We will be leaving in two days for Rishikesh and Haridwar for about 4 or 5 days, then starting on the whirlwind tour of Rajastan and Gujarat. We met a bicycle rider from Nashville in the Bagdogra airport two days ago and we found that we had mutual friends! The world is getting smaller.
We just came in from walking to dinner, dodging all the forms of transport all around us. Funny that the cars and motorbikes honk constantly, but each kind of honk means something. So we have gotten good at knowing when to move out of the way fast. Bicycle riders give a varying pitch whistle to let you know they are coming up from behind and rickshaws have the little bells that we used to have on our first bikes, but some have the Clarabell the clown squeeze horns. One had a soda bottle rigged to replace the horn's rubber ball that had evidently worn out. So that sound was the crinkle of the bottle blended with the honk. What a hoot! Walking in the US is never like this!
We are staying in a Buddhist Monastery/Temple in South Delhi in the area called East of Kailash. Our walk was into the Kailash Colony shopping and eating area. A festive bright area around a small park. The Temple where we are staying has meditation at 6 and 6 and through out the meditation a monk keeps a steady slow rhythm on a large drum and chants softly. We have not gone to meditation yet. Shoes are off at the front door so everyone is barefoot or with socks only. One of the guest house rates includes all meals, so we have been eating most meals with the head monk (Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura), two other monks, and any guests that are here. Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura is responsible for the construction of the Shanti Stupa in Leh ( a beautiful place) and he is an accomplished musician. Take a look at Bhikshu Gyomyo Nakamura's Facebook music links.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanti_Stupa
This has been a quiet and peaceful place to take a break from traveling.
Love and Peace to you all.
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