November 13...Happy Diwali still

Up very early for my 6 AM walk on Marine Drive. This is meditative, and I am present taking in all that is happening. The sound of the street sweeper guys is etched into my consciousness now, as is the sound of the crows. The crows have grey necks here, not the ones Canadians are used to. Some Mumbia folk were feeding the crows. I walked right into Nariman Point....a narrow promontory going out to see. On both sides there are people exercising on the spot, swinging arms, legs or whatever. Some gazing out to sea. I noticed one man facing the sun......greeting the sun, hands in prayer. The poor street sweepers had their work cut out: huge mess from the firecrackers and spent fireworks, as well as the usual leaves, and blossoms shed daily by the trees along Marine Drive. So interesting to observe the folk here. One guy brought his bike, sat on the sea wall, legs resting on the bike. I'm focussing on my walking technique, trying to be present. It is a very quiet time: thankfully no firework blasts, as they younger guys must still be in bed. Nice to see the older folk greet each other, walk together. Lots of white haired men, men in kurtas too. The sea was glazed over, like a millpond, no wind, and there was a single row boat with two guys paddling, one at each side of the boat. As I looked across the bay, to the other side of the Queen's necklace, the tall buildings there were shrouded in fog or smog, and usually not clearly visible. Sweep sweep, sweep sweep. The sweepers wear masks to filter out the dust they create. Dogs are always around: some curled up asleep, as are many Indians...just the body outline under a cover, or no cover. I watch dogs greet each other, some in excitement, others very cautious. I notice that some folk have coloured their hair.....maybe henna or whatever, but unlike the Western exotic hair colours, everyone has this same orange, ginger colour, orange heads, orange beards, Muslim white round hats, with white kurtas, and their women in black, with heads always covered, and sometimes faces covered. Oh yes, one guy wears this huge white beard. So interesting to watch. Then there was the guy with the Afro Indian fuzz of hair, in contrast to his very very slim bones and form.

I showered, had the Indian breakfast, did my yoga practice, and left from Churchgate station to Kahr Road Station. Took the auto rickshaw to Kahr Danda, walked through the slum area. I am now used to the hectic no rules traffic: no one seems to get hurt here!!!! I taught the teachers today: two groups of them, and we rehearsed their songs and their actions. I relearned all their names. They are such lovely people. The school is very much a house, two levels in the slum area. Crackers went off many times as we were singing: it nearly gives me a heart attack each time. The teachers were preparing their work, supervised by Tania. Lunch was served to everyone. I realize I will miss these people at the end of next week when I leave. I teach the kids next week. When you converse with Indians, most  have a head nodding mannerism, that you may also be familiar with. I don't know why, and too embarrassed to ask them, but it is so so widespread. Raju, my taxi guy took this of me. Security day bag.

 My Tilley hat is a source of fascination to Indians. Many want pics with me and the hat!!

 Holy cow! I'm now in the Khar district. The cows are milked of course. They control the road as you know.

 Below this fish was for sale in Khar. A woman was gutting them nearby.

 At the school, a teacher, called Yogesh, actually does yoga, and he posed for me. Mudra and all.

 Lunch time at school

 Washing up for lunch

 Lunch prepared by parents. Survival for most at this school.

 Cute younger kids here

 All wanted to be in the pic. Like in Canada, they come up and hug you round your legs.

 Sunil with the little ones. He is very good with them. He must be early twenties.

 The alleyway to the school

 Inside the school

 Lunch, teachers day, so no kids this week

Kokila showed me her henna hands.

Teachers learned the concert songs, to teach to their kids next week. Jazz hands and all. Very responsive!! Fun fun.

On the way back at the market around Khar Road station.....watermellon and pineapple are prolific here. Below, flower sales.