Yoga Nation

Wednesday July 7, 2010:

Began the day with free time. Nice! Didn't get to sleep in though, because we elected to hire a yoga instructor for several sessions while in Ahmedabad and today was the first class at 6am! It was a lovely introduction to the practice of yoga. She concentrated on explaining the principles of yoga, and we learned basic exercises for breathing and for flexibility (all sitting poses). It wasn't at all strenuous, but very relaxing and meditative. We each get to purchase our yoga rug as well. They were each woven by hand-loom and purchased in Ahmedabad. Four group yoga sessions, plus the yoga rug, for just over 500 rupees each (a little more than $10 U.S.). Amazing! No photos of that yet, we'll have to ask the instructor's permission first.
Following yoga, I spent time on Skype with the family, then had breakfast, showered, and caught up on my class reading. Our class time is scheduled from 1:30pm- 4:45pm most class days. This lecture series was on research design, and the nature of qualitative research. Interesting but not too complex to follow.

This evening we were scheduled to visit a local bird sanctuary, but that plan was cancelled due to the afternoon rain. However, the car had still been reserved, so our group elected to go out to dinner in Ahmedabad at a place called Barbecue Nation. It is similar in style to a Brazilian churrascaria (steakhouse). You pay a fixed price for a buffet of side dishes and desserts, and then either select vegetarian or non-veg entrees that are served tableside on skewers. They continue to serve various skewers of meats or veg, until you place a small flag down on your table to indicate that you're done. This restaurant has small coal grills at each table, so you can baste and continue to cook the skewers between servings. I tried the non-veg skewers, but actually preferred several of the buffett items most of all. Definitely a place to try if you are ever in India (they have several locations). Best of all, ice cream for dessert!

To see more photos of my time in India, connect with me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alexandra.watson. You can also find me on Twitter as "abcwatson".