Returning home from India and Sri Lanka

After 9 weeks of travelling in India, with a short side trip to Sri Lanka, I have returned home. Spring is almost here, for which I’m happy. After spending more than two months in a tropical climate with very little rain, it’s a relief to come back and not have to face freezing temperatures and snow. As the years go by, I have less tolerance for the discomfort of cold and having to put on layer upon layer of clothing, just to go to the mailbox!

While in India, I split my time between the north and south. In Rajasthan, we visited historic sights, temples, some shops, restaurants, including Sheroes Hangout in Agra and my home away from home- Wildlife SOS.

The cities we visited included Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Vrindavan and Mathura.

In the south of India, I spent 2.5 weeks at an Ayurvedic Centre in Kerala. During my ayurveda time, I meditate, work on my collage and follow a serious rejuvenation program and diet. It was at this time that I created my collage “Kerala” and began work on a second collage. Alas, this one is not yet completed.

After my time at the Ayurveda Centre, we went on a 16 day tour in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This time, I finally made it to Ponducherry! I had hoped to visit this city on my previous visits to India, but things didn’t work out. Now, I am missing my south Indian breakfasts of Dosas, appams, chutneys and milk coffee, Yum!

In mid-March, we also made a 10 day side trip to Sri Lanka. Visions of the tea plantations were planted in my young mind many years ago, when I read an article in National Geographic magazine about Ceylon. It was so luscious.

My highlight, while in Sri Lanka was to buy a ticket to release a tiny Olive Ridley turtle into the sea. I wish her well and hope she returns to lay her eggs, in 16 years!

Regarding my artwork, in Jaipur, I had quite a few cotton tunics sewn and shipped home. This is what I am now dyeing and using various shibori tying techniques. As well, I will be incorporating some eco printing. Additionally, I had 12 daypacks sewn, using my previously dyed silk noile pieces, as the fronts of the packs. They are sewn with a strong cotton fabric and have a zipper in the top as well as a small secret pouch in the back of the pack. These items will soon be available in my online store.