On the
Cuban Trail
For the
first time in a long time a good massage came my way. In a session last night
headed by Umesh, locals Adideva and Ekanath worked on my legs as if they were
chapati dough. They worked at the knots in my thighs, a collective accumulation
from the recent walk through the U.S’s northeast and the trek through the
Canadian Rockies by way of Crow’s Nest Pass. It was relieving and a much needed
work-out for me and for them.
Along with
Chaitanya Priya, a teacher at the university, we made a head start and trekked
along the six lane highway to Rodas and towards today’s presentation. Holding
our interest was the numerous herds of cows and as far as I understand, cows
are not slaughtered unrestrictedly but only at the point of old age.
Another
point of interest was observing the low fern-like plants called dormidera. Upon
touching its delicate leaves, the plant closes up or turns as if lying down to
sleep. In the two-hour-plus trek, I believe I met more pedestrians in that time
frame than all the people I met walking or cycling while I was in the
countryside during the U.S. Walk. The negative side of the Cuban outdoors is
the nasty exhaust spewing out of the old car models.
Our ride
arrived and we drove to the home of Sruti where I conducted a “Nine Devotions
Workshop”. This was much appreciated, especially with my trusted monk
assistant, Hayagriva, who does all the translation during presentations. It was
a happy bunch and whereas yesterday, our audience was a nice mix, today we
captured the hearts of middle-aged mothers. It was good.
May the
source be with you!
11 km
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