Mysore

The gate to the palace at sunset

Haan and I in his shop ^

Hanging out in Mysore was a welcome relief from Bangalore. Although it was just as hot, dirty and exhausting, it had its moments and places of beautiful calm.

Anyone who practices Ashtanga yoga is familiar with Mysore. Its considered the international yoga capital of the world and Pattabhi Jois ( who is a living master, and at 94 can still contort his body in ways that seem impossible) teaches here. Despite the fact that he's been famous in yogic circles forever, in the all consuming world of pop culture that seems to capture most of our interest, he is the guy that taught Madonna her moves and gave her those toned arms!. Unfortunately, all his classes were booked up, which was probably for the best!

I did manage to fit a few classes in though and learnt that Mysore teaching style is different then most. No one actually leads a class, the idea and emphasize being a silent self practice amongst the combined energy and vibrations of the people around you. The teacher walks around and gently adjusts your postures as necessary, simply offering his presence. It really helped me to diversify and understand my outlook on self practice and was a strong experience!

But beyond the yoga mat, Mysore is also known for its sandalwood oil...which is considered the scent of the gods by the Hindu people and is liquid gold these days going for 950rupees, $25, for 5ml....

Its incense.....which is all handmade and because its fresh, you find yourself being enticed by the extraordinary fragrances that waft from every direction.

The silk....which has managed to encompass more colors and patterns then one could ever visualize, and are displayed brilliantly on every street. All the beauty did inspire me to get a dress made ..... but like everything here in India, the idea got somewhat lost in translation and the finish product may not have been exactly what I had envisioned!...but it was soo close =)

and the essential oils....which are so cheap and smell so amazing!

hand rolling the incense

The bazaar here was visually stunning and was a photographers heaven. I made friends with Haan and Noor who run a stall selling oils and incense. Shop #40 has been around since 1976, back in the day when their grandfather ran it. Its a family business and everyone helps out. I spent 2 full afternoons with them in the market, drinking the never ending, way to sweet chais and learning about the oil, the incense and their life....it was time well spent and in the excitement of never smelling bad again, I purchased, with gusto, more oils and incense then I will ever use...what can you do!

You guessed it, incense souvenirs for everyone =)

The Maharaja's Palace was quite the sight both during the day and at night. Apparently that's what $4million dollars back in the early 1900's will get you! And after 4 nights in Mysore, I was ready to hit up the coast.. its the only place that seems bearable in this heat!...