Some people say that the letters I N D I A mean “I’LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN”, and yet here I am,ready to embark on my fifth (or is it sixth?) journey to that fascinating and infuriating land of enchantment. I must admit that after each one of my first three sojourns I returned with that same sentiment. While I’m there, days pass when I want to tear my hair out, or just find a nice, quiet place to chill. And then something happens…..a colorful procession replete with music and ritual, a delicious meal,-fragrant with pungent spices, or maybe just an invitation to visit someone’s home.
This last trip I was fortunate to enter the mysterious world of Theyyam in northern Kerala. I was “seized by the gods” in their full glory of painted bodies and faces,as they immersed themselves in the spirit of a god, dancing and moving as one possessed. It was this mesmerizing experience,which takes place at sunrise and sunset during the months of December- February that draws me back. As soon as we returned from our last trip in December 2015 I was planning the next.
Pullurkali
Yes, we will also be volunteering to work on an art project with scavenger children at Manav Sadhna, Gandhi’s ashram. How that will turn out, I know not.
We are also planning to go up to the mountains at Nainital and see tigers at Corbett National Park. How that will turn out, I know not.
Many friends are as anxious for our return as we are to rekindle their friendship. Gerald is excited about teaching more collage workshops at the Universities in Ahmadabad and Udaipur. How that will turn out,I know not.
Shalena and her sister- my delightful Hairdresser in Udaipur
Raji- the Puppetmaster of Udaipur
Francis- our master chef in Goa, at work
What I do know it that we are embarking on another adventure, and that is good.
Namaste
THE DREAM OF DISTANT LANDS 
Good fortune to you both and the gods you encounter. Happy Hanukkah Benna and Danny
Sent from my iPhone
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Deborah, I read your article almost to the end without knowing who had written it. Only when I saw Gerald’s name did I realise it was you. Very well written, BTW, and the photos are great. Good luck with the tigers! Looking forward to hearing all about it. Best regards to both of you from rainy Florida. Graeme
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HOORAY, YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY!!! Thanks for including me in your e-list, I sooo look forward to vicariously joining in your adventure! And as we all know, if you DID know how any of those upcoming adventures would turn out, well, much of the adventure part would be gone. And it’s the trusting of one’s fate to the gods (while tying up your proverbial camels, relying on your combined experience, wisdom, and intuitions) that provides for much of the value and trust in the life-affirming qualities of travel.
May those gods shine in ways that serve you both -as well as upon those you encounter during your travels- very, very well!
Namaste, Ken
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As always, safe journey my friends. Love from the northern westcoast
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India is another world — not simply a different country…..Your journey will be followed with rapt attention……can almost smell the spices…..
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It is a voyage to a world that creates worlds…..Especially looking forward to your impressions of “Theyyam”….
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My Sunday stretched into the late hours, and I didn’t get a chance to stop by to say good-bye. So . . . good-bye, have a great trip . . . and I’ll see you some time in March?
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Always wonderful to hear about your adventures. Have a safe journey and return to tell us more. Thank you for the good work you two do.
Janet and Harvey
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