The last of India

Pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/MarkSNewell/LastOfIndia

Auroville

Dec 19-25

Auroville, an intentional community in southeastern India, was on my list of places we must visit primarily because of their pioneering work in solar ovens and lights, steam generators, bio-digesters, green building, and other appropriate technology. The visit did not disappoint in this regard and we had the opportunity to meet some interesting and amazing people doing great work in the field of sustainability. We also had the pleasure of meeting Suzie, the sister of one of our Seattle community members. Suzie introduced us to insider aspects of the intentional community and to the Matrimandir, an incredible space for contemplation and meditation, both architecturally and functionally. To describe the Matrimandir would take pages but imagine a sphere maybe 100ft in diameter, covered in gold dimples, with passageways inside and a cool, white interior lit by a single shaft of sunlight striking a crystal.

Auroville was a real treat and the time we spent there is one of my top highlights in India. For others interested in Auroville, I would recommend connecting in advance with a project going on there as I think it would make the visit rewarding and interesting.

Kolkata

Dec 25 – 28

A had brief stop in Kolkata before heading to Thailand. We found the city to be quite welcoming and a whole lot less intense than we expected it to be. It was brief; we walked around and shopped a lot. We also stayed in our skankiest place on the trip.