Winding Down

Wow, I can't believe my time in Mysore is almost up. When I got here, a month seemed like so long, and now I just don't see where all the time went. Truly, time flies when you're having fun. I've been having an amazing time.
Before I left, I would tell people that I was going to India for 6 weeks, and it sounded like such a long time. Based on the people I've met, and the stories I've heard, 6 weeks in India is nothing. It is interesting the amount of people who are here for a long time, are here because they left something behind and are not sure what the next step will be. Quit jobs, relationships, and don't have much waiting for them at home. Once again, I don't want this to sound judgemental, but I'm so happy with what I have waiting for me at home. I came here to explore Ashtanga yoga from the source and I've really been able to do that. I've learned so much about this practice that I am loving. I've seen some incredible practitioners. I've learned that it's ok to go slow.
I haven't updated this in a while, I guess there has just been a whirlwind of activity.
Saturday I went back to Deveraj market with Shelley and Lara. They hadn't been before. We had a great time in the market, got a lesson in making incense, bought some fragrant oils, marveled at the sights. Then I took them outside the market to the fish, chicken and mutton stalls. It was even worse than the last time I was there. Shelley could stand if for about 2 minutes.
We had other shopping to do, and spent a busy day running around Mysore. We met up with Rachel at the tailor where I had my suit made. Did I mention I had a suit made? Unbelievably beautiful. I'll have to post a pic. We all went to lunch at the RRR hotel. It was packed on a Saturday afternoon, we were the only westerners in the place. It was highly recommended by some friends of Lara's. They serve Thali, which is an assortment of vegetarian dishes and sauces served with rice. It was really delicious, I just had a small problem with the plates. Not plates actually, big banana leaves that they just put down on the table and then start scooping the food onto them. These were, I'm sure, the same banana leaves that are piled up all over the market. How do they wash those things?
Government store after lunch for sandalwood beads, pots etc. 4 of us in one autorickshaw.
Downtown Mysore on a Saturday afternoon is mobbed, actually I think,every afternoon is mobbed. We were in rickshaw gridlock for what seemed like ever. It is not even summer here yet, and it is really getting hot. And, in case I haven't mentioned it before, NOISY.