Bylakuppe and Coorg

Hi to all,

Almost every day we start the day out with an outside yoga session.  Since that is one of the best ways to practice your breathe and stretch the muscles and the mind, it was thought it was a good idea to share the benefits of yoga.  We traveled back to the Sera Mey monastery, where several monks were willing to try yoga.  With the help of an interpreter, Mr. Scott talked to each monk that was interested, suggested several specific poses that may help their specific ailment, and then one of the yoga instructors showed the monk the pose(s) that might help.  The monks were in the middle of exams, so there were not a whole lot of them, but is was a wonderful experience none the less.  

After a great lunch at the restaurant at Sera Mey, we made a stop at the Tibeten Home for the Aged and Disabled.  Patrice did a wonderful job teaching the residents a chair yoga class.  I think they were so happy to see us, that one of the residents did a song and dance for us.  He was a delightful older man, and so happy to be alive I think.  After the yoga session, they were served tea.  I thought we were going to help by walking around and pouring it for them.  That's not how that works there.  The residents came back in with their thermos, and the kitchen helper filled them with a funnel.  Those that could not make it back to get their own, tea was served to them.  I'm sure every wrinkle and gray hair could tell us a story.  They also loved having their picture taken, and had a huge smile when we were able to actually show the picture to them.  I hope that we made their day, like they made mine.

Tuesday was a free day to do what we wanted.  Six of us got a driver for the day, took a drive to Coorg.  Coorg is the land of coffee and spices.  First stop was at Madikeri Fort, a 19th century fort.  

Second stop was the Raji's Seat, which is a panoramic view of the green valleys and hills of Coorg.  It is considered one of south India's most scenic locations.  We had a fantastic lunch at a nearby hotel recommended by our driver.  Next on the agenda was Abbi Falls, which is Coorgs most popular waterfall. Everything that goes down, must come up....a lot of stairs.  We were a little concerned at first because someone we talked to at the Raji's Seat thought that since its been so dry, there might not be much water at the falls.  There was water and we thoroughly enjoyed one of God's creations.

We ended the day with a stop at a spa nearby and took a leisurely walk along the river.  It was a great way to spend our free day.

Enough for now....stay tuned, there is much more to come.  Hope it is warming up in central Wisconsin for our return trip home this weekend.

Linda