is India. '-)

Major change of plans!

We decided rather than continue in the area of Delhi-Agra, we would go to the Himalayas, where we've been for the past day and a half. We've landed at a resort in the mountains owned by our host minutes ago. Lots of stuff and photos to catch up on soon!
Photographs cannot capture the majesty and magnificence of these mountains.
I now understand the lure of people who seem to come here again and again - it has nothing to do with mountain climbing; it's the region, the regal mountains and terrain; the animals and people.
Although far from the crowds of metropolitan India, satellite dishes and cell telephone towers are everywhere; technology and TV shows - including many American programs - are always nearby.
There is great concern over what is transpiring in Egypt. Indians there are leaving as quickly as they can. Media here are upset that the Indian government is not throwing its support behind the Egyptian people who want to dump Mubarak; India says it cannot get involved until they have someone in place with whom to deal. At this point the only organized group that may take over is reported to be the Brotherhood of Muslims - not to be confused with radical Islamists.
This is reported to be the first "internet uprising" in the Middle East.
Starting in Tunisia with young people, spreading and landing in Egypt's lap because of its horrific record of corruption and duplicity under the Mubarak regime.
Some stories reported on Indian news: unemployment is at about 20% in Egypt and other ME nations; where oil is the primary source of income, there is less strife even with high unemployment - but countries in which tourism is the #1 source of income, such as in Egypt, people are taking action.
More later!

A massage, a shower ...

This morning, Michael and I went to a reasonably priced mini-spa to get a fantastic massage and genuine shower with hot water that runs nonstop. I was also treated to a steam bath to help clear out my lungs from whatever condition my sinus infection has turned into.
Our first real (for us) shower in about three weeks.
I believe I made inappropriate noises as I scrubbed my hair and other essentials.
Ah!
That will probably be our last until we arrive home next weekend.
Then I got the three of us - Michael, me and our driver Singh, treats from Evergreen Sweets - great dessert stuff, small portions and not too sweet!
This is Singh. He loves kids. He has three of his own with remarkable age separations - 38, 23 and 12.
Then we're off to an exhibit of a 23-foot iron cast pilar that was made about 400 BC - that has *never* rusted. Pretty amazing.
It's part of an exhibition of ancient ruins from the Indian Valley associated with mosques, including a 238-foot tall sandstone tower with inscriptions at all five levels.
The collection of ruins of the Qutb Minar is protected as international historic heritage - preserved and protected by international law.
We also stopped at the Lotus House of Worship of the Baha'i faith, which is memorable and profoundly spiritual. Baha'i faith includes the equality of men and women, religion working with science rather than opposing it and other very progressive points of view, considering it is 157 years old. I covered stories when I was a TV journalist of Baha'i believers who escaped Iran and Iraq because they were being persecuted and even killed for their belief in equality of humankind. Very loving, courageous people.
Inside the House of Worship, it is beautiful, bright, and glowing with powerful spiritual energy. One must be silent upon entering, wearing neither shoes nor socks, and remain silent until you leave. A memorable visit, and one I made with a 12-year old Indian boy - the son of our driver. We actually had an adventure as well as sharing a very tender spiritual experience inside the temple.
Tomorrow we head to the Red Fort - where the constitution was signed in 1950 for the New Republic, then to the Taj (we know each other so well by now, I call it the Taj rather than the Taj Mahal)...
Here are a few photos Michael took of a village near the Rai School for Girls.

