There’s no such thing as typical day for us.

We often get asked this question: “What’s your typical day like?” We’re into our 3rd month travelling and each time I try to answer that question I find myself describing a recent, typical day. The further I get into my description and recounting I soon realize that it’s not really our typical day or that in fact there is no typical day.

Just yesterday, for instance, we were in the largest mall in India, Lulu Mall in Kochi. Guess what? It was busy, really busy. Full of people. There were no empty stores, there were tons of eating options, an indoor skating rink, an indoor amusement park for kids, pool tables, a cinema, coffee, and a grocery store (known as hypermarkets here) that was nicer, and larger, and busier than Whole Foods. We’re not mall shoppers back in the US but when I heard it was the largest in India I decided to check it out. We took a ferry from Fort Kochi, an island where we’re staying, over to the mainland (about 20 minutes, 9 cents) and then an Uber to the mall (about $2).

On another day we camped out at a Cafe Coffee Day for a few hours where I got caught up on my work. Fueled by a King Latte with an extra shot of espresso, I worked on this years income statements, tax return info, updated the website, answered emails, and got through my to-do list.

Another day might find us filming a Yoga class for our online subscribers. If we’re not doing a video we’re scouting out places in the neighborhood to live stream a class.

We have no fixed plan with the exception of an apartment already rented in Northern Thailand for a month starting 3/18 and a program in Mumbai from 2/15 – 2/20. We don’t know how or when we’re getting to Mumbai or when we’re flying to Thailand. A fair amount of our time is deciding when to move on or when to stay right where we are. Once we decide to move on it’s a decision of travelling by car, train, bus (rarely), or plane. Then it’s a game of finding the best price for the car or plane. If it’s a train ride it’s a trip in itself just getting a ticket and answers. Then the train trip itself is another trip. There are people who are on the train travelling for 50 hours or more – just to go to New Delhi to get some papers signed – government employees. There are people going only a few stops ahead. There are people selling all kinds of food, constantly. Like every 2 minutes constantly. My train threshold is about 4 hours so when faced with a 15 hour train ride to Goa we began to explore flying there instead. At some point we decided to scratch Goa from our list. I think we’re headed to a school just north of Mumbai run by some monks we met last year in N.H. Or we’ll try to find some accommodation on AirBnb or booking.com outside of Mumbai. Or who knows, maybe stay put here. Time is spent weeding out the places to stay, reviewing all the reviews, all while trying to stay in budget. So far we’ve averaged a little under $18 per night for accommodations while travelling since 11/14/2017.

One of the nice things about this trip is having the time to meditate. I’ve had a pretty consistent practice for a long time. But sometimes life got in the way. Being able to practice once or twice every day while travelling has been a gift. It’s not that it’s a super spiritual, mind-blowing, picture yourself on a boat on a river, trippy experience or that you’ll get enlightened or that you’ll go to a place and find the answers to all your issues. It’s not. That’s not what it’s about. That’s not what meditation is supposed to be. One of the best kept secrets is that meditation is one of the most efficient and compelling practices for proficiency in anything you do.  That includes things like creating and performing music,  running a business, maintaining a relationship, dealing with difficult people, difficult situations, overcoming fears and even dealing with tough topics like death and dying. Interested in giving it a shot? Let me know. I’m starting a free online course soon. Leave the word “meditation” in the comments area if you’re interested.

Another thing we’ve delved into while travelling is taking cooking classes from locals. So far we’ve learned to cook Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine. Lessons are affordable and tasty. We get to eat all the stuff we prepare. Be sure to stay on my good side and you might be treated to some fantastic means when I get back. It may even be on a banana leaf. Do we even have banana leaves in the U.S.?

On a typical day we might call our family to check in and let them know we’re OK. I’ve talked to my parent more since I’ve left the states than when I lived in N.H. On a typical day we may be washing our clothes by hand, in the bathroom, in a bucket, trying to get it hung on the line as early as possible so it dries. On a typical day we strike up conversations with the locals or they strike up conversations with us. On a typical day we search for passion fruits, my new favorite, or ice cream, my old favorite. On a typical day we take time and read a book. When we’re done we trade books. When we’re done with that we go to a bookstore for more books. On a typical day I think about writing another blog post but never get around to it until now. It’s all off the top of my head. Stream of consciousness. If there’s time I even spell check it. On a typical day we remember how blessed we are to be doing what we’re doing.

Wish you were here 🙂