Found my Cup of Tea

Hello everybody,

I have arrived, I have found one of the most amazing places in the world (if I haven't don't tell me otherwise). I am in Dharmakot, in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is wonderful... the weather is perfect, I have a great room (with hot water), yoga Iyengar style which I think is my favorite, unlimited hiking opportunities, and some other stuff that is just great.
It was quite the journey getting here, but well worth the struggle. From Hampi I took a 16hr bus ride, I was told that it would be real nice. I had a sleeping area at the very back of the bus above other people sitting everytime we hit a bump I would get launched into the air and come slamming back down. It was sold to me as a luxury sleeper... the little bastard. Then I had to stay the night in Mumbai, unknowingly I stayed one block from where the attacks had taken place. Ended up in a slum sitting in a stair well drinking beer with two guys that I think either wanted to rip me off or have relations with me in some way, it was wierd to say the least. Then I flew to about 10km from the Pakastan boarder. Stopped in a place for a beer before I headed to the golden temple and ran into two old shiks that were brown bagging it. They offered me a drink and the next thing you know we are well past temple time. Slept in a seedy place next to the bus station. Good thing I was drunk or I would have had a hard time sleeping because of the noisy busses. The next day one of the shiks offered to take me to the golden temple at 7am so I waited until then before I realized he might be a bit hungover for such things so I got on a 5hr train. At first I had my own compartment sitting back with my legs up by the window next thing I know I was completely invaded by a Tibietan family and 7 huge bags and boxes. Mom, sister and grandma sat next to me and brother dad and other brother were across from me. Brother across from me took these huge sniffs every 3 sec. and other brother had a cell phone playing music outloud, such great hits as Master P's latest little dity and Shaquira's dance mix. Then onto another bus for 5 more hours I was one of the latest people so I ended up sitting right next to the driver Indian style...no pun intended, while holding my guitfiddle on my lap. The reason for the seating arraingement was because of that same family had stuffed the leg room part full of trinckets that I am sure I will end up buying at five times the price.
I do have to say, it was all worth it this place is amazing. Just got back from hiking to a waterfall where I met five Tibetan guys on there lunch brake. All of them Independant contractors dealing in everything you can imagine and a couple that you can't. I will be going now, I have a date with my guitar and the setting sun.

Love Ya, mean it,

-Jim

What to do?...What to do....?

I am at somewhat of a quandary, I could go north the weather is a lot nicer...or...I could just stay right here? What would I do here you ask, there is a school type place here that is looking for volunteers. I have gone back and forth and back again can't decide at all...I think, I am supposed to stay,.. that is what the universe seems to be saying to me. There is yoga here and there seems to be some kind of inspiring air about this place I have written a couple of songs and my paints seem to be getting closer and closer to my hands, started some sketches who knows I might be just where I am supposed to be. That means seeing the north of India another time, which kind of makes me happy because it gives me a very solid reason for returning to this country.

Howdy all!!!

Hello everyone,

I am back in India, and really missing Thailand. I got my cell phone nicked last night just let my guard down for a second. That was all it took. So I wont be able to give anyone a ring anymore. I have to hangout in this town (Bangalore) until 10 pm tonight then I am off to Hampi then to the north. It has been a long time since I wrote one of these, but I really don't have a whole lot to say. Lots of traveling has caused me to sink into this weird half loopy state of being. About me: I stink a little, my clothes are all ripping, cant find a computer to download pictures with to save my life, I'm a little hungry but afraid to eat because I am not used to the food anymore, and...I burnt my tongue drinking chai (tea) this morning. Enough complaining, I am off to discover whatever it is that I am meant to discover in this city.

Love you all,

-Jim