I found myself galumphing back to the Green Hills cottage lastnight after Dhanni's sister's wedding. I had to bow out around two in the morning. They told me to stay and dance through the night as the actual wedding ceremony wasn't going to happen until four. I had two of my favorite dishes, Pani Puri and Jelabees before heading for the dancefloor. Now, this being my second wedding I thought I would be a bit prepared for what was to insue. But, my confidence wanned quickly as I was being fought over to dance with. All the while the women sat and watched. In some places the men and women dance together; this wedding was not such an affair. Thus, I was left to contend with one guy wanting me to dance his way another squeezing my hand while pulling me towards his group. I found reprieve by dancing with the little kids. They are always a bit more spunky,and I connect with them. I lost interest with the dancefloor altogether when it started up again. It was nice to see everyone looking sharp and celebrating such a beautiful occasion. I am not versed in all the practices affiliated with a Hindu wedding, but from what I have seen it is quite lovely. At the family's home, next to the reception tent, there was a canopy built from banana tree branches and various other articles. For the ceremony it was explained to me that a fire would be set up in the middle which the bride and groom would circle seven times. There is a bit more detail on this site. After all the fun I had to excuse myself.

Funny, I was just reading in the news about homeschooled kids being present on most college campuses. The other day I was speaking with somebody I met about our educational system; the conversation was mostly about the limited scope offered to our kids. There are much broader learning experiences such as the kids I meet traveling with their parents around the world. An comprable example within the states I offered was homeschooling. One question that came up was whether or not it made a difference with college entrance or higher learning. Voila, this article goes into some of it. I commend those that have the opportunity and the drive to challenge not only their child but also themself to that end. The vast diversity in experience is truly amazing. Few things bring me as much joy as education and the opportunity to learn.

On blogger.com, the other day, I read as many as 300 new blogs are created per hour. That is a significant number of people putting content online. The rate at which global interconnectedness increases is astonishing. Yet, just the other day I met a couple running Horse treks through the Manali area of India; they were explaining how they meet people along their way who have no access to electricity. Being an ardent supporter of electrical technologies, such a lifestyle is hard to comprehend. Sitting quietly in the hills some place where the wind passes few ears and carries no hum of electrical generation is only one of the spaces available to us. Another space is city life; it has all the of advantages of boiling culture, religion, business, and other elements into quite an enticing brew. Each of us is left to figure out what space we occupy. Self-determinedly we choose the content filling our space; we can be in more than one place at a time. With technology and the reduced time to communicate new actors and audiences are continuously being created. We can create space including although not limited to our physical space. Phone, email, webpages, instant messaging, real-time broadcasts, radio, they all connect us. All of that being said, nothing touches the heart more than a face to face 'hello'. Sharing space has never been easier or more challenging in the absence of presence. This is for the girl in the high back office chair sitting at 125, the stacks, childpsych, class, dinner, or wherever you tread.

Ah, back in serene Rishikesh. The cold season and rainier days are coming to a close, and soon spring time in the mountains will bring back more Europeans and Israeli. However, for now, I am the only guest staying at the Green Hills Cottage. The clean air and slow pace offer nice peace here. There is a local cricket tournament happening. Three young guys managed to organize over 15 teams, and they are currently slugging it out done the road. It's an amazing thing, a blog. I came across a nice article from Google News about how blogging is aiding the political process. The speed surpasses even the strongest traditional news sources for conveying fast information. Although, there can be a big problem of accuracy. Even with the best of reporters forging some work these days, discerning the truth is a must, unfortunately. Chicago's Daily Herold has the story on blogging here. Real time information is quite the powerful tool. I find it very easy to update this, and I am pleasantly surprised to hear about people reading it, some of whom I have never met. From these quiet hills, I send my love.