New Republic Day

A day I shall never forget.
New Republic Day is one of only three national holidays in India.
It is the celebration of the newly established constitution of India, the largest democracy in the world (currently 1.1 billion people population) as of its implimentation January 26, 1950.
If you are not familiar with the history of India, it would be time well spent to learn about the extraordinary abuses and indignations suffered by its peoples over the centuries at the hands of Great Britain, the Catholic Church and others they overcame, as well as an historical page mirroring the US past - turning on each other.
To think that out of that vast and tumultuous history comes a *democracy* thrills all political scholars. Can it be done? All that freedom with the most diverse population of any nation in the world? All those languages? All those points of view? All the dysfunction that preceded the establishment of the New Republic?
Tuesday evening, January 25, Michael and I arrived at the Rai School for Girls. We wanted to be there in time to enjoy the civic celebration the next day that they had been preparing for weeks. Music, dance, some speeches, awards and more. It was going to be a joy to behold.
As we ate dinner, Michael read the program for the next day's ceremonies.
"Oh, look at this. You're speaking," he said.
"I what?"
"You're speaking. See?"
There was my name - with a ten minute slot for speaking. One of three people, including the head of the school, the wonderful Rinchen Dolma and long-time Indian politician, Dr. Jaswant Singh Ji Yadav.
Me? Speak? This is one of India's most important events - I'm an American. The fact they would even think of me is flattering enough, but to give me the honour of speaking? Seriously, was this something I even deserved?
Michael also discovered that he was sitting at the table of dignitaries - with a turban! We assumed he was going to be eye candy '-).
Well.
To work. I first spoke with my closest friend at Rai, Shweta, about why this event is so vital to India's history. I did not reveal that my grades in history and government were not my highest when I went to school; I did not want her to have unnecessary concerns about her new American acquainantance saying something completely inappropriate.
I was left alone to write my speech; half an hour later Shweta and Michael returned, I read it to them, and except for on word pronounciation, it passed her whiff test!
Here is the speech I delivered the next day at the New Republic Day ceremonies:
"Happy Republic Day!
"I was at once honored and elated when asked to speak at your Republic India Day celebration.
"Coming from a young Democratic Republic still finding its way to fulfilling the promises its constitution makes, including the right to pursue happiness, I'm not in a position to tell you what to do!
"But I do have some heartfelt personal thoughts.
"First, while I've never visited your country before, I feel at home here.
"There is a sense of India, a tone set by its people and animals that says, 'Please, make yourself at home.'
"That is, I believe, a quality all democracies must have, that too many do not.
"The Rai Foundation is correct to say, 'Empower a woman, you empower a family.' That gender equality is the gateway to both world peace and a stable global economy.
"A real democracy works only if its family of citizens works together - informed, collaborating, compromising, laboring on behalf of all its family members; but especially protecting and encouraging our children.
"To fully participate here in what American constitutional authority Granville Austen called 'perhaps the greatest political venture since that oritiginated in Philadelphia in 1787.'
"UK Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden noted: 'Of all the experiments in government since the beginning of time, I believe the Indian venture into parliamentary government is the most exciting. A system of a free democracy. It is also a brave thing to do!'
"After being with you girls, women, faculty and staff here, I know that with your leadership - in politics, business, communications, fashion, social care, finances, industry, media, culture, family care and so much more - Sir Eden might amend his comment. Rather than saying it's a brave thing to do, with the ongoing graduates of the Rai Foundation - its success is a certainty!
"Every day, as you take a step forward, toward fulfilling your dreams and aspirations, you take a step forward to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of your nation ... as well as providing the inspiration for generations to come.
"I am blessed that Mr. Rai asked me to speak with you.
"I am blessed to know you.
"Humbly, I thank you again for the magnificent honor to share your significant day with me.
"Namaste."
Michael and I were also given beautiful Indian shawls as a thank-you for our work with the girls at Rai.
Here's what the day looked like: Jai ho!

Cereal Killer

Kelloggs breakfast cereals set up a branch here in India several years ago they thought would catch fire among the 1.1 billion people who inhabit this country. Lots of brands and industries are hot for the Indian market because it is rife with promise and pioneering new markets!
Thing is, Indians start their day with hot cereals - my favorite is their porridge. Hot milk and wheat grains. Yum.
Apparently the Kelloggs folks did not do their homework, so their experiment has been the brunt of many a breakfast joke here.
You see, when Indian consumers tried Corn Flakes, the flakes died when hot milk was poured on them.
Like the Chinese, Indians tend to believe that starting the day with something cold is a shock to our system, so they prefer warm meals in the morning.
Well, I'm sure to give us something "American," the Rai School folks gave Michael and me some sort of Kelloggs cereal this morning for breakfast.
It's nothing we've ever seen in America - I'm sure Kelloggs does not sell this there - in fact it looks a lot like dog kibble. It was some sort of chocolate cereal whose only resemblance to taste was that of a crackling cardboard, even after pouring hot milk over it.
So we asked Tony the Tiger what he thought!
He said, "It's ggggggrrrrrrrrOOOOOOOOOSSSSSS!"

