Wait, How Cool is This?!

I am in Nazereth and Jerusalem for Christmas!  Seriously, can I mention it again???  heheh.  After 30 years of going to the Church Christmas Celebration and watching magnificent plays about the story of Christmas and Jesus's Life and all that jazz and here I am, In the place where it all took place!  WOW.  hehehe.  Yeah, it makes me laugh a little cause I am not that touched really, but, I can imagine many intensely involved Christians and Catholics would have a serious face melting experience by the thought of being here during this time.  I am really not sure much Christmas Cheer will be going on all around, probably sprinkles of it here and there, probably some super serious mass will be going on, I have no idea, I just know that I am here and when I think of it, it's pretty cool.  I would think that my friends and family in the states would think so at least.  

Anyways, as of now, we have only seen the small (extremely small, even by Israeli standards) street market in Nazareth, there is a nice big tree in the middle of the square which was cool, I also saw some lights on the street lamps, but we were there during the day.  I am intrigued and interested to find out what goes on here during Christmas.  We have such an elaborate Celebration in the USA, with all the lights and shopping and parties and shopping and dinners and shopping and then it comes and goes, but the season is so joyful and warm.  It's almost like the whole Hallmark thing did something really magical to the Season of Christmas and Hanukkah and New Years.  

Here in Israel, people keep on working, the children definitely party during Hanukkah, but, I did not feel that sense of the season that all that consumerism and Hallmarkism brings in the states.  It was sort of like a passing breath, you knew it was happening, all the signs were there that it was happening, but it naturally came and went without needing to much attention. hmmm

Anyways, this is my 5th year out of the USA for the holidays.  Maybe next year I will be inspired to go back.  But again, this year, I AM IN JERUSALEM and NAZARETH for CHRISTMAS!  WOW!! 

Big love and laughs!

Arriving Back in The Motherland - Mumbai to Rishikesh

A sleepless Plane Ride arriving at 4AM landed me in the sweet and savory scented India with a bit of a tired eye and tinge of intolerance, luckily, I have a year and a half of cell restructuring to help code the re-entry into the land of gentle chaotic presence. The transition was quite gentle and loving, much like my first arrival in India, only this time, I knew where I was going, how to get there and what was the safest and cheapest way to go. As I was getting off the plane though, I could not help but think of the old days in American Airports when you could walk right off the plane and your loved ones would be standing right outside the gate waiting for you....Awe the good old days, when fear was limited...oh, speaking of.....WOW!!! Check this out!!! Swine Flu Craziness Experienced First Hand, I cannot believe that the world is actually subscribing to this nonsense!!

Anyways, after an nice nap I ran around Mumbai and visited some dear friends, "walked on water, cured a disease, why are miracles so hard to believe.." he, actually I observed the resistance to the crowded scene in Mumbai and smiled my way through it. Actually, for the first time, the Dirt and Pollution had a profound effect on my mind and I was practically driven to get back on the plane and go back to the beloved community in Israel, but, something told me to stay through it...so, I did!!!

At 11:30 PM I boarded a 41 hour train to Rishikesh in which I sat in silence practically the whole way. I felt quite a bit of separation from the culture at this time and had rooted down in some old patterns, but, the Great Mother always has a way to shake you up, so, she did!! Blessing me with an hour and a half walk carrying 60 kilos of Luggage uphill to the Guesthouse in which I was pleasantly greeted by The Loving Warmth of Mai, nestled gently into the forest of Rishikesh at the Pyramid Cafe. Get this, Outdoor Pyramid Bungalow to stay in with 24 hour WIFI...THE FUTURE IS HERE!!!!