Civilized

'A house without a hammock is not civilized.' - dicho Colombiano

I've had a hammock in my house for the last 15 years and it is always my favorite place in the house regardless of where I've lived. I read in my hammock. I sleep in my hammock. I'm at peace in my hammock. 

I moved to my new apartment four months ago and due to its small size and funky walls, have not been able to hang my hammocks inside. The apartment is cozy, as are my bed and my sofa, but I've missed lying in my hammock. 

However, today, I had time to putz around and notice more than I usually do when I'm running out the door to work or coming home late with work to do that night. There's a small patio in the back of my building that never gets used. The landlady who lives on the ground floor is always traveling and nobody lives in the apartment above me, so I mostly have the entire space to myself. 

I noticed to perfectly spaced posts, underneath the covered area of the patio, and I knew immediately what to do. 

Holi I Didn't Expect

Strolling the streets of Delhi today we were warned countless times to 'be careful' because people were 'playing Holi' and throwing colors - colored powder, colored water - colors that stain your skin, stain your clothes.

Families usually organize Holi celebrations in their homes, and apartment societies also do the same, to provide a safe and playful celebration of the holiday. But in the street, it's a different story. Anyone is fair game and often there is more than just colors being thrown - flour, eggs, and anything really under the guise of 'Happy Holi'. Think the jerks on Halloween and you get the idea. Many non-Hindus often stay home this day simply to avoid problems.

So we had our eyes open and we were wary. And also of thieves and pickpockets and all the other dangers of India's streets, especially during any holiday in which people tend to drink bhang - a mixture of cannabis, milk, and sugar, with the potency you'd expect of a pot brownie. 

So when I noticed a woman in a green sari walking slowly towards us, I paid attention. When she rubbed her belly slowly, I thought maybe she'd just eaten, or would ask us for money for food, or was simply pregnant, but not a threat. 

And then, suddenly, she stopped and vomited nearly two feet in front of her! Just to the side of where we were walking! I let out a yelp and tippie-toed outta there.

Totally unexpected and followed by reflex urge to puke myself! Holy gross! 

Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

We took a long weekend to Delhi and then a day trip to visit the Taj Mahal - a must, they say, for anyone visiting India.

The entrance to the Taj Mahal is also called the veil to resemble the veil worn by a bride.

The moghuls believed it should be lifted 'delicately, gently and without haste', and so the entrance to the tomb does the same.

The Taj Mahal means 'Crown Palace' and is the tomb of Mumtaz, the third and favorite wife of the Shah. His first two wives, also buried in tombs nearby, did not bare him any children.

In keeping with Islamic art and design of the time, everything is aligned and symmetrical.

Yes, this is THE bench.

The mosque to the west of the Taj for the Shah to pray before visiting his wife's tomb.

The Mihman Khanna, to the east of the tomb, was used as an assembly hall and built solely to balance mosque on the opposite side to keep with the design of the entire area.

Beautiful mogul design...

And wonderful photo opps!

The Taj overlooks the River Yamuna, on whose opposite bank the Shah planned to build his own tomb, the Black Taj to forever mourn and view his love. But his youngest son had had enough…so he killed his brothers and imprisoned his spendthrift father.

Agra Fort…the royal palace of Shah Jahan and his court.

Ramparts

Beautiful stonework throughout.

Beautiful stonework throughout.

The 'prisión cell' of Shah Jahan, marble inlaid with semi-precious stones.

Viewing the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort…just as imprisoned Shah Jahan did.

Getting In Shape

I'm either the most difficult or the most entertaining client for my personal trainer. But either way, I find the sessions quite amusing. 

When he clenches and shakes his fists while encouraging me with short, grunty, coachy phrases…I can't help but giggle at the ridiculousness of the it. I'm not competitive, nor an athlete, and it's only the two of us in the room. It's hysterical. 

Whenever he says, 'Come on! WE can do it!', I laugh outright as it totally reminds me of my mother who says, WE, when she actually means, YOU, as in 'We can paint all the window trimmings this summer.'

But my absolute favorite is when he instructs me how to properly do an exercise by 'activating your back muscles', or whatever, because that means nothing to me. So I straighten up, focus my thoughts, and think to myself, 'Back Muscles: ACTIVATE!', like the Wonder Twins, and wait for it to happen.

But in reality, it's just me doing nothing while he looks at me wondering, 'What the hell?!'

Indian Head shake….Head bobbles What Do They Mean?