Back in New York

Hi Everyone!  Today marks one week home from India.  It has actually taken me this long to process everything that we saw, touched and felt on this amazing journey.  A trip to India, not only inspires you, makes you grateful, but it changes your life forever.  The sights, the sounds, the smells, the feelings will stay with you for the rest of your life.  I loved this trip to India and I thank you India so much for your truth, for your spirituality and for your people.  India truly is incredible. 

It is however, GREAT to be back home.  I have missed all of you so much.  Thank you for following me on this trip.

In love, peace and friendship,
Namaste

Shari

Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram, Rishikesh, India

Hi Everyone!  We are now att he Ashram in Rishikesh.  The Swami of the Ashram arrived last night to quiet a huge welcome.  The entire village came out to greet him.  We have been attending yoga classes that begin each day at 5am-which, when you are in the foot hills of the Himalyian mountains isn't so bad.  It is beautiful here.  We took a road trip today to visit the cave of sage which is suppose to have lived over 500 years.  We went inside the cave and there is still an alter and many prayers were said.  We then took a walk to the Ganges river.  This river is to hold majical powers and it is truly breathtaking.  There were a lot of rafters on the river and they were flanked by the beautiful Himalyian's.  Yesterday Marianne and I did about a 3 mile walk along the rivers edge and because it was a full moon and 11/11/11 it was quiet a holy day.  We were suppose to dip our entire bodies in the Ganges for health, but we opted for our feet and are hoping for the best.  We crossed the Luxmale Jula today, which is a swinging bridge that crosses the Ganges.  We leave tomorrow for Delhi and then fly back to New York on Monday night.  I miss all of you so very much and am really ready to come home.  Thanks for following our adventure.  I look forward to seeing you all soon.  With much love, Namaste - Shari

Goa

WE are now in Goa, the south of India.  Goa is a bit of a tropical paradise right on the Arabian sea.  The hotel we are staying in is right on the Arabian Sea.  This has been a totally different experience than the previous places we have visited.  Goa is very Roman Catholic, it was once very populated by the Portuguese people, so Catholic religion is prevelant.  We visited St, Frances Xavier Church were he is buried and were is body is still very visiable even though he has been dead since the 16th century.  You can actually still see him in his caskit.  While in Goa we have enjoyed the elephants.  WE rode through a jungle on an elephant and our elephant driver reminded me of Mogley from Jungle Book, so his new name has seems to be a hit with the other Elephant drivers.  We have had an amazing and relaxing stay in Goa.  The resort has an Auryveda spa and we have all had 2 Auryveda massages.  WE are off tomorrow for the Ashram in Rishiskesh in very northern India right at the Himalyian mountains.  WE will be at the Ashram for 3 days.  While there it is the full moon so we are going to the celebration at the Ganges river which is suppose to assure happiness and health for life.  WE are leaving tomorrow morning at 3:00am in order to catch our flights to Rishikesh - the excitement and beauty of this trip continues.
 With love, peace and frienship,

Namaste, Shari

India we have arrived!

HI Everyone!  Marianne and I have safely arrived in India.  After a very welcoming and amazing stay at Tukki's brothers house we left this morning for Agra.  It was a bit of a sensor overload for me I have to admit.  This is when the India that you here about, read about and wonder about came true.  There are cows roaming freely, there are shanti towns everywhere and there are beggars with incredible disabilities that all you want to do is help.  The ride from Delhi to Agra was about 5 hours, so we saw a lot.  However, when we arrived in Agra and then ultimately to the Taj Mahal, it was beyond description and belief.   The beauty was breathtaking and the experience is not to be forgotten.  We are now at the Japree Palace in Agra and it is so beautiful and so amazing, it is hard to imagine that right outside the gates of this exquisite  resort is such incredible poverty.  This trip will truly change my life forever.  Tomorrow Tukki, Jayshree, Marianne and I leave for Japiur - The Pink City.  This is another 5 hour drive, so I am planning on getting a good nights sleep to be ready for what the day will bring.

Your destiny cannot be determined it  can only be enjoyed and cherished.  Today, we had a divine intervention at Krishna's tomb.  We were able to walk in the crowds, enter the temple and be blessed by a high priest.  This countries richness is beyong comparison to anywhere else in the world.

The next few days should be equally as amazing.  Stay tuned and thank you so much for your interest and your love.

In love, peace and friendship,

Shari