December - Osho's Birthday

(photo 1) On December 19 we were treated to a "very" Indian talent show by the young people at the ashram. Hundreds came just for the evening. It was a great mix of traditional and modern disco dances. Mainly it was ALL about loud music, sparkling lights, and celebration. We were all contentedly sitting on the ground, I couldn't help imagining how people would freak out back home if they went to a concert and were expected to sit on the ground.


(photo 2) There were some GREAT costumes, and the dancers really got into their roles. This ladies an actress - my taste of Bollywood.


(photo 3) This pink dress was breathtakingly beautiful. She looked gorgeous. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a clear photo.
I still can't get my head around idea that for Indian's showing the stomach is normal for everyone. While showing the calves - not thighs, but just the lower leg is highly risque.
I unknowingly lifted my pants to my knee to show my Homeopath a patch of eczema on my calf. He nearly past out, quickly turning his head away and refusing to look back until my lower legs were covered.


(photo 4) Two of OshoDhara's Guru's Osho Siddatha on left, and Osho Shielandra (Osho's brother) on right. They're opening presents.


(photo 5) The third Guru - Osho Priya, she has an AMAZING voice full of love and truth. Whenever she sings my body just begins to flow with the rhyme of life.

December - Osho Dhara Ashram

(photo 1) The Buddha Hall at Osho Dhara ashram. Note the 2 huge hypnotic wheels on stage. Everyweek literally 100plus people sit here meditating - the energy is amazing.



(photo 2) Ritama the only other westerner at Osho Dhara. I'm so lucky, I would've been lost trying to understand all the protocols without her there to interpret everything.



(photo 3) Sweet friends that opened their hearts and gave me such sisterly support.



(photo 4) The young brides preparing to be initiated.



(photo 5) Dorm life.

(photo 6) Rashmita (on right) and her cousin - my sweet sweet adorable friends. Who are always in my heart.

December - Indian sites

Can you guess what this shop is?

It's a post office, in Delhi too. These 2 men became good friends. We had to wait for ages together. Such a great teacher of Indian time.

My box on the counter's all nicely sewn up in cloth. They refuse to send any packages unless they're sewn tightly shut in cloth. Such a novelty, and treasure hunt to find a shop were they're sew packages.




(photo 2) I found it :) These men hand sewed up my package.


(photo 3) Typical Delhi street.



(photo 4) Philosopher's Debate - Lord stands in middle and throws questions to 4 Philosophers standing in each corner.



(photo 5) Summer house - focusing on breeze enhancing walls!


(photo 6) Finally, I'm getting out of Delhi. Still have that glazed Delhi-belly going on. There's a sparkle of gratitude that it's not an over crowded bus.

December - THE Taj experience

Finally I get to sit in the famous Princess Di pose, yet can't even fake a smile. Hee Hee poor little me. After 4hrs marveling at it's beauty, I couldn't hold back the delhi-belly I'd been fighting for 2weeks.























Modern Indian newly weds

Traditional newly weds, they had a servant with them to carry everything, cue up for them, and do whatever else was below them.

Mid-morning and the Taj at it's best.



Marble robbers have cut out the best bits.

Such detail, such life. Carved into marble too.


The cute surgeons scuffs I got to wear when walking inside the Taj


Side angle with golden morning rays. It's soooo huge, us people look like ants and they're only 100ft away.


This is the start of the morning. Smiles and amazement still clearly expressable, Delhi-belly pain well hidden.


So here's the magical first rays that we cued for so long to see. Hidden by the dewy morning mist. Some 3hrs later when the mist had cleared, then the cystal blue sky and radiant Taj were at there photogenic best. Left me longing for the missed sleep in.


5.30am cueing to catch to glorious first light hit the Taj.

December - Delhi Delights

Marriage celebrations, prouncing horses, marching bands, and lots of dancing in the streets.

My first hotel room in India. Cold cold stone, a bed and small table, without a window. Looks like a cell to most, to me it was my haven. My peaceful, secure, private, contained little womb where I felt safe.

The full moon over the Old Delhi Mosque - the largest in India. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed in unless accompanied by a man after dark.

My street! This is chaotic Old Delhi my home for my first week in India. Every night till about 1am this husseling went on. Funny these days remembering how overwhelmed I was then, completely shut down in culture shock.

Gandi's everywhere here. The true national hero.