Doing what we love, appreciating all we have

Spend time in India and, at least as an American, I become more appreciative of not just what we have that makes our lives easier, but those things we take for granted. Mind you, I don't get upset about having/not having; it is what it is, but I do realize how much of it I take for granted back home in Seattle.
Water. I never know from one day to the next if my New Delhi bathroom will have water. Sometimes there is a tiny flow, other times there's nothing. Michael's bathroom had water - some of it even hot - this morning, so I showered in his room. Quickly, because the hot water vessels are small. Ahh.
Electricity. It comes and goes throughout the day. When we're out and about, it doesn't matter, but when we're inside, it is surprising how much electricity is interrupted. That affects all electrical appliances, of course - including refrigerators, TV's, radios and of course computers. I don't use a TV or radio here.
Wifi. Wireless connection is available, free. It's low quality and unsecured. When the electricity goes out, so does the wifi. Note to self: back up files.
While I have seen people here with precious little - what they have is obviously precious to them. They treat their clothes with respect - a respect I admire and now emulate.
Clean air. How grateful am I, who suffers from sinus issues, that our Northwest air is primarily so pure (there are pollution problems within Seattle and other NW industrial regions, but where I live it is near pristine). I thought I appreciated this fact of life every morning as I arose to do my daily gratitude list - but it's nowhere near as grateful as I am now, being in an area that is ... well, not so pure. Michael says wind would help clear the air - but wait! That would also just stir up the dust, which three inches thick! Anyone with sinus, lung, asthma, or breathing issues should prepare well for a trip to India.
Regarding what is apparent here that I would love to see more of back home:
The politeness of people everywhere is impressive. We are always thanking each other. For everything. And nameste is more than a "slogan." It means I see the God in you, and if we say it enough, it becomes a reality - whether you're a believer or not!
People help one another reach their goals and destinies.
Whether on what appears to be the madcap roadways (there's actually an orderly chaos if you look for it), or walkway or in the hospital or a market. Someone is there to help. Sometimes maybe a little too helpful in stores and markets, but of course they are eager to sell you their wares, because it seems that everyone in India is an entrepreneur.
This one falls in the middle: the inability to hear "no."
The Indian entrepreneur will show you six ways to Sunday why you should buy something or do something. Of course, all in your own best interest! While it is inspiring to see someone work so hard to achieve a goal, no matter how minuscule, there comes a time when negotiations must cease. For some reason when that time comes, I start speaking French. It is amazing how many people here speak French! But I terminate the discussion by saying, "Pas 'au revoir,' 'adieu.'" (Trans: This isn't "see you later," this is "good bye. Forever.")
That never give up spirit, never quit mentality is admirable on so many levels, but self-defeating at its tilting point. Still what's the worst thing that can happen? Someone says "adieu."
I definitely paid attention to this philosophy!
Off to the Rai Foundation Girl's School - where we will celebrate Indian Republic Day (this is the day the new government was formed with a democratic consitution - India is the largest democracy in the world).
We're doing more workshops Friday. It will be wonderful to see the girls again - they are marvelous - and such winners!
Then it's on to other adventures!

Getting better!

I think all the back-to-health drugs are kicking in. I wanted to go outside and sing this to a camel passing by, but decided Michael would start to worry about me, so I'll just share it instead....

An "easy does it" day...

Instead of heading out for a long day of sightseeing, I'm staying in, recovering from a severe sinus infection. Photographer Michael Conner, also suffering from a sinus infection, is getting out a bit - he has to buy a piece of camera equipment to use for the rest of the trip.
The dust and pollution in the air surrounding metropolitan areas is tough on those of us prone to sinus infections - and if anything with the name "sinus" feels like a minor intrusion, it's not.
We have profylactic medication we can and should use to prevent them - for some reason we did not. India just didn't feel like a sinus infection kinda place. Our bad.
So if you have sinus problems, when you come to India, be sure to use your nasal squirts to prevent infection. Lesson learned.
After receiving our meds yesterday, I took mine and slept until 2am, when I got up to see if there might be some running water... there was! Even hot water! So I took a quick "shower" and washed my hair, using only about four cups of water for the whole job. Oh, but do I feel better.
Back to sleep. then up at 8am for breakfast, ready to Skype with a coachee/friend in Washington state, who has a big performance coming up.
I heard from my conscientious pet care person! The pups and kitty are splendid! Missy's full of energy, apparently taking advantage of the opportunity to get a million additional hugs, pets and kisses from someone with a soft spot for senior fluffballs.
A couple of the folks I coach are also dropping by to say howdy; I'm glad these little guys are so pupular; Allie Cat is likewise being snuggled. It's such a relief not to have to worry about them, and in fact to know the people with them are spoiling them silly!
I forgot to mention that our trip to the hospital yesterday was *painless* - we just needed our passport and visa (as in visiting India visa, not the credit card) numbers. We were also given the business card of the doctor with numbers to call in case we have any problems.
Our host also sent two assistants to escort us through the process, which made it even more expeditious. Nothing worse than having to sit around in a hospital when one is sickly.
The Appolo Hospital was busy but not anywhere near crowded.
Of course the staff was busy, but when they deal with a patient, they stop, devote all their attention to you, and listen carefully. They gave us no prefferential treatment - it's the way they deal with everyone.
For those who have msged and emailed: I am only using bottled water for brushing teeth and whatnot!!
Michael and I have come to love Indian porridge. It's not thick and pasty as our American oatmeal normally is, it's kind of runny. But oh, my. Is it delicious. Just a hint of sweet. It's grains cooked in milk and water. Apparently it's an adaptation of the British breakfast porridge.
Well, I'm off to nap the day away - hopefully waking up tomorrow refreshed and ready to take the country by storm again!
Namaste!

Oy vey.

