It’s Getting Hot – March 9

It’s turning into summer – at least by California standards – and is a heat wave by Pacific Grove standards! I would say that today is definitely hot – probably 80 degrees. There are some blessings – there is not a single drop of humidity and it still cools down at night. Apparently when the monsoons come in July and August the humidity climbs through the ceiling accompanied by incredible heat. At first I thought I would stay through April but am now glad I listened to the people at Mt Madonna who said, “Westerners have trouble with the heat starting in April.” I still have 2 more weeks here at the Ashram and then another 3 days in Delhi and Taipei – where it will be even hotter than here. Phew - I am getting out in time!

I am still using my sleeping bag at night – but only for an hour or so and then I end up tossing it on the floor – just too warm. How incredibly different from just a few weeks ago. And, of course, now I bless the fact that our building is probably 10 degrees cooler than outside – didn’t feel that way when we first got here – but now it is GOOD. Although the heat rises as I walk up to my 3rd story room, our room faces the east so it is cooler in the afternoon than bedrooms on the other side of the building. We now keep the back door open all the time to catch any breezes that wander our way (well, the screen door is in place).

Our shower didn’t work for a few days so back to the bucket routine – but again, when it is not freezing in your room, the shower is a much easier process AND just to keep you informed on the underwear drying time situation – now a matter of an hour or two when hung on the clothesline on the roof.

So, I am now experiencing what I have always associated with India – heat. However, to put it all in perspective, the children and some staff still appear in sweaters in the morning while I am already feeling the heat. Just goes to show you that when you live in India, today’s heat is still cool when compared to what is coming.