Ratna writes

Click here to see my mom's snazzy new website -- let's show her some love and get her as many hits as my blog, eh?

Christie Todd Whitman said, " Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room." Well, I tried to fall asleep with a mosquito (or maybe multiple mosquitoes) in my room last night, so I guess now I know I'm not too small to make a difference. I had an omelette and three cups of tea (haha) as Uncle and Didi headed out to work. I spent the next few hours lounging about my room. This house has such pleasant vibes. I actually only fully realized that the word "vibes" stands for "vibrations" after coming here and discussing meditation with the Gaikwads. It's no wonder my room feels so nice, though -- Arya Wangsa, a famous Thai monk, often comes to stay here with the Gaikwads, and lives in my room when he does. Brushing my teeth, I wandered onto my balcony with a view of Dharavi , one of the largest slums in the world. Washed and dressed, I plopped down in the living r...

What a day! Feeling too happy to sleep last night, I finally reached my limit at 2am, and so arose leisurely at 9 this morning. After giving Priya and Mama a tour of my room via Skype and enjoying idlis and dosas (yummm) for breakfast, I started unpacking my things . After breakfast, Shivanjali Didi and I embarked on a drive around Mumbai, hoping to see the celebration of Holi in full swing. I was told that it would be dangerous to step out of the car, what with the dyes (and any projectiles available, really) being thrown in every which direction by those celebrating. But actually, today was remarkably calm! Due to a new police initiative to make Holi less rowdy, we could scarcely trace a group here and there shuffling by, wearing garments splotched with color. Despite this disappointment, I received a wonderful overview of this diverse city. Mumbai reminds me of Rio in a lot of ways, and there are stretches where the two could be twins. Above: Rio de Janeiro, Below: Mu...

I am the girl who never unpacks. I live in my toilet kit, even at home. I camp in a tote bag and hide in my backpack. My toothbrush never leaves its place. So when I take a few clothes out, it means I'm finally happy here.

Nani woke me at the crack of 8:11 this morning and I quickly completed grooming and last-minute packing for my next adventure, with time to spare for a brief photo shoot. We soon left for the airport. Checking in was (thankfully) uneventful, and I made a friend named Gaurav while awaiting my plane (which took off early ). After picking at the most disgusting Indian food I have ever tasted, I conked out for the entirety of my flight to Mumbai . Literally the second I set foot off the plane, there were protocol officers holding a placard reading "Miss Ratna Gill" waiting to greet me. I felt like a celebrity! As they asked me how my flight was and what my bag looked like, I couldn't help but look away and grin. Being so spoiled is amusing! Gaikwad Auntie had come to receive me, and I met her in the VIP lounge before we headed home. The Gaikwads' home is phenomenal -- a two-story penthouse with five bedrooms. This is the view from my window: Living her...

I woke up this morning and very ceremoniously reactivated my Facebook account -- my 100-day Facebook fast has officially ended! My next few hours were spent catching up with assorted brothers (Nizar and Woojin) over Skype as Nani reeled in horror at the messiness level of my room. For lunch, Nani made my favorite (biryani) before we got to work on my packing for Mumbai. I received a special visit in the afternoon from my friend and guru Deepu! Her students are currently going through exams, and Deepu "Ma'am" showed me how grading and recording works at her school, so I can apply similar systems to Gyaan Ghar . As usual, our conversation covered a lot, including child psychology, gender roles, and Osho. I'm so happy she was able to drop by during this busy time at school, and I look forward to observing her in the classroom in April! When Deepu Didi left, Nanaji and I dashed to the home of my aunt Sukh Masi. She was startled by my resemblance to my mo...