Well I just wrote a whole post and it just disapeared, that pretty much sums up how things are going. It's been an interesting week in India. Everyone wants to talk about the election and they appear to be very excited about the outcome of the election, I will keep my opinion to myself. On the same day as the election they discovered that the 500 and 1,000 rupees have been conterfit and the stores and restaurants are no longer accepting our big bills. Luckily we purchased a ton of fruits and vegetables earlier in the week and so we will be fine but many of my classmates are freaking out a bit. They say we will be able to exchange our money in a few days but I'm not holding my breath as nothing happens when they say it will here. Justine gave me a rice cooker and some utensils so I am able to cook my meals at home which has also saved me a lot of money. I am spending only about $1 day on food and it's all been very good.
I got a cold this week and I'm sure it's coming from many sources. For one it's very hot during the day and chilly at night, according to the weather channel it's mid 80's during the day and mid 50's at night but it feels more extreme then that. The second reason I would guess is the unsanitary conditions of most people and restaruants, that's part of the reason for eating at home more often. The last reason may be my main source since I am so sensitive to smoke. I was excited to discover the large trash bins situated around town because I was starting to think we would just have to through the trash on the ground as that seems to be what most people do. We started throwing our trash in the large bins but then we walked by one evening and realized that they just wait for the bin to be full and then they just light it on fire. People do this at their homes also for trash and vegetation so the whole city is burning something at some part of the day. I feel like this is a bigger environmental problem then throwing the garbage on the ground because on the ground the cows might actually eat it. There is a bin right outside of the yoga hall and so often the yoga hall smells of cow dung and burning trash. For this being the "Yoga Capital of the World" it certainly is lacking the peace and tranquillity one would expect. I nearly jumped out of my skin during the last savasana (corpse pose) when a firework went off right outside of our window. They have been lighting fireworks nonstop since Dewali, I'm really hoping they run out soon!
I am recovering from my cold but I suspect I will get sick again next week as I've been told the 3rd week of the intensive will cause purification reactions in most people so I'll keep you posted on my health. Otherwise, I am feeling good and look forward to the next 2 weeks of yoga.
Love,
Angela
