friday nov 7th

Study at Rimyi is evolving nicely. Today both Geeta and Guruji were in the practice hall. Guruji stopped several times to teach Abbi and Mary O Bhekasana and Abbi Bhujangasana. He called Maryfrom across the room and spent quite awhile working with her. When he teaches it is OK to gather around and watch, in fact, Mary said he is expecting this . Also, Guruji wants students to go back to their mats and practice the pose he has just taught. Rayah and Eddy were demonstrating the poses while Guruji was teaching.

Geetaji was at the horse by the door and discourages anyone from watching her or approaching her domain. She and Guruji both have helpers who assist with props. Guruji was laughing and making jokes. He practiced off and on for the 3 hrs I was in the practice sesssion and was still in his backbend on the horse when our time was up at 12 . Geeta's routine is to come to the horse by the stairs and work alone for about an hour then she goes to the platform and Rayah and Abbi help her with therapeutics.

I have been invited to go with my roommates to the Meridian Hotel tomorrow for a delux pedicure and lunch. Cost of pedicure = 700 rupees. Very reasonable. The doormen reportedly wear beautiful outfits and turbans with feathers. They also wear sabers. I will take my camera and try to send a picture. Tomorrow evening (Sat) is a pot luck at Doris and Anne Marie's.

Eddie said I should not write in capital letters b/c it's screaming, so I will refrain from rhe caps unless I'm very excited and I apologize to you for the bad computer manners.

I asked Pandu if I could stay one more month and he said yes.

The massage was wimpy. I had heard that Indian massages were lame and it's true. When I asked Swathi to rub harder on my hips she said she couldn't do it because my placenta was under there! And she added that Mr. Iyengar did not approve of firm massages. The massage took place on my bed which was ok because my bed is as hard as a brick. At the end she poured oil on my head and lightly massaged it into my hair just enough to make me look like a grease ball but not enough to relax my head, neck or jaw.

Gotta go wash my hair. L