Well, that's a fortnight of the trip to the Great Down Under Parts out of the way. Today for letter "P", it is fair enough to say this trip is about people and places.
To some degree, you saw what that entailed in earlier posts. The first place was Emm's home, tasty Sri Lankan home-cooking, lots of lovely Aussie salad and fruit produce (why does it taste so much better here than there??? I know, I know, different soil, not transported half way around the globe yada yada...) The discourses with Pujya Swami-ji, the bhiksha with Shrikarananada-ji (my treat - Thai and outstandingly good. Emm and I went again the next evening!)
The discourses continued up till Friday and then came Sri Ramnavaami, celebration of the birth of Lord Rama. At the ashram, chanting began on Saturday morning at 0830 and continued through till 0930 on Sunday morning. Emm and I attended the first three hours on Saturday, then we were up early and headed back on Sunday morning for the closing chapter. After this, a short break and into the full puja and bhajan ceremony followed by prasad lunch (food having been offered to the altar).
It was tight timing, because then I had to get back and out of sari, into travelling clothes again (having packed the night before), to catch a train at 1445 from Hornsby to Wollongong. A three hour journey with a change at Central Station.
Here I am now, with my cuzzy D. Monday, we lazed, caught up on news and did grocery shopping. I cooked the evening meal. Tuesday, we had a trip up to Southern Sydney to meet up with three of D's ex-colleagues (teachers) for lunch. Lovely day. As am posting this on that evening, I don't know what we did yesterday yet... &*> We have things to see and do, though. Watch for further reports!!! Now some more piccies. Soffee gets comfy. Cuzzy D's home and then Cuzzy D with Soffee.
To some degree, you saw what that entailed in earlier posts. The first place was Emm's home, tasty Sri Lankan home-cooking, lots of lovely Aussie salad and fruit produce (why does it taste so much better here than there??? I know, I know, different soil, not transported half way around the globe yada yada...) The discourses with Pujya Swami-ji, the bhiksha with Shrikarananada-ji (my treat - Thai and outstandingly good. Emm and I went again the next evening!)
The discourses continued up till Friday and then came Sri Ramnavaami, celebration of the birth of Lord Rama. At the ashram, chanting began on Saturday morning at 0830 and continued through till 0930 on Sunday morning. Emm and I attended the first three hours on Saturday, then we were up early and headed back on Sunday morning for the closing chapter. After this, a short break and into the full puja and bhajan ceremony followed by prasad lunch (food having been offered to the altar).
It was tight timing, because then I had to get back and out of sari, into travelling clothes again (having packed the night before), to catch a train at 1445 from Hornsby to Wollongong. A three hour journey with a change at Central Station.
Here I am now, with my cuzzy D. Monday, we lazed, caught up on news and did grocery shopping. I cooked the evening meal. Tuesday, we had a trip up to Southern Sydney to meet up with three of D's ex-colleagues (teachers) for lunch. Lovely day. As am posting this on that evening, I don't know what we did yesterday yet... &*> We have things to see and do, though. Watch for further reports!!! Now some more piccies. Soffee gets comfy. Cuzzy D's home and then Cuzzy D with Soffee.
YaYa I'm delighted you are having such a well deserved fine vacation. Cuzzy's some is lovely. Soffee is loving the travel too
ReplyDeleteHugs HiC
Lots of busy times, but they do sound like a lot of fun too. Enjoy as the time will fly by much too quickly.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Aren't you two a couple of tech savvy cousins!
ReplyDeleteWe are turning on lovely weather for you hope you enjoy your stay.
ReplyDeleteMerle.............
I love to go by train. Air travel isn't bad but it the airport.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
that was nice from your howltel to pick the bedding what fits to your mouse ;O)
ReplyDeleteHi Yam - having a quick look in ... but you sound as though you're enjoying all the family experiences and meeting up with old friends, as too family ... love the photos and the area - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful! We're off to Ottawa for another healthcare appointment. Your travels are much more enlightening!!!!
ReplyDeleteDo I spot a slight family resemblance with Cuzzy D?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, her home looks a lovely place to stay.
Such a bright and happy feel to your cousin's home. looking forward to the next reports from down under or up top depending on the perspective. namaste, janice xx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are having a good time on your trip.
ReplyDelete