Yesterday was my last medical class. There were very few students, and no “Iyengar” presence. I was on my own, which was good because that’s how it’s going to be when I get home. After class, I had just enough time to wet-wipe my armpits (& other areas), change my clothes and rush back down to street level where Nana would be picking us up.

It was a fairly long drive, and there was a lot of traffic and commotion due to the preparations for the Krishna birthday celebrations that would occur later that evening in many neighborhoods around Pune (& all over India, I’m sure).

When we finally arrived at Nana’s building, some young girls who were playing in the alleyway spotted Sharon and me and came running over to see what we were doing there and where we were going. Evidently Americans aren’t a common sight around there.

We walked up three floors, took our shoes off and entered the small flat where Nana, his wife, two sons and daughter-in-law live together. The living room also serves as a bedroom for the youngest son. The aroma of Indian cooking wafted through the air as we sat on the bed, looked through photo albums and listened to Nana share stories of other yogis he’s spent time with.

Here’s an aerial view of Nana’s wife, Nirmala, and daughter-in-law, Archana, in the kitchen preparing our dinner.

This is the view of the kitchen sink area. They don’t have running water. Yes, I know, there’s a sink, but the water doesn’t come out of the faucet. They carry their water up to their flat in large stainless steel pots.

This is the shrine in the corner of the kitchen. You can also see it in the aerial view, above.

And here are their stainless steel plates, cookware and containers.

Dinner, below, consisted of rice, chapati, deep fried battered onions, bean sprouts, dal and baby eggplant. The baby eggplant (in small dish on far left) was out of this world – spicy & flavorful. Everything was absolutely delicious!

Here, Nirmala is cutting a lime for us to squeeze on our eggplant.

Here’s a closeup of the tool she was using. Yikes! Watch your fingers (& toes)!

Below, Nana, Sharon and I enjoying our meal. Indians eat very late, and the ladies were waiting for Nana’s youngest son, Raosaheb, to get home from work. A typical dinner time in Nana’s home would normally be around 9:30pm. I believe this is customary, as the Indians take a long break in the middle of the day. Many times, businesses (including banks) are closed a couple hours in the early afternoon.

Below, the oldest son, Balasaheb (married to Archana).

Below, Nirmala, and below that is Nirmala and Archana – not only great cooks, but they’re beautiful too.

Dinner was fabulous, and I made a pretty good dent in mine.

Dessert was good, too.

Group photo.

What an honor for Nana to welcome us into his home and share his family, food and culture with us. We are truly blessed.

Earlier in the day, I took a walk with Kathleen, and captured some photos of the community coming together to decorate and prepare for the celebrations that were to take place in the evening.

Later, there would be a competition for teams of men who create pyramids to try to break the pot in the middle, which has a religious significance.

Bling for the celebrations.

We didn’t venture out to see the celebrations after Nana dropped us off, but we could hear the drums and music loud and clear, even with the windows closed.

Parting picture, below, is of a female ring-necked parakeet that sat still long enough in the palm tree below our window for me to zoom in and capture her.

This afternoon – coffee & chocolate! Then Pranayama from 6-7:30pm, followed by dinner with yoga friends.

Namaste & Love from Pune!