RETREAT TO KERALA
Time to take another rest from the world of advertising and it's politics, and adventure to yet another world.
To Kerala, the 'home' of traditional Indian Ayuervedic medicine in Southern India.
Kerala has a beautiful tropical climate, and a socialist government so is very well maintained and the population quite well 'looked after' and home to many genuine Auyervedic retreats.
In a small round cozy hut on the cliff overlooking the ocean, early each morning the chanting of the fishermen as they tackled the waves pounding on the beach would call us into consciousness.
A simple routine was set.
On arrival, an ayervedic doctor had diagnosed our body types as there are 4 basic body types each with their own needs, and after asking what we wanted from the retreat prescribed a routine and individual diet for each of us. I said a bit of a reset and stress management, my ex wife wanted to lose weight.
Each day, I had a traditional massage followed by a deep massage where the therapists held onto suspended ropes and walked on my back massaging aligning the spine, then a period in a simple steam box and a relaxing massage where oil warm was dripped on my forehead and some basic yoga asanas.
During the spare time in the day, we explored the area which included long beach walks and watching the fishermen in traditional boats tackle the pounding surf, reminding me of the surf life saving carnivals at Bondi. They would lay their nets and return to the beach to haul them in full of fish where the village women would be waiting to buy their fish and interact socially with each other.
The most delicious part of the Retreat program was the restaurant where we could sit peacefully and enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the
ocean. The menu was sectioned into what suited the different body types with many inviting and delicious options, so many in fact, that on leaving when my wife was weighed rather than losing she had put on weight!
My eyes were bright and clear, and I felt totally relaxed re energised.
The 'backyard' of Kerala are the backwaters. Large boats once used to transport the rice crops have been converted into simple luxury vessels in which you could lay back and cruise the backwaters, soaking up the local landscapes and lifestyle.
The ashram of Amma, the 'Hugging Guru', sits on the edge of the waters, she was not in residence so we drifted lazily past offering salutations.
At mealtime, we stopped by a market where you could get fresh fish and ingredients to have cooked onboard. Just cruising along watching the beautiful sunset mirrored on the waters and having freshly cooked was special, There were also a choice of simple restaurants with fresh fish. Just cruising along watching the beautiful sunset mirrored on the waters and having freshly cooked seafood was special.
We left Kerala, and immediately confronted the classic chaotic traffic, encouraging silent mantra repetition to maintain some form of calm, headed for the most southern tip of India where two oceans converge. We stopped over at one of the largest temples in Southern India, and were greeted by an elephant pranaming (bowing respectfully) to us before we entered and marveled at the incredible carvings and spaces on site.
We had stopped over in Cochin on the way to Kerala which has a Portugese influence, and is famous for the way fishermen balance on high narrow poles balancing above the water offshore.
An ancient synagoue sits in the middle of the town. Being Jewish my wife wanted to visit.
When we arrived at the door, it was a Jewish holiday and there was to be a big celebration the next day and it was being prepared for that. Knocking several times an old lady popped her head out of a window wanting to know what we wanted. The wife explained we wouldn't be able to return and she would dearly love to see inside. The door opened, she graciously invited us in and we were able to admire the beautifully tiled interior.
As a special 'gift' she even got out of safe keeping their very old copy of the Tora covered with gloriously crafted antique fabric.
it had been a privileged experience for us.