As I was coughing, choking, sleepless, sweating with a fever, followed by an attack of the chills, I realized - I have a *sinus infection.*
So, as it turns out, does Michael.
Many people here wear bandannas and scarves over their faces not from modesty but to prevent breathing in junk in the air - a lesson well learned by this traveler.
We go to the doctor today, who should get us medication and something to help us sleep; we should be up and raring to go again within a day or two.
As we walked the street/highway near the student hotel at which we're staying early this morning, I noted that despite all the animals wandering about, despite so many people not looking squeaky clean, that - unlike New York City and other US metropolitan centers - there is no smell of urine. Public urination is frowned upon. I would say forbidden but I don't know that for a fact. I know our driver told Michael, who just wanted to pull over and pee one day we were on the road many hours, "No!" And took us to a squat toilet.
Today was another wake up to no water day. Hopefully it will be running as the day moves on.
One thing I've decided here - when I return, I'm limiting my energy to positive people, activities, business dealings, projects, and more. Fortunately there are very few people in my life who are not positive or reliable, but I'm moving awat from situations that lack integrity.
We noted something about the mainstream media here - like the US, it has too much celebrity gossip, rumor and non-news, but still plenty of international news.
World Cup Cricket matches are underway! If you've a mind to catch them, check this out!
Something that distinguishes India is its positive, solution-oriented mindset. There's no such thing as a "problem," just things to be worked out in a positive way - sort of like their driving. It is refreshing; imagine all the time we could save if we just went for the solution and didn't moan and whine about the "problem."
Hey! That's what my book, "The 100% Solution" is all about! No wonder I resonate with people here!
One of our new friends is going to let her parents select the man she will marry. Her older siblings have done this and are very happy. Her family is very close, educated and enlightened, and have never pushed her to get married. So when she wants to get married - whenever that is - they will go into action and select someone they believe will make her a great husband and life partner, as well as a terrific father for their kids.
Imagine not having to date? And having both families making sure each is treated well?
I know most westerners would object, but for these families, it sounds like a good deal because nothing is forced on anyone and she'll have a say in the final selection.

There are dichotomies here - some more modern practices such as the one I just described are welcomed by all parties, and some that hail from the stone age such as bride burning - where brides are burned when the woman's dowry is seen as too meager or the bride's father has fallen behind on dowry payments. This abominable practice kills and maims thousands of women every year.
A developing nation with eyes to become the #1 world superpower can't afford to have such barbaric practices.

As I said, Michael and I were taken to the Appolo Hospital today for an exam and medications. We've been resting and medicating most of the day. We are on the Indian medical service program now, which is public, in case we must return for this or other medical problems. Our care was fast, conscientious and helpful. We'll see how effective it is over the next day or two.

The hospital has a sign, "Fear less, hope more; talk less, say more; eat less, chew more; worry less, breathe more; hate less, love more and all good things will come your way." Many such signs dotted the hospital walls; pigeons flew freely around the high roof inside the building. I'm sure US hospitals would never permit this, but it did feel good to be reminded of life as it should be lived. He wasn't supposed to, but Michael did capture a photo of the pigeons. Coming later!

My motto: Rest more, cough less.

A day in New Dehli

Starts early with the distance sweet sounds of a mosque calling the faithful to prayer.

Monkeys are heard sashaying outside my window, probably heading for a nearby restaurant that may have tossed some uneaten food. Birds are everywhere with distinct, different and unusual songs.

There's laughter and discussions passing by with the Doppler Effect.

My room has a TV; I only turned it on once when I arrived. It features few channels broadcasting mostly upbeat Indian music which I have come to enjoy. It's fun and now I tend to bounce to the rhythm. I have some favorite TV shows back home, but have not missed them. I tried to watch one online, but programs can't be viewed in other places so they are blocked.

I never thought I'd say this, but I have come to like curry. Before arriving. Um, no. Today? It's great, especially being used in so many ways and here it does not scream at you; it just mixes well with other spices.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the hotel for students at which we are staying. They have served food to Michael and me in our rooms, but we prefer to eat in the dining room. The men who work here are very conscientious, courteous and take very good care of us. Some of the meals have been *outstanding!* Indian desserts are the best.

It takes 2 full days for laundry to return to us at the hotel, but it's clean and *soft,* not harsh or stiffly starched.

I'll have photos of where we're staying soon - Michael has this habit of making everything he shoots look *beautiful,* much better than it actually appears in real life. I'll mention this again as I post the pictures...

We also visited a tailor in Jaipur; they made me an outfit for me at a very reasonable price, and I bought two more ready made. All with Nehru/Mandarin-type collars, generous jackets and loose fitting pants. When I return, you will definitely feel the Indian influence in my wardrobe!

Many Indians wear scarves - men and women. I often wear scarves and mufflers already, but I can see how they make it a fashion statement as well as a practical way to stay warmer.

It has been unseasonably cool this year so many people wear gloves to ward off the cold. The weather is attributed to the global climate crisis.

We visited an open market - too briefly - but we'll be back to shop at a new one soon. A MacDonald's restaurant is about one block away from the hotel. Michael and I will stop in before we leave - obviously they do not serve burgers, here!