Josh and Howie both had very successful trips while in Thailand, and I count my time there a success also. Whether spending a well deserved reunion with Dana in the islands or sipping on a Singha watching the sunset on the klong (canal), my in Thailand was delightful. One evening I even had the pleasure of meeting some Thai social activists. They were a diverse group some advocating AIDS treatment while others work for health education and gender equality. All the while the seafood and fruit juice were in fresh abundance. I even got to catch up on some film releases. There are many high quality theaters in Bangkok; sound systems make all the difference for that experience. Next time I am in Thailand, I plan to venture away from the capital towards the north, but for this visit it was wonderful meeting great friends. I had the pleasure of getting to know some great folk, including Ed originally from Ohio and Robert from Stockholm. There were a great many other characters I came in contact with like Phil from Pattaya whom I met after a long night out. He wanted the night to be longer, but I politely explained that Bangkok wasn't like that for me. When I was done explaining non-profit fungiability he politely bowed out of the conversation and excused himself. I too excused myself from the country when my visa was nearly expired, and I have returned to India. Announcing my arrival on the way from the airport there was dinner set out on the table at my great friend Prashast's house, and since then silliness and seriousness has ensued. Day after next I will continue onto Rishikesh for Dhanni's sister's wedding. From there onto Lucknow. Order and timing are very loosely based these days, but I will be there as it happens.

Again, my love is somewhere over the Pacific, and once again I am alone. It has been rare during this trip that I've felt a weight from being by myself. This afternoon it hit me. I said to D at the airport not to be sad or to shed tears. She wasn't sad, and she told me not all tears come from sadness. She is a very wise person. I masked some of my own feelings in trying to comfort her. I miss her. We shared a really beautiful holiday; for her it was well deserved rest. Tonight as I write and she flys we continue on our own paths until they cross again. I am very grateful to have had this time together. Thailand was very good to us.

Tomorrow I'll see Josh, and that will be nice to reconnect. I have some days with him in Bangkok. Then, Howie will arrive during his vacation, also. Life should is blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful and loving people. I am grateful for all that I have, in its time and in its place.

Resting never had it better. We're still rolling around Ko Tao a meal at a time. Lunch today was Deep Fried White Snapper with garlic and pepper sauce, accompanied by a four seasons pizza. Wash that all with some fresh fruit juices and you have the perfect meal after a morning of diving. The sites out here are phenomenol. Yesterday, we did a two hour tune-up/fun dive because it had been three and a half years since we went diving. Scuba Junction has a great staff, and the facility and equipment was all top notch. This morning we went on two more intermediate dives. Thailand's marine life is gorgeous. A lot of the dive sites have similar critters and plant life, but you don't always get to see it. There were a beautiful Titan Triggerfish, a Longnose Butterflyfish, Embedded Clams, and many other wonderful fishes. It's really nice to see them in their environment. Dana and I both feel quite strongly for only being a visitor and not disturbing the reefs too much. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that are oblivious to the harm they cause.

Aside from getting due rest for Dana, we've been beach bumming, a la shade style myself and playing some scrabble. We only played two games, but the first one lasted my first word. I dropped done O-N-*-S-E-L-F for 126 points. Then we played again, and Dana played a noble winner. Tomorrow, we're off Ko Tao back to Ko Samui, then the next day to Bangkok. It will be bittersweet as parting always is. But, I've been very grateful for this reunion so far along in my trip. It's been fun hanging together without obligations.

Dana and I have been moving a bit since she's arrived in Thailand, but it seems as though one end has been achieved. We are resting, losing track of time. We eat when hungry, swim when it's right, and we shop a little bit also. The deck overlooking the sea is serene, and the sun sets over the horizon as we sit and toast the occasional simplicity in life. There are lovely places along Sairee beach that we've been resting at one meal at a time. And, 'Thank Heavens' for 7-eleven, we've managed to acquire everything else we need.

We would like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year! Enjoy your celebrations. I may catch a west-coast reader for them to have these wishes before they celebrate midnight's coming; although, it would appear I missed the majority of you before the bell. Be well, and hopefully we will see each other soon.

I've got my girl! Dana came into town this afternoon, and now we're being night owls: hoot, hoot... She's living in the night and sleeping in the day. 12 hours time difference will do a number on a sister. We've got several hours to kill before once again flying out. It'll be another solid days travel, but beaches and bungalows lie at the end of this day. Actually, it'll be more like mid-day, but considering it's 2am now, it'll be a full day's travel. How wonderful it is to be together again. We want to wish everyone a very safe and happy New Year!

