break fast in goa

Some updates: Anj is attempting to make a collapsible fire hula hoop, which is a much bigger project than expected but is possibly close to making it happen (though likely not before I leave). Maybe she will join the Welsh circus and make our parents proud :0). Our flatmates moved out and we are missing them, and maybe looking for a new place to stay, but only half-heartedly.

Anj and I successfully completed a 24 hour fast today, which we ended by eating sweet red watermelon on the beach beneath the stunning full moon. It is amazing how much time there is in a day when you are not constantly thinking about preparing, procuring, and ingesting food (which I guess is my normal state, oops).

We woke up early and walked to a beautiful and somewhat secluded river where people use the mud to make their skin and hair smooth. We slathered it on, laughed at each other’s transformations, and then sprawled out on some large boulders to bake the mud before rinsing off in the cool water. While taking off the mud, Anj noticed that our skin had become like polished river rock. So luxurious! The hike back from the river proved pretty exhausting in the midday sun (which we were trying to avoid) without food, but we made it back to our little flat and slowly recuperated our energy. I finished The Kite Runner, a book that takes place between Afghanistan and America, which was quite interesting. Afterward I attempted some yoga and then meditation (during which I conked out twice, only waking to use the bathroom).

Unfortunately I had taken some ayurvedic herbs to clean out my system that were a bit to potent, and I wound up going from constipation to the opposite in the matter of a few hours. Oy! It was painful but I guess it “cleaned me out.”

Aside from that lovely matter, Anj and I had a relaxing afternoon and topped it off by giving each other foot scrubs and massages. the aforementioned watermelon party topped the evening off.

I am sad to think that only a few days remain here in India, but I am also excited about the holiday season at home (try not to think about the freezing cold, try not to think about the freezing cold…) and planning the next phase of this journey. In another sense, I am less sad because I am sure I will be drawn back here, hopefully sooner rather than belatedly.

Also my stomach and I are looking forward to breakfast tomorrow...