I can't ever imagine driving here, but our driver, Singh, is brilliant. Michael and I cannot get over all the human, vehicle and animal populations that converge on the roads. We've encountered one stop light. Red light means "danger-use caution" not necessarily that you must stop.

We make it to our destinations in record time because there is no stopping. Everyone continues to push forward without benefit of traffic cops, signal lights or stop signs. And there's no road rage. Everyone is of one mind - that we are all trying to get somewhere in the shortest time possible, so everyone is polite and doesn't take anything - like being cut off - personally. No one has any more right to be on the road than anyone else.

That includes: horses, camels, donkeys, trucks, buses, tripeds, bicycles, dogs, pedestrians, elephants, cows, pigs, goats, cars, motorcycles, hand-pulled carts, monkeys and more.

Oh, and if you have to go the other way, against traffic, because.... well, because you need to? Feel free. No one thinks you're a putz.

Michael saw someone actually get out of a car in the midst of wild traffic - coming back in about 20 minutes to retrieve his vehicle.

I've not seen any accidents, yet, but a motorcycle did smack our car a couple days ago in Jaipur. Everyone got out, assessed the non-damage, agreed it was no big deal and we moved on. No insurance companies notified, no police called. They handled it amicably on their own; the motorcycle driver taking responsibility, our driver seeing that no real damage was committed and we all move on.

Because of this free-for-all art, everyone seems to be more alert to others while they're driving.

This is one of the reasons I see India as a very progressive state. I swear, I have been teeming on road rage in the US when. traffic. does. not. move. Because of all the traffic signals and people interfering with us being able to reach our destination in as short a time as possible.

The US is far too up tight to incorporate India's driving skills and patterns, but when I'm back home, stuck in traffic now, I shall reminisce about how sweet it was to just go someplace in India without someone trying to control drivers and traffic so much that our progress is continually hindered or even halted. It's actually bad for us psychologically and physically, for our businesses and commerce. But I have the feeling traffic engineers would consider India's free will driving near barbaric, when the reverse is actually true.

Next week I'm with the girls and faculty again at the Rai Foundation school for girls. I'm speaking about bias in journalism - how it can be avoided, no matter how intensely you feel about a subject, as well as a couple other subjects and finishing the story of the little girl who could!

Photographer Michael Conner will be conducting another camera workshop as well. The faculty and students are eager to learn about his first class equipment! I'll take photos of that for you!

I *hope* I feel better tomorrow. Michael has also succumbed to this cold/flu. We're trying to find some place that offers health massages - that may help. Medical care has been offered, and if we are not feeling tip top tomorrow, we'll see a doctor.

Meanwhile, we're taking care of ourselves, resting, drinking lots of bottled water, taking advantage of all that comes from being still and gearing up to get out and about again, discovering all we can about the splendor of India!

Namaste.

Michael rides an elephant!

Since I've already ridden elephants, I wanted to take pictures of photographer Michael Conner as he took a walk on the mild side in Jaipur! The walk is long, dozens of elephants walk both ways, covering a large area around the Amber Fort.
Henry Mancini's "Baby Elephant Walk" is included for your viewing and listening pleasure!

Michael pets a snake...

My traveling partner, Michael Conner is afraid of snakes.
So when we came across a couple of snake charmers in Jaipur, India, he practically jumped in my arms!
Our guide convinced him this cobra was "rubber. Not real. Pet him!"
Actually, lots of so-called snake charmers in India use rubber snakes to collect money from gullible tourists. The snake charmer pushed the head of the snake to prove it was fake. I took pictures of the snake to determine the truth - close up, rubber snakes do not have real eyes.
So Michael, shaking, touched the cobra's head as the charmer winked at our guide. Michael, despite his misgivings, was pleased that he petted the snake, proving it wasn't real. He could relax.
As we walked away, I looked at this tight close up I took of our cobra friend on the camera.
The guide laughed - hard.
"Take a look, Michael," I said. The close up of this real live snake speaks for itself.
Michael can't stop reliving the sensation of the real live cobra that he "petted."
We laughed - and now Michael's not quite as afraid of snakes! (Photos by Colleen Patrick)