I have settled in this morning to catch up on some correspondence. It is amazing how much of one's time is spent planning while traveling. Unfortunately, you cannot just walk in any door and have a seat or a room. No problem really it's just the details. Sometimes those details are a bit overwhelming though. For those of you that don't know Dana was not allowed to leave New York as planned a couple days back. She was supposed to leave New York on December 23rd. Having completed everything necessary to leave and sleeping very little she arrived at the airport only to be told she could not board the plane becuase there was a tear in her passport. Wow, welcome to patienceville in a hurry, eh? Five months we haven't seen each other, and the latest obstruction has been a tear in a piece of paper. I do not want to go off on what I think about the security the world over. Although, I think there is a lot of wasted efforts. Yes, people hate imperialists nations then you have to spend the rest of your money defending yourself. Try putting more money into education. If even a fraction of what is being spent on current "Defense" measures was converted to education, see what the results could be. I dare anybody give it a shot. See if there is anything happening at your local public schools. See how you might be able to make a difference. Try to change the meaning of orange alert to an enchroaching finger painter!

With all that being said, I have anxiously been awaiting Dana's arrival. The anticipation has been great. The other night I even could not sleep, and for those of you who know me, this is odd. I woke up at midnight after 90 minutes sleep and I eventually resigned myself to watching the Packers vs. Raiders. Granted it turned out to be an amazing performance for Brett Favre who's father passed away less than 24 hours prior. What to do. I didn't want to be awake, but the excitement of it all was too much. Dana is coming to town; she has resolved her torn passport, and she's somewhere over the continental US as I type. Soon she'll be crossing the Pacific headed to Bangkok by way of Hong Kong. I breath, I type, I listen to new music, I anticipate.
I wish the absolute best of this holiday season for all of you, albeit Channukah, Christmas, Kwansa, and a happy New Year.

While going through my messages this morning I came across another story that Josh sent me. Enjoy:

An ambitious student comes to see his zen master. As soon as he sits down, the teacher asks, "What is the basic human problem?".
The student ponders this then answers: "We're not awake."
The teacher says, "Yes, but those are just words. You're just thinking." He rings the bell and sends the student away.
Perturbed, the student is determined to figure it out. A week later he returns.
The teacher says, "Well have you figured out the basic human problem?"
The student replies, "Yes, the basic human problem is that we think too much. We are identified with our thinking. We believe our thoughts."
The teacher answers "Again, you are just thinking. you have to see the basic human problem in yourself." Again, the student is dismissed.
Determined to solve the problem, he pulls out all the books, and reads everything he can on the subject. When he returns to the teacher he is almost strutting he is so sure he has the answer now.
Seeing the state he is in, the teacher asks the question. And the student replies, "There is no problem!"
The teacher stares at him and says "Then what are you doing here?" In that moment the student deflates, shoulders drop, face turns red, he feels totally humiliated.
Peering at him, the teacher asks: "What are you experiencing right now?"
Without looking up the student replies: I feel like crawling in a hole."
The teacher explains: "IF YOU CAN FULLY EXPERIENCE THIS FEELING, THEN YOU'LL UNDERSTAND THE BASIC HUMAN PROBLEM."

I arrived in Bangkok this morning about 6am. No problems cruising through immigration, baggage claim, customs, and the line for taxis was the most orderly since I left New York. It was easy getting to the hotel, hassle free. And, once I arrived I thought I had the Royal Suite 90 sq. m. for $30/night. Well, almost, I had it this morning, but after my nap I came down and they asked me to change rooms. I didn't understand the Royal Suite thing was temporary, the language barrier is a bit thicker here than in India. Alas, I have a fantastic room at a good rate, and I am off to explore this new country I've just arrived in. Hopefully, I'll be able to meet up with a friend of a friend, Ed by way of Tamara; also, I found out our friends Paul and Court are soon to be in town. These last several days without Dana are going to fly by. The excitement keeps getting better and better.

