More Travels

I had a great time in Fort Cochin, from there I went by taxi to Kollum. I went to Kollum to catch the ferry through the backwaters to Amma's ashram. I realize in my traveling that I'm very comfortable in transit. Once I'm in the car,or on the bus, or train, or boat for that matter, I know what to expect. It's when I get somewhere, and have to figure out what is next that gets me a little unnerved.
But I'm getting better at letting that go, or trusting that even if I don't know what to expect, I'll figure it out.
I had asked at the hotel about the ferry trip. The man at the desk told me it would take about an hour or hour and a half to get to Kollum and the ferry left at 10:30. He thought, just to be safe, I should leave the hotel at 8:30. A few minutes later, he knocked at my door and said he would like it better if I left at 8am. A man after my own heart. How did he know?
When I got to Kollum, I realized I'm getting better at letting go of not knowing what is next, or knowing that I will be able to figure it out. Without too much trouble, I found a boat, and was confident they understood that I was going to the ashram.
So much of this trip has been about me going with the flow. I had no definite plan for staying at the ashram. As I was flowing down the beautiful backwaters, I kept thinking, "one night or two?, will I really like it, or do I want to head to the beach?" one night or two?" I finally decided I would just wait and see.
This new found ability to go with the flow really worked in my favor.
I don't really want to write too much about how I felt about the ashram. Let me just say it wasn't for me. I realize the importance of having a guru and I'm open to the idea, but I've never been the best bhakti yogi.
But that was really only part of it. Anyone who wants to know more, I'll tell you in person. I did get a hug from Amma, and she does alot of great things for the community. But, once again, that place was not for me.
I'm all for the idea of everyone getting along, and live and let live. But I have one suggestion. How about screens on the windows of the dorms. Then the mosquitos can live outside, and I can sleep inside.
I will say they did have internet service.
I could have waited for the boat to pick me up Sunday afternoon. I had paid for the full trip. I didn't wait, I checked out and caught a taxi to the nearest bus stop.
I spent the last 2 nights in beautiful Kovalum and head to Varkala tomorrow.