India's rocking my world

Yesterday morning we got a stark reminder that India, while moving rapidly toward becoming a first nation superpower, is still a "third world" country. We awoke to no running water in the hotel. Normally the water pressure is very low and there is precious little hot water, but there is water for washing, brushing teeth and such.
Thank heaven I brought baby wipes.
Off for the long ride to Jaipur (Jay'-purr) at 5am, we could still see the beautiful countryside en route even in the dark.
Because we've been riding around so much, it's clear that India - whatever its economy is experiencing - is heavily investing in its infrastructure. There are major road, water, new parks and other projects going on around the clock to enhance the nation and its people. This is a country planning for a successful future while putting its people to work in ways that benefit all its citizens.
This may be too much of a generality, but the workers we've seen doing their jobs appear to have a near reverence for the task at hand. There's no hanging around or attitude, just consistently performing the tasks in a near respectful manner.
Jaipur is the tourist Mecca of India. And in any tourist spot here, people are always beseeching you for money. Whether it's selling trinkets, getting their photo taken, begging, handing out paper as you enter a public toilet, nearly everyone - it seems - asks for money. I believe it's in part because just about everyone considers themselves an entrepreneur here, and there's nothing that seems to impede the free flow of business.
Mind you, I would not recommend opening a designer decorative lamp boutique in any of the places we've visited so far, but whether it's an independent fruit stand, snack business, or service, there's a stroke of entrepreneurship that feels like it's part of the nationality.
Apparently this is a relatively new phenomenon in India after the economy of it's former #1 trading partner, the USSR, collapsed in 1991. But the people have caught on to the precarious life of running independent businesses, often of a limited size, in a big way - leading to the India's invention of hotmail.com, the Pentium chip and other international phenomena that have paid off royally for its economy and workforce, resulting in Western nations "outsourcing" billions of dollars' worth of work here as well as creating new enterprises.
Animals.
Everywhere we go, there are animals. And though most are allowed to run freely, all have owners except the monkey. Monkeys are free of any human possession. But goats, cows, pigs, dogs, camels, horses and the rest all have owners responsible for their welfare. I've yet to see a cat, but I've only been here 4 days.
Mercifully, I got some dog petting time in yesterday - a gorgeous Great Dane, Jenny, owned by a Hindu family who invited photographer Michael Clonner and I to visit their spiritual celebration last night in their home.
It was an honor to be invited in the home of these wonderful people, thanks to our guide who took a personal liking to us, eliminating any preconceived notions he previously held.
Visiting Amber Palace (said to be grander than the Taj Mahal), we learned that the undoing of two ruling kings "back in the day" was their ego. That because they fought each other for top dogship - they weakened themselves to the point that a third party (the Moguls) came in and easily defeated the already beaten down feuders.
I couldn't help but think of the Republican split with Tea Partiers, as well as the toll taken by the bitter rhetoric between Republicans and Democrats. If history once again repeats itself, stay tuned for a third party takeover!
I'll have more about our long day in Jaipur with some funny stories later, after the photos are downloaded. We've taken *hundreds!* But I'm only showing those that you wouldn't see anywhere online or in a tourist book!
Having a late dinner with our hospitality hostess at the School for Girls (who has a terrific sense of humor!), I was brought up to date on the girls and women here. There are 700 from 20 nations, skewing older than I expected - from teenagers to 35 (and a few African women up to 45). Some are afraid to speak - for fear of being beaten. Not here of course, but that is their experience where they come from. So getting them to participate in interactive workshops I'm conducting will be the challenge. I'm staying in full-tilt coaching mode rather than switching between teaching and coaching until everyone feels safe enough to speak freely.
In just five years the school has been running there has been a phenomenal impact by its graduates. Girls are asking to marry older (one of the most severe problems for poor nations is girls marrying too young), they are either working in their villages or have left their villages to have meaningful jobs as well as more positive, healthy relationships since they now know how to stand up for themselves.
I meet with the head mistress this morning to outline all I'll do, how I'll do it an when after breakfast.
One big lesson for this American: after drinking *real* chai tea? I'll never have the American version again - it just won't satisfy!
Namaste!

A long day in Jaipur, landing at the School tonight!

Starting the day at 4a.m., photographer Michael Conner and I spent a very long day in Jaipur, a tourist Mecca in India. More tomorrow with photos, but basically our day was filled with: elephants, camels, cows, pigs, monkeys, horses, goats, an astronomy/astrology park, peacocks, parrots, castles, palaces, a Hindu celebration and an art mart.
Sensory overload!
We ended up at the school for girls late - but a light dinner and great conversation about tomorrow awaited when I arrived.
More excitement tomorrow with photos!