There is however some sad news to report. My bag was rummaged through yesterday, and my music player was taken out of my possesion. It is sad. I had shifted my bag to some friends' room, and there was one other person that went in for sure. It's terrible when everyone says they had nothing to do with it. I believe there is a special place for all lying people. I wish them the best. It's really ashame they didn't think to take the charger also. Because now, they're in possesion of an amazing music device, with my earwax still on the headphones, that will last another one to two hours. And, they'll be pretty hard pressed to find the right adapter. In other words what was a great music player has become someone else's paperweight with my inscription on the back: "Adam Aronson: Around the World." It made it half-way, bon voyage IPOD.

What's a boy to do with himself when he finds himself standing upright. My body is slowly becoming accustomed to being recognized. Gone are the days of kicking heels on the sidewalks worldwide, well, maybe anyway. Amazing how a bit of breathing will bring one’s center out of the clouds heading directly for the belly. I like to think of it that way, anyhow. I am in process. There is that stretch hibernating animals stay in so long as the body is waking, I am somewhere near there. YAWN. The retreat was fantastic.

Ten days witnessed through eyes always opening wider. It was a wonder to see the beauty in the world, anew. Watching bicyclists or roaming water buffalo, the world was in motion. This world is one that I am quite partial to. There are so many wonderful fancies to explore; this will remain true until the end. I feel vibrant, and my head may be emerging from the clouds. Gone are the days of walking with my feet on the ground and my head in the clouds. I want to see through the clouds or wherever there is a sight to see. From yoga in the satsang hall last week to the set of a Bombay commercial set I am traveling. Friends are all around and everybody is in motion.

It has been nice to relax in Bombay a bit. The mosquitoes are fierce, but the swaying palm trees and sinus drying sun help wonders. Lucknow has been cold, so some time in the sun is thoroughly enjoyable. In a few days time it will be onward to Bangkok with enough time to prepare for Dana’s arrival as well as adjust to yet another country. It has been quite interesting and informative learning about cultural practices, of course food included.

I send all my love to the eyes crossing these words!

Five days of yoga and my body is opening up. My flexibility has increased substantially, and my mind disappears at times as body and breath synchronize. Other times, the pain distracts my attention, and it reminds me how much I dislike pain. Although, the quiet times far outweigh the discomfort. Yoga has much value in this retreat as I have found reprieve from distractions.

Time has not had much meaning lately as I have been living in the moment. When my mind begins to reel there is some control to be exerted over it. Unwanted thoughts, troublesome burdens, evaporate like water. And, I remain present. Slowly, I am awakening into the present.

The last version of the passover haggadah I read began with God stating: "Here I am." Today, I say the same, "Here I am." I am present, I am alive, I am peaceful, and above all, I am happy.

Perhaps there is a place of origin where there are no questions; this I can understand. I have been there for brief periods, but it is not a space I continually occupy. At least, not the way I am hearing its description. Regardless, there are always questions for the mind, and these excite me. In themself the questions do have validity even if they're separate from a consciousness that lies underneath everything.

Where is a place without questions? Mom once said to me that at some point there are no more questions. She told me this many years ago. I didn't believe her. Yesterday, I was given a similar response to my enquiring. Papaji's mantra was 'Be Quiet'. This is quieting the mind, the body, and the ego as I understand. All of these things interfere with the present; reality interferes with the present. This is what I understand from the discussions, readings, and videos we've taken in. Where is this place with no questions. How can everything disappear?

I'm compassionate for the suffering of others. No matter how present I am that will always exist. Even if I was connected to core of all beings, they would still be suffering. Perhaps they're not really suffering and it's a perception that they are. Although, it does seem there are other beings and that some of them suffer. How could I ignore them when I myself have everything that I need?

There is a question, a rather heavy one, that came up again yesterday that I have been asking for some time. A while back I began asking people, even the first time that I met them, "who are you?" Most people would jerk their heads at this. Many of them thought me crazy. Other times it would form a wonderful connection even if only for that conversation and never seeing each other again. The question came yesterday; although, it was pointed in the opposite direction. As in the past when I was done asking the question it always turned around. Still, I am not sure how to answer the question. I am approaching this moment a little differently, and perhaps I am able to see a new side of honesty.

