March 1, 2024
Life in Varkala was healing my soul. Walks early morning, cool air before the sun came over the cliff. I was feeling at peace. Life was good.
The morning walks, watching the fishing boats come in, beach dogs wandering in their packs, the beach cleaners doing their daily tasks. The simplicity of life was easing my tired soul.
My challenge was this body had been through a lot! With the intensity of the journey, along with my intake of polluted air in Kathmandu, I arrived in Varkala with a weighted chest. After a week, it developed into a persistent cough. The dust from the continuous use of the ceiling fan, was not helping the situation. I realized one night that I needed to clean the mosquito net so I took a wet cloth and wiped it down. That helped a bit.
Yet, the congestion increased. I was beginning to be concerned that it may develop into pneumonia, it wouldn’t be the first time. I had to be more pro-active. It wasn’t loosening, and I had a deep rattle in my lungs. I found a Homeopathic Doctor in town. He listened to my lungs and gave me three remedies to take for the next ten days. He said in three days it will begin to clear. (he was correct:)
I gratefully paid the $8.00 Cdn for my consultation and received my three remedies!
The following day I would be on an overnight train to Puttaparthi. I didn’t want to be coughing up a lung in closed quarters. People tend to get a little nervous, as I most definately must have the (new) big “C”. And besides that I just wasn’t feeling so darn good.
The next day I arrived at the train station, still hacking, but knowing I was on the right path. The heat was increasing and it was cooking waiting at the train station. Luckily there was some shade, not cool shade mind you, but out of the scorching sun. Just have to relax into it.
I had booked a 3 tier AC Sleeper for the coming eighteen hour overnight journey. I wanted to be comfortable.
I had a side seat so I could sit by myself, with one person across from me. For a good portion of the journey that seat was empty, a bonus as I could stretch out. Eventually, a young man took the seat. When the time came for everyone to get into their beds he kindly offered me the lower bunk. Do I look too old to climb the ladder? Anyways, never mind. “No thank You I’m good” I thanked him for his kindness and up I went. I like the upper bed, it feels more private.
As I lay there, AC blowing on head, me sniffling and coughing I rethought my decision. Too late he offered it to the REALLY old guy. I wrapped a shawl over my head trying to escape the long awaited cool air. It worked. Regardless, I slept a good 6 hours. Hallelujah! We arrived in at Bangalore KSR Station nearly 30 minutes late, but, my taxi was waiting.
Time for the next portion of the journey, onward to Puttaparthi.
On the taxi ride to Puttaparthi, which I have taken countless times, it’s like coming home. Over the past 24 years I have been coming to India the changes are massive. Large condos lining the highway, huge overpasses, many lanes in and out of the city. Banglalore is the Silicone Valley of India, very progressive.
It’s a city of huge contrast. Dirt poor slums right beside high end homes. Interesting to observe.
We arrive after a stop at the usual roadside cafe, for a plate of Idlis and a delicious chai. The drive takes just over two hours.
The guest house I had booked online was exactly what I needed. Away from the village, so much more peaceful than my previous stays. Above all a large terrace that I could sit on in the somewhat cooler evenings.
(Regarding the lung situation..in a matter of three days I started to clear!!! never in my life have I cleared SO much. I was astounded. It was apparent this wasn’t only about my physical, I was clearing many levels. Possibly lifetimes LOL And it was working. Despite the uncomfortable hacking and blowing my nose incessantly, I am So grateful because whatever this was about…I am getting well. It took the whole ten days of the remedies and voila, it was cleared.)