Fresh Air Isn't Free.

In returning to the land of 10,000 lakes, I realized there are many things I miss about home in Minneapolis. I miss clean bodies of water. I miss fresh air. I miss Dosh.

Life is different in Bangalore. Not different bad, not different good, just different. Ok, so some things are downright hard to deal with. Fresh air is hard to come by. Adam and I will go for a walk in the park in the morning (6 am to beat traffic). I inhale and think "ah, plants and oxygen" and no sooner than my second breath do I get a dose of foul urine, burning trash, or any other number of unidentifiable scents. I guess it makes you appreciate the lovely ones.

During my time home I soaked in many long walks with Dosh around Lake Como, the country by my parents house, Lake Harriet, etc. breathing in and out deeply and loving it. Do me a favor? Take some deep oxygen enriching breaths for me! Besides, my yoga teacher continues to remind us that our breath is our prana or energy life force. You will be breathing and calming your own mind and body as well :)

My dog, Dosh. What a stud. 

Dosh photo by dear friend and professional photographer, Katie Silus katherinesilus.com

                               

Renewal of fresh air, biking and nature in Austin, Texas with gal pal, Carla.

Aside from new dust allergies and air quality, Bangalore feels like home and not a stopping point in our lives. There are some downright intriguing differences I have discovered living in this new home of India. Here are two to bring to your attention- different bad, different good, you decide.

 Portion Control. Bigger is better in America? You and I know that we are constantly persuaded of this idea. It was a bit of culture shock at the Minneapolis airport (I went visit my friend Carla and the SxSW music festival in Austin) and to be reminded of this. Think Starbucks or Dunkin donuts. Venti, supersize, triple, double, extra...In India, men gather round the chai stand with eensy weensy cups and sip their tea. Perhaps they have 3 a day but this is still probably less liquid calories than one Tall Mocha Frappuccino. There's a great book out there about portion control called the "The Portion Teller" by Dr. Lisa Young. One of my favorite facts is one bagel is equal to 5 slices of bread. Check it out. (Certainly, Indians don't double check portions of Carbs however as I can attest to meals out here- rice, roti, naan, dosas, potatotes...often all in one meal...hmmm)

OK, so I swiped this photo from google images- but you get the idea...that is one small cup of Chai.
(courtesy of PacSafe.com/blog)

 Mosquitos. These little buggers are incredibly swift, smart and saavy creatures here in India. I swear they don't make a buzz upon approach, you don't feel their bite until 10 minutes after they have feasted. Finally, the damn things are impossible to catch. You go for the kill and poof, they are gone, hidden in a dark place or way to high up in the ceiling. Minnesota mosquitos are normally drunk, slow and easily swattable. What the heck? Next Bangalore plan of action for our new place? Mosquito nets. 'Cause citronella, incense, natural bug repellent just ain't doing the trick.

Lots of Love from Bangalore.