For people reading this please understand that I am trying to piece together the so many things that are happening right now. I am not however maintaining regular email correspondence. I will be checking next Monday evening or so. Please know that I love you all.

It began with introductions and a loosely based schedule, dinner, and a video. I have joined a retreat. Last night was very restful. Only finding 90 minutes of sleep the night before was a bit overwhelming by yesterday's end. It was one of the more 'productive' days I had perhaps ever. With all work things in order, I feel satisfied to begin standing back from the day to day, and look a bit closer inside. The work I began this past week has been very rewarding as it is consolidating a great many areas of interest for me. Because I will not be in Lucknow for much longer, I have decided to spend some time next week working on the project. Although, my efforts won't likely meet this past week's. Now, I am very earnest in trying to remove distractions; oddly, I consider the database project to be not a distraction, rather my concentration is pleasantly deep there.

At the end of schedules and questions we sang a chant before dinner. Raja, a local pujari at the Hanuman temple led us. Eventhough, I had been with mostly the same people in other circles and listened to them sing, I had not connected with what they were doing. When Raja began lastnight, I felt a new trust. There was no judgement, there was no misunderstanding, and I followed him as he led us into the chant. I didn't understand everything that we were singing, and I couldn't make out some of the words. Later, I asked Raja to explain to me what exactly we were singing, and word for word he went through the chant with me. He also offered an easier chant to begin with.

From the moment I met Raja he held out his arms and greeted me in loving brotherhood. It was really beautiful. The connections I have here with various people start in such a different place then when I have been elsewhere. It is in the moment.

There is a great word used frequently here in Satsang Bhawan, shanti. It means peace in Hindi. Our environment is shanti. Being is shanti.

This afternoon I am heading for a 10 day silent retreat. Although, this past week I have completely engulfed myself in very fascinating work. I am in the process of helping develop software for Organic India's Lucknow factory. The process has been comprehensive and very educational. We'll have to see how quiet I'll remain. My attention is being pulled in different directions, and I'll try to resolve this while resting as much as possible. For those of you I don't contact in the next bit I will be with you soon. For the time being I have put up a new face to my web presence. Peace.

Life in Lucknow is really great. We just returned lastnight from Azamgarh. We were there for the Tulsi Mahotsav that Organic India, Bhavani and Bharat's company, hosted. There were over a thousand people in attendance with farmers, their families, and staff to celebrate the end of the Tulsi cultivation for this year. There were a couple local politicians to bring grace and good blessings to the vision of the company. Several recognition awards were presented, and then there was lunch and a band offering a cultural program. Unfortunately, I slept away most of the afternoon trying to ward this sinus infection I developed, but such is life.

The factory in Azamgarh is very well developed. Dayael, a friend of Bhavani and Bharat's from Lucknow, and I took a tour early Sunday morning. We were shown how the Tulsi is brought into the sterile environment. The Tulsi is cleaned in two baths, it is dehydrated, it is sorted, then it's bagged. Wow, we walked into the storeroom, and the smell of Tulsi is positively overwhelming. This herb has been given star status by Organic India and Dr. Narendra Singh. There has been much written about Tulsi.

Things are exciting and busy here. I have began working with Organic India to help develop their website as well as offer some suggestions for software being designed in house. I have had a really great time getting to know the people that work for Organic India, but also understanding the working mission! They are in the process of building an exceptional company with a holistic approach to business.

Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating! India is pretty quiet about that one. It was a different story yesterday for Eid, the feast for the end of Ramadan. There were many extra treats on hand to add to the birthday celebration yesterday. That's right, I had a fabulous birthday with friends and family here in Lucknow. I have made my way south from Rishikesh by way of 36 hours in Dehli, and I think I am going to stay here for a while. Tentatively planning to go to Goa at the begining of next year with Dhanni, I may put off my visit with the monks until then. It seems as though I have put myself about as far away as possible from them at this time. C'est la vie.

So, many things cooking in the travel fire at the moment, but it all has been built on a fantastic foundation of sweets. I had a record five different deserts yesterday to help celebrate my biffday yesterday, the last of which literally took the cake, an Applespice cake with almonds on top. Thank you Raju.