India - driving, divine destiny, dining

Driving in India is a free-for-all art.
The steering wheel is on the right side of the car and the vehicle is supposed to be on the left side of the road. My deep breathing, namaste-type attitude has been a blessing for me but I recommend those with heart conditions not used to this phenomenon wear a night mask as you ride with your Indian traffic-wise driver doing the work.
It's no wonder so many people from this area of the world become taxi drivers when they come to the U.S. Compared to driving in India, New York City is a cakewalk. Seattle a joke. Pocatello a *nap.*
Drivers here honk constantly. As far as I can tell honking only relieves the driver's stress, because basically their honks go ignored. And beeps here are wimpy compared to US cars.
I mean, American horns go "freaking HONK!" Sending a MOVE OVER! GET. OUT. OF. MY. WAY. message. Here, automobiles are quieter, more polite, making a sweeter *beep* - as if to say "excuse me" "please to move over." With hundreds of honks going on simultaneously, Indian beeps create more of a symphony than a cacophony.
Ubiquitous on Indian roads: cars, tripeds, motorcycles with two riders (women ride sidesaddle on the back wearing traditional Indian garb) bicycles and smokers. Being allergic to smoke, I've been cautious and the places I've visited so far do not allow smoking in public areas.
Non-US airports have hideous "smoking rooms" for passengers, with glass walls for all of us to peer into the smoke-filled rooms, pathetic with nicotine-addicted prisoners trying to appear as if they don't care we see them contained in a sort of human zoo display, puffing away as we go about life. I wonder if this public display will give any of them cause to quit.
I was asked about my comment on yesterday's blog about seeing the visually shattering images of stark poverty alongside vestiges of material wealth and well-being. When I said I wasn't bothered by it, it is what it is, did I mean I experienced it as good or bad?
I replied that it is neither good nor bad, it is what it is and I'm not judging. If we see the God in everything, which is what the term "Namaste" means ("I see the God in you"), how can we judge?
It does not mean we need be passive, but it also means we do not try to force an explanation or rationalization of something that has no rationale explanation.
There are reasons Indian people believe that give them what they have or don't have as a birth right (or wrong) based in actions of the past (they believe in rebirth/reincarnation). So most (of course not all because like any nationality they are not all of one mind!) believe they are handed the lives they have - without feeling superior or inferior if they have a healthy outlook - and it is up to them to better their lot or live the life to which they were born.
Some born in rank poverty shrink in bitterness, others simply accept their lot and do not believe it will improve, others believe they can educate and work their way to a better life. To those born with material wealth, they can take what they have for granted, disrespecting their gifts, squandering their lives meaninglessly; they can take what they have, appreciate it and make the most of their talents and lives every day, sharing and raising the lot of everyone around them (which in turns gives their life true meaning and value), or they can simply do nothing except use what they have thoughtlessly, living empty lives.
Hmmm. This sounds like any culture on the planet, doesn't it? I think India portrays the contrasts and attitudes perhaps more vividly than other cultures. The contrasts are "in your face" rather than calculatingly hidden. I consider this more honest.
But to be historically fair, the European influence, perhaps intended to enhance the "civility" and culture of nations backfired, and did more than its fair share of destruction along the way. In the US and other nations considered colonies "in the day."
My host and I had this conversation yesterday. If you love intelligent conversation as I do, you would love it here because people have them constantly. Thoughtful, informed, open. AND, I'm happy to report that preconceived negative notions of Americans by folks here are doused by the minute after speaking with me. Several times they have responded, "Really? Most Americans.." "Interesting, most Americans I've spoken to don't understand.." etc., etc.
I'm staying at a hotel for students; I chatted with one who is with a group of Americans from MIT, studying disabled children here. He inferred that their studies of kids with disabilities has been eclipsed by learning so much more from the culture itself.
Caution! Anyone who knows me is aware that I do accents. I teach people how to create accents for roles they play as well as how to lose an accent if they need to (I once helped a budding psychologist starting to work in Seattle replace a thick New York/Jersey ["Noo Yak/Joisey"] sound with a "cultured western" accent). My East Indian friends in the US think I'm hysterically entertaining when I speak in my East Indian accent. They want to show me off to their kids for a laugh. Hey! They are laughing *with*, not *at!* ... well, I'm *pretty* sure.. '-)
At any rate, I have to remember NOT to do that here. No. First on my list of "Things NOT to do." 1. Use NO accents here. Not just the East Indian, but all except Canadian. Canadians seem to be non-controversial just about anywhere in the world I've traveled. So you see, Mireille? There is an upside to Canadians having a "nice" reputation!
Dining has been not nearly as dicey as I thought it might be. Turns out all the East Indian restaurants I've been frequenting actually do serve ... Indian food. I also had some Indian Chinese, which is a huge hit in the UK.
Best travel advice I've received: from my friend Nedra Gaskill, who was told by someone who lives here: take two Pepto-Bismol pills in the a.m. and again in the p.m. I'm careful to drink only bottled water, but one must brush one's teeth, etc., using tap, so there's no avoiding the water altogether. After being here nearly 24 hours, having two meals, brushing my teeth twice -no problems!
My traveling partner, photographer Michael Conner, arrives within a couple hours; I'm going with our driver/guide to pick him up. When I arrived after nearly three days' travel, I had shifted my sleep patterns to at least closely resemble India's. So whilst tired and rummy-silly at one point (Sorry, Lisa for the cyber-hanging, clingy hug, continually declaring, "I love ya, man! I love ya, man!") I went to bed early last night and do not feel in the least jet-lagged this morning!
Michael gets "housebroken" and rested up today after a brief tour of New Delhi; tomorrow it is off to Jaipur, then to the girls' school for three and a half days, then to Agra where we're taking pictures of the Taj Mahal with a full moon in the background. Then we see the Red Fort, the jail where Mumtaz Mahal was incarcerated after driving the national economy into the dirt from building the uber-dedication to his beloved wife. Ain't love grand? Centuries after it was built, the Taj lives on as a monument to a man's undying, phenomenal love for his wife, nay, to love itself. today no one even knows about that economic disaster thing.
And when he was put in jail, it was built so he could see the Taj, reliving his great love 24/7. Now *that* is civility!
I must give a huge shout out to my friend Lyndon Davis from Cowboys and Angels Styling Salon! Lyndon! Your haircut and new color scheme has been a *smash!* People who haven't seen me since you gave my hair a makeover will be shocked when I return - I've received several admiring glances! Thank you! It's fun to have one's hair admired with all those stares, I- wait. What is that *thing* hanging from my NOSE-!
'-)
Blog you tomorrow! No guarantees for photos because downloading them will take significant time since Michael is shooting RAW, with massive file memory. I won't, though, so, we'll see!
As my dear friend Rick Overton would say, "Namaste, Baby!"

