Saturday, March 21, 2009

And That's That...India Trip Wrap-Up

For those used to my usual India writings, this year's trip proved to be a different story for me. Three days into the trip and 1 day after the first clients had arrived, Ryan learned that his wife had her baby 6 weeks early! He had to return to the US leaving me as the sole leader. With Kerala as a new region for Redback, this new line-up was slightly nerve wracking but with no other options, I was forced to step up and lead without my 6'5" safety blanket!

Needless to say, I had very little time to spend on the computer. What I also discovered is that the things that used to be so interesting, mostly because life in India is so different, seem normal to me now. Chaos is bliss! What I most enjoy as leader now is seeing India through those same virgin eyes that I once possessed.

So this year, rather than write lengthy descriptions of Indian culture...I am sharing the highlights of our trip through the lens of my camera. This time, I made sure it stayed on my hip at all times and was able to come home with a gallery of new imagery.

Overall, there were no major disasters and only a few bouts of diarrhea. Our groups got along great and it was a nice mix of people from all over the US including New York, Texas, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Our age range was from 21-61 and this year we added two men...yeah!

I can't help but think about the amazing activities that filled each day. Many things I had done before but many activities were new to me also. Each time I learn a little more in hopes of making the next trip that much better. The most valuable lesson though is understanding how blessed we are to have the quality of life we do. No matter how much money you've lost recently or how little work there is, it could be so much worse. Removing ourselves from the economy talk and immersing ourselves into a culture with so much less financially, yet so much more spiritually, is an uplifting phenomenon that can only be understood by being there.

Anyway, enjoy the photos...Til next time...namaste.

Cochin:







Kerala:








Yoga Festival, Rishikesh:






















Agra:






Dharamsala: