2 coconuts...2 adjustments

i'm now feeling more like a resident of Mysore, after checking out of the Green Hotel today. Though Gokulam seems to be one of the more upmarket suburbs in Mysore. I had about my best night's sleep in India last night in the new place, went along to practise and was able to get up at 5 and be there in heaps of time...I finished practise around the same time as Andrew, a guy who was in Adelaide when I started practising over there. He and his wife Jessica left Adelaide 6 months after I did, heading with their young son over to Encinatas in California. They've been living in Mysore for over a year, but Andrew reckons they'll head back soon, preferring Sharath to practise with, and, since Sharath's not back teaching at the Shala til January...they're reconsidering their plans. Which is making me reconsider my plans. Reckon I might head up to Goa for a few weeks, rather than spend the full 3 months in Mysore...we'll see about that one

We had a couple of coconuts out front of the Shala and a bit of a chat. A Mexican guy - who's name escapes me, joined us. We then went round the corner for a chai.

I had arranged with a rickshaw driver - Manju, to pick me up at my place at 8...there he was. He's a nice bloke, I think I'm starting to pick the genuine folks out from the money makers. So we took off to the Green Hotel, where I had my last complementary breakfast, then headed back to my room to do some reading and relax til the 12 check out time.

Manju's brother picked me up just after 12, back to my place for my first try at washing...the washing machine did everything...just not as automatic as I'm used to...and the water was literally grey...

I felt like a bit of a look around, so, after a couple of ORS - oral rehydration solution - premixed stuff that's a must at this time of the year I reckon, after a really sweaty practise at least...i got a rickshaw into the city, looking for a Vodafone store to charge my phone. I looked on the street that had the most Western stores...and i was charged, to the tune of Rs 201..

Rs50 for a kilo of small, tasty mangoes (about $1.50)

Then some samosas and tea in a western style cafe...i like the indian experience, but after being a bit down on energy after the tummy probs, and something Andrew said about being careful where you eat, i decided to go western...

now, one of my biggest tips for india - make sure you have heaps and heaps and heaps...of 10 Rs notes. When using an ATM, it usually dispenses 1000s and 500s...virtually useless for rickshaws, coconuts, chai. as soon as is practically possible, get your hands on the tenners or 50s

2 adjustments - putting my legs behind head in supta kurmasana, and the strong baddha konasana...and the drop back where the aim is to eventually grab your ankles..

rightyo, back to some reading...and another mango :)