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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.

Sita, one of the beautiful Ellies at 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.

Kerala

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.

Tea plantation in Sri Lanka
Two adult Olive Ridley Turtles

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.

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Hi. I'm Maija.

Producer of one of a kind fabrics, I am a Visual/Textile Artist at MaiTribe Studio Gallery, in central Ontario, Canada.

My life and art have been inspired by my travels  to countries such as Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Bali and India.

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