Monday, January 14th

Different country - different traditions!

Last night, a cultural event took place on the large outdoor stage. This one-man show dazzled with a heavily made-up and dressed-up man who moved very expressively, with bells on his feet, to the sounds of texts in the background. This tradition is called 'Kathakali' and comes from the state of Kerala (where I am right now). I already knew about this type of performance. In 2006, I had booked a special evening event that took place in a backyard theater. I was there so early that I got to watch the guys putting on makeup and thus observe their transformation into these characters. These performances always tell a story, and from what I could interpret, he was very sad, then angry, and then in love several times. Unfortunately, there was no introduction, so we don't know which of the many stories it was tonight.

Before going to bed, I went to the hospital for a moment. The night doctor gave me medicine for my stuffy nose. To swallow. Yuck, the stuff is bitter. Medicine, after all! Smile
Then a little bit of reading and soon climb into the sleeping bag and goodbye.....

After the best night in days (I slept for almost 10 hours!), I jumped out of bed feeling really energized. Familiar routine: breakfast, consultation, massage. Because of my stuffy nose, there was a slightly modified version today. No embalming, just a light massage with oil and then a dry herbal stamping. Finally, hot herbal water poured over the whole body (I love that!), calf bone massage, face mask with cucumber cream, eye rinse (I still don't love it!), inhalation over a pot, and nasal drops. So now nothing can go wrong anymore and the nose can no longer get blocked. It felt better after just a few minutes.

In yoga, I couldn't keep up with all the exercises. But it felt so good and the regular breathing helps on many levels. Body and mind. Completely relaxed.
Then back to the room, shower, and lunch. Today is so hot and humid that sweat is running down my body in streams. There's hardly any wind either. Mostly under the ceiling fan! lol
Stopped by the hospital for another dose of bitter nasal medicine and to get hot water. The doctors preach every day: no hot water! So we'll just do it the same way and drink hot water all day long!

After another round of reading on the bed, a mega tiredness came over me and I fell asleep like a baby for 2 hours. And then it was time for dinner. During that time, I heard fireworks in the neighborhood. That's right! Ajitha mentioned it: temple festival in the streets of Kerala. Tonight! Oops, I wonder what's going on. I won't be watching it. But I'll definitely be provided with enough sound. Details will follow tomorrow. But apparently, Christmas was anything but quiet and New Year's Eve was even less so. Yes, the Indians know how to celebrate! And since fireworks are produced here in the country anyway, they have the source right outside their house! Smile