We're Bendy!

Friday (yesterday) marked the end of our two week yoga retreat at an ashram in the hills of Kerala. It was pretty full-on: 5.20am wakeup calls, 4 hrs of yoga asanas, 3 hrs of chanting/meditation, then a mix of meals, tea, Hindu philosophy classes, and a bit of socializing. We each also had an ayurvedic massage, which is basically lying on a wooden slab and getting a naked full-body rubdown with about a liter of coconut oil.

Despite being on the early side, mornings were fantastic. The ashram was perched on a hilltop above a lake, surrounded by verdant green peaks, and our morning sessions were accompanied by roaring lions (from a reserve across the lake) and chirping birds.

We both increased our strength and flexibility by a fair margin. Rebecca was happy to finally do the "Wheel" pose, while Brian became comfortable with "Peacock," "Crow," and headstands.

After two weeks in such peaceful, relaxed, and insulated surroundings, we reemerged yesterday into India proper - Trivandrum. Honking, dust, and people. We love it. The most difficult parts of each day are what order to do nothing in and which diner to eat at.

Other news: Brian got a haircut and a shave from a barber while Rebecca looked on (and hid her grin when it looked as if he was going to get typical Indian mustache - though he did emerge with the classic slick side parting). Rebecca raves about Tiger Balm and LOVES the food, especially masala dosa and paneer and ladoos. Brian's life is greatly enriched by his new flip-flops, coconut oil, and idli.

Rebecca's parents are in the air as this is typed. We meet them at the airport in the morning, and will spend the next week or so with them (their first time in India)!