7-3-15 Thapasya Tourist Home, Kollam Beach, India (300 Rs.) 18,731 steps, 9.9 miles
Whispers from distant lands, dawn approaching, flowers shivering, time passes, moments unfold as the fields of butterflies spread wings and flutter gracefully to the nectar, fruits soften, moments before daylight breaks upon the horizon, down by the sea side, nature’s love fills the sky’s canvas.
Reflecting on the minute significance of each moment that passes as compared to the total expanse of time in our universe. Yet even the grains of sand displaced by a single footstep result in untold ripple effects for the remainder of time.
March, 2015, Kollam, India
New friends around every corner
Despite comforts, time to move along into new territory. Endless sights to see, new friends to make, more opportunity to learn and expand. Never enough time. Semblance of some sort of certainty in my movements, yet uneasy taking the next step toward truth: losing ego. The individual turns to part of the whole. Dishing out unconditional love.
Felt a strong sense of calm marching out of Varkala, focusing on efficient movements. Eyes dead ahead and onto the train to Kollam. Just as dogs possess a heightened sense of energy shifts, babies and toddlers recognize compassionate eyes and smiles.
Flying kites on Kollam Beach
Kollam Beach feels distinctly “local” as several groups struck up conversation with me with on Kollam Beach. Dozens of kites dotted the sky as the sun set. Not a single man on the beach swam or went shirtless. I didn’t hesitate to break cultural norm, removing my shirt and running into the vast ocean. A lifeguard blew his whistle and motioned me to get out of the water. I turned away from shore and swam all out for 50 meters.
India’s culture with regard to dating and marriage demands better understanding. Very obvious undertone going on. Women wear pants on the beach. Cultural conditioning at play. Dates, grapes, peanuts, lemons and two yummy fruit shakes with carrots, a pineapple, and a banana. Legs felt weak climbing stairs at Mahatma Gandhi Park.
