Pondicherry

Today got off to a good start with a very vigorous ayurvedic powder massage. I  was pummelled and punched with bags of warm herbs and spices that smelled like they had been soaked in ghee. This was not a relaxing treatment but a whole body workout and I felt amazing afterwards...arthritis aches were banished and I felt positive and full of energy.

I got taken around Pondicherry by a lovely rickshaw driver, who didn't try and rip me off or cuddle me on a bench and who has got the next 3 days planned for me in terms of sightseeing. Pondicherry was so much quieter than I was expecting and I loved the shabby chic run down French quarter. It is quite dirty and the beaches were full of rubbish but it had a real charm and I can see why people would spend time here.

I braved another ashram, this time the Sri Arobindo ashram, which was full of flowers and very peaceful. I bought myself an introduction to Sri Aurobindo's philosophy but I'm still none the wiser really-he seemed to be interested in how to find enlightenment in the real world but I could be wrong. he was joined at some point in the 20s or 30s by a French woman who became known as 'The Mother' and she is also considered as a very important spiritual figure in the area. 'The Mother' was very involved with the setting up of Auroville an international community set up to live by the 'The Mother's'  teaching and to promote love and interconnectedness etc....sounds to me a bit like a JG Ballard novel and opinion is divided about the place but I shall see for myself tomorrow afternoon.

I spent this afternoon swimming and chatting with some fellow guests and this evening getting to know Petra, the German woman next door who is lovely but preoccupied with Eric the swarthy Frenchman. I acted as translator for them for a while but as she sank her second pina colada in 20 minutes I decided it was time to escape to my room.

Photos are of Pondy sea front....as I said a bit run down and the Basilica