Catching up...

I’m doing too much to write about it all. The past few days have been a rollercoaster—so fast the scenery was blurred, and just as full of ups and downs. We’ve eaten well over lots of laughter and philosophical conversation. We met some incredible people who are running amazing social businesses. We are having a lot of fun.

But I was sick as a dog for a couple of days, and I’m feeling quite isolated and alone, and the start-up leading to work simply isn’t happening quick enough.

I also tipped my scooter into a pile of mud, and I’m not sure yet where to categorize that. It was funny as hell, but it damaged my pride quite a bit. ;)

Christmas was perfect. I was sad, of course, to miss the traditions and company of family—but this place is magic. We woke early to visit Matrimandir, the “soul of Auroville,” a giant temple-type place in the middle of the community where people of all ethnicities and religions come to mediate or pray. It’s an incredible structure with a beautiful interior.

After the soul search we followed Martanda to his gorgeous home in the forest. Arriving feels like heaven; life is everywhere. We planted trees. I laughed, a lot. Maybe too much.

We spent the afternoon at the beach and finished with one of the best dinners yet. All of us gathered around a long table at a local restaurant, where we ate food that was too spicy and drank too much illegal beer. Perfect.

And just before bed I received one of those notes that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, that makes you feel special. So I fell asleep with a smile sealed on my lips.

Village Life

A few from our tour of the little villages surrounding Auroville...

Pondicherry

Too tired to write about the markets and the architecture and the adventures, but here are the shots from our first trip into town...

An Introduction to Auroville

This place is beautiful. Peaceful. Our guide is a whole lot of fun. We do things like eat at local restaurants and spend afternoons at the beach. It's almost perfect.

The guide teases me because I’ve adapted so well so quickly, saying things like: “Have you been here before?”, “I’m not worried about you, because you’ve lived in Auroville for years now,” and "It's nice having Catherine around because she knows this place so well." (Clearly he's never seen me give directions. Anywhere.) At one point he told me I even look Indian, to which I responded with laughter.

"No," he insisted, "I'm quite serious."

"Yes, it's the blond hair, right?"

He shrugged causally. "You could be from the north. Really, you look like you fit."

If I was the blushing type, I would have blushed.


Here are the pictures from my most recent adventures:

(An incredible cultural performance we watched last night)

(Where I'll see the Dalai Lama in January)

(Laurel & I basking in Mother's reflection)