Rishikesh was a wonderful mix of friendships, rest, the Ganga, exploration, reading, eating, stomach bugs, and all the other stuff that fills the details along the journey. I will probably be returning there in January to attend Dhanni's sister's wedding. Then maybe some more time in Dehli. I have the possibility of studying Kashmiri cooking with a chef, Trilochan, for a month. Wow, I am honestly begining to admit I've caught the India bug. Many times people along the way have asked, "How many times have you been to India?" Naturally, my answer is one, and they often count off about their revelations and numerous journeys. Well, if I come back count me amongst their ranks. It looks like it could happen. My visa is good through April, and we'll just have to see about it.

Tomorrow we're off to Azamgarh, that is where Organic India's main herb farm is located. It is the end of the harvest, and there will be a celebration perhaps numbering 5,000. There will be many people to meet and greet as well as, ha ha, more sweets. More detais to come.

Time is counting down until I am with Dana again! This is a very fine thing by my estimation. Beaches, bungalows, and mai-tais oh my!

What a bizarre turning of events has happened today. Dhanni kept asking me for the past several days to watch the cricket match happening today. And, I explained I would catch it on the train on my way to Varanasi. Well, the opportunity to change directions again presented itself today, and I made a change. At least, I thought I had made a change. A later questioning friend, Dhanni, asked how long the other people, who I had agreed to meet up with in Manali, would be staying there. In a phone call sometime later they said they would be leaving the earliest day we could arrive. Hum, what to do. Some days back I wondered whether I was ready to leave Rishikesh. And, perhaps this is the way it should have ended. Dhanni and I are now discussing travelling around this area between some different villages. Life is pretty natural and comfortable becuase of the hills and their bounty. We look forward to a great few days adventuring, and there was also some mention of a local Djembe maker. I would love to learn to play with some rythym. Drums are excellent.

I hope this entry finds people well and cared for.

Internet connectivity has been spotty at best. I am up in the foothills, and apparently everybody has the same idea at different parts of the day, clogging up all the available bandwidth. Nobody here has satellite connections, and it seems like there is enough demand that a cafe with five computers could make a killing. Capitalistic endeavors aside I have been having an amazing past week here in Rishikesh. I tried to put up a post several days ago, alas, I was unsuccessful.

I met a local guy named Dhanni, and he and I have been trapsing around the area seeing the best of what's around. One day I rented a bicycle as he already had one, and we made our way several kilometers up the road then treked into the hills a couple kilometers with much climbing to see a waterfall. Wow, it was pristine, and the water was fine. I was ready to dive in the moment I saw it, the combination of high altitude, bright sun, and drenching sweat prepared me for the crystal water; although, wisely, he suggested it would be better for the health to cool off first in the shade. Yea, so he was right, but I got that amazing dip in the water! Never too cold, not at least to get in and out... Still, if I could have gills, I would take them. Since that's not going to happen, I'll take my opportunities to enjoy a nice swim.

Then, two days back we rented a jeep and headed up into the hills with the intended destination of Kanjapuri. It is a temple atop the tallest foothill in the area here. From there we watched an amazing sunset, and I also got my first glimpse of the Himalayas. On our way up we stopped in a village to do some walking and sightseeing. As we were on a particular hill I noticed some schoolkids playing what appeared to be soccer, and I asked Dhanni if we could go take a look. We headed down to the school. We were warmly received by the principal and some teachers. As was customary they offered us tea, and it just so happens they had Jelabees there. Jelabees are by far and away my favorite Indian sweet. It is a pastry like dough that is fried in oil then the result is rolled in a sugary syrupy creation. The result is bliss. That's the best for the sugar lover in me.

I thought my time here would be spent doing some yoga, but that is not the way that it has gone. Dhanni introduced me to some members of his village yesterday and we enjoyed some really amazing dishes since he invited me to dinner. His village is highly functional and the people are all quite warm towards each other. Especially when everyone is watching cricket. The Assie's were beating up on the Indians last night. I didn't go back to see the conclusion after dinner because I needed rest, but google News just confirmed my suspicions, India was beaten (not that I have loyaties). Cricket has been fascinating to learn about, and I actually enjoy watching the sport.