I'm in India!

My traveling partner, photographer Michael Conner, got waylaid with plane connections, so won't arrive until tomorrow morning (he as the camera equipment, I have the clothes...).

The itinerary: Seattle to Philadelphia, to Rome (Italy), to Milan (Italy) from there to New Delhi. 2.5 days of near constant plane travel except for the 8 hour layover in Rome.

I saw the most fascinating sunset I've ever encountered flying from Rome to Milan last night. Deep rich ribbons of a purple red, layered with yellow, blue and black. Then witnessed one of the most sensational sunrises as we flew into India at dawn. The flight from Milan to New Delhi was one of the best I've ever experienced; Alitalia Airlines uses Boeing jets with larger, more comfortable seats; the flight attendants were wonderful, the food good, the movie and other entertainment selections impressive (I saw a Bollywood film that featured Bollywood hip hop music! It's great!). Overall, a pleasant surprise and one I look forward to repeating on the trip back.

My driver/guide picked me up at the Indira Ghandi International Airport and drove me around for some time; I have not been culture shocked as I'm told so many Americans are. It is what it is - a colossal mashup of extreme poverty and wealth; complete populations living on the street next to buildings that comfortably house many of their wealthy and middle class fellow citizens.

I also met my host, a man for whom I have considerable respect. He is a well known actor/director, philanthropist, business person and philosopher in India who believes that the education of girls and gender equality is the key to world peace and a stable international financial community.

We recover from our near three days of travel tomorrow; Monday we tour Jaipur, Tuesday we're off to the school for underprivileged girls (from 20 nations), which is a two and a half hour drive from New Delhi; girls who come from abject poverty (no food or water) who now have the opportunity to create new lives.

I'm screening my comedy feature film, The Whole Truth, for them and talking about filmmaking (I'm former president and international liaison for Women In Film/Seattle - don't know if I mentioned that). We'll talk about all the professions that go into making one movie. There's also some interest in my background as a journalist, the skills of which I'm happy to share.

Then I'm guiding them through an interactive creation - we'll make up the story of a little girl who was born with nothing but created a successful life for herself despite everything. I'm taking that story to a sound studio later to narrate it, adding sound effects and music. I'm including some of the girls (including one whose voice will be used as our heroine as a youngster) so they can learn more about sound production. We'll have copies made of the CD for every girl (there are 700) so each will have proof positive that something can, indeed, be made out of nothing!

We follow up with me talking about the philosophy of my problem-solving book The 100% Solution, which focuses on the solution rather than continually rehashing the problem and remaining stuck in it. The cause of the problem is exposed through this four-step system, so it can be dealt with in a way that replaces the problem with a new, healing and positive thought process. Each girl, faculty and staff member receives a copy at no cost.

It's going to be *so* much fun!

Because I've been so busy running miles through airports these past nearly 3 days, I've lost weight. And my relationship with food here will be different - I'm going to be working with girls whose families have no food or water. I want to appreciate every morsel I eat now; every drop I drink. Respect food more. In the US I believe we take cheap food for granted and just swill it rather than appreciate what it is, where it comes from and how it came to be sitting on our table and nourishing our bodies. Drinking water and eating will become more of a ritual, a near spiritual practice rather than just the occasion to fill up a nutritional need to keep the engine running.

Right now, however, I'm going to get rested up and look forward to Michael's arrival tomorrow morning!

Preparing for India!

Only a few weeks from heading out to India for three weeks. Brilliant photographer Michael Conner and I will be traveling throughout North India and the Himalayas between January 13 and February 5.

I'll be posting our photos and reports here, linking them to my Facebook page.

I'll also be working with disadvantaged girls in New Delhi; giving inspirational talks, presenting skills workshops, showing my feature film, "The Whole Truth," and discussing my book "The 100% Solution," a four step problem-solving system I devised.

All the girls, faculty and staff at the underprivileged girls' school have copies already at no cost.

My first journey to this great country, I am told lives are changed by visiting. Stay tuned!