Moving South.

So much has happened since I last wrote. Shiva and I have moved from Nainital, a cool hill station in the North, to Bombay, Ellora, Shirdi, again to Bombay (Mumbai), Hyderabad, and now Warangal. I am happily back in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. This is the Telegu speaking state that I am so familiar with from my times here at the orphanage. I am staying with the people I fondly call my "Indian parents", because they have such a loving and nuturing nature it always feels like home around them. Here in Warangal the former capital of the area, I will have plenty of opportunity to work with sign painters. My hope is that I will stay here for at least a week and collect a lot of work. Then my plans are to move on to Kakinada, the city in which The Cancer Hospital, AIDS hospital and orphanage are near to.
It has been inspiring to visit some of the ancient places in India lately and look at the influences of the artwork from thousands of years ago. In these places, such as the Ellora caves, you can walk around, sit, and touch the same stones that were carved thousands of years ago. I felt amazed to be able to touch something so old and with so much history. You could really feel the time and energy that has been in these places for so long.

Detailed carvings from the Kailash temple at Ellora Caves

Afer visiting such spiritual and ancient places we headed off to Bombay (Mumbai) undoubtedly the Indian equivalent to New York City. Originally, I had thought of staying in Bombay to collect some pieces from the many talented Bollywood style artists. Unfortunatly, like NYC Bombay is intimidating, large, and exspensive. After spending a few days here I realized that I would need a few weeks and some assitance to accomplish everything here. After thinking about it, and talking with Shiva I decided that it would be best to move on to a smaller more managable place and save Bombay for another trip.
And sadly, Shiva is leaving for Europe this week to work and continue his world tour. I can't say enough how grateful I am for his help on my journey and project. He has selflessly given his time, assistance, and support for my cause and it has made things so much better for me. He has an exciting journey ahead of him and I am glad that he could have this time to share before he left. Thank you Shiva! You have given more than I could have asked for... India and I will miss you :)

Shiva with the Disco DJ in Nainital...what a pair!