It's not that they are on their way, it's that I thought I'd be taking some - but, alas, I haven't.
I also was waiting to tell you about this crazy adventure we were going to go on - and then, well, we didn't do that yet either! So finally, I'm just going to send a little update!
Well I've not mentioned it yet on this blog, because I've been working really like mad on it - but actually we've adopted a different project than the restaurant for a little while. We have the basic sketches drawn up for the bar, and are waiting on financial figures to be figured on fingers than arent ours. So: alas, we have time to put our energy elsewhere.
And thank goodness! Basically since I've arrived it's been full throttle on a seperate project. We're developing a global networking site focused on bringing people who are engaged, inspired and wanting to do or doing good work in the world together. It's sort of like facebook, but with many more collaborative capabilities. The software was developed by some guys in Canada, and by a long line of "right places right times" sort of deals, I have become part of the essential launching/visionaries for the project. The network is sustained through a number of communities, created, maintained, and supported through us. The communities are Culture & Travel, Outreach Work, Wholistic Food & Cooking, Yoga, Natural Healing, Green Solutions and ... of course: The Creative Arts! My appointment has been as the Creative Arts director, so I'm having a fabulous time contacting artists all over the world, for collaborative efforts and designing a promotional video. I've also been a strong part of the Creative Marketing team for sending out press and information, as well as doing all the graphic design for the network. The network is planned to launch in October... and many of my ventures recently came as a result of my work - which is why I am choosing to share it with you now!
So, Last wednesday (I think), We had friends here from Delhi. Akhyl and Elizabeth had just gotten married and were on part of thier Honeymoon. Elizabeth is a emergency and disaster medicine expert, who has done alot of work here in Asia, espcially with the Tsunami. She lives in NY most of the time, as she just finished her Residency with Columbia. Anyway, since they were here: we all got massages - then, since we were so oily- we went to Vaschist for the hot spring baths. Always an adventure in Vaschist! There was a big, town-wide wedding, which meant the temple was closed for cooking - and people lined the streets for eating (this is the traditional way). The Women's bath is in the Temple, so we were feeling discouraged. Then we found the men's outdoor public bath. Women are typically not allowed. Well, we were greasy and oily and really wanted a bath - so we went in anyways. Two british guys were sitting there and one said something like "it seems the ladies have gotten a bit confused!" and I turned and sort of barked, "No, We're not confused! We're just Dirty, and there's no bath for us!" "Ahh yes, of course, well come on in then! Take a Dip!" And thus the beginning of a lovely friendship.
The Brits are actually motorcycle tour guides for the Himalayas. They have been guiding trips here for 3 years, and live wherever along the way, but mostly near by Manali and Vaschist. We talked about creating a retreat through the network, promoting travel/culture with perhaps photography - who wouldnt want to ride through the himalaya's and take photos?! Now all we needed was a good photographer. Anyway, the Brits offered us a motorcycle ride - which is what I was waiting so long for to write ... but Simon had to get a root canal, so now those plans are a little on hold!
So we were left without plans on Saturday (was to be the day of our motorcycle ride), and decided to go for a walk. We ran into this group of three guys from Delhi who spoke immaculate english. Turns out: they'd studied in Canada for quite some time, but now were living and working in Delhi. I asked what they did - they were a creative team! Salman, 24, is a freelance photographer here, and Sid (short for Siddhartha) is his producer. Danish does all the financing and also works in Advertising. Salman's photos were incredible. He'd just done a shoot for Harper's Bazaar, and the images were pretty amazing. It was nice to be around intelligent, creative, inpired, english speaking people my age! Anyway, we also talked about lots of great collaboration things for the network. Salman does some great work in Delhi with a large photography group... so the possibilities are endless.
Anyhow, we spent a couple days working and playing with Salman, Danish, and Sid. Then they went back to Delhi... back to the wicked HEAT.
We, on the other hand, took yesterday morning as a great chance to go up the river and swim in a pool there. It was SO cold, it was like taking an icebath when I used to play soccer. Maybe worse. Wicked chilly but so entirely wonderful. It felt good to my aching muscles, and the sun was out and hot. If I could put a feeling into words, so that you could have it too, I'd send you the feeling that I had after coming out of the water. My whole body was revived, it was like emerging from a cocoon - or shedding a skin. Everything tingled and was wonderful.
No pictures, sorry sorry! But hopefully soon! Perhaps Salman will send some from their time here... then I can put some up! Nice Yoga this morning, and a trip to town tonight, and a meeting with the owner of the hotel in which we're designing the restaurant/bar give good evidence that every day will continue to be a discovery.
Much love from the "Valley of the Gods"
