This morning I woke up feeling like a truck had rolled over me! I ached in places I didn’t know could ache. Dr. Barbara (bet you didn’t know I am doctor—which I am NOT!) has decided I have a case of “Jammed Travel Schedule-Office Cleaning–Domestic disagreement-itis”! I decided to slow down today, the first day of the new and why-are-we-doing-this-early Daylight Savings time.

I tried to focus on soothing things. While breathing deeply and listening to meditative music, my mind floated to a tranquil memory of strolling the grounds of Oberoi’s Udaivilas with floral scents wafting through the air…and then I bolted upwards and my body went back into the “I’ve got to get this done” mode. How could I blog for what 2++ weeks and not have blogged about India? I mean, we’re getting to know each other, right? This is where we share our likes and dislikes–figure out whether we’re a good fit or whether you’re off to somewhere else in Blogland and I haven’t shared my passion for India??? A definite faux pas! So. still trying to “take it easy” I will share with you an article I wrote last September (almost six months ago to the day) about our visit to this amazing country. Without further ado, I present:

Today’s quiz: 1) What is the world’s largest democracy and largest English speaking nation? 2) Name the country that had the first university in the world; 3) the country which was the only source of diamonds until 1896; and 4) the country that is home to some of the finest hotels and resorts in the world? Hint—they are all the same country! Don’t you just hate pop quizzes? I do, too! The above facts and many more were tidbits I learned on my recent journey to India! Rich, cultured, amazing, incredible, delicious, and fascinating—all of those words describe my experience. From visiting a mosque that can accommodate 25,000 worshippers at a time in Old Delhi (where the electrical wiring strewn across the hundreds years old buildings resembles a ball of twine) to riding an elephant up the hill to the Amber Fort, I was in awe. Add to that a culinary delight mixing elegant continental cuisine and Indian delicacies, croissants and ten types of Indian bread. How about waking up in the early morning in the lap of luxury fifty meters from Taj Mahal watching the sun’s rays bounce off the domed roof? Consider being greeted by a parade of Indian dancers, musicians, costumed elephants and camels as we arrived by boat at Udaivilas, on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur of Rajasthan,! I wish I could describe here in detail the love affair that has blossomed between this wonderful and mysterious country and me, but the editor told me 500 words!
Using frequent flyer miles, we upgraded from coach to business class on our non-stop flight from Chicago to Delhi (I highly recommend the upgrade), we were able to rest very comfortably and we arrived refreshed and ready to explore India. Everywhere we were met by friendly people, people who exhibited a sense of spirituality and grace. We traveled by various modes—train, rickshaw, planes, elephants, and car—saw World Heritage sites, colorful garb, dazzling gemstones, incredible monuments, a variety of monkeys and other wildlife, and lots of cows. By numbers the population of India is staggering and, yet, we often experienced a feeling of tranquility and space only usually found on exotic island destinations. Our host resorts were all part of the Oberoi group, known for their luxury accommodations and some of the best hotels I’ve ever found. My personal favorite, Udaivilas, ranked as the 6^th top hotel in the world, boasts 30 acres and only 87 rooms. They even have a space, The Candle Room, exclusively for atmosphere and meditation. Every evening, a caretaker lights over 100 candles placed in varying heights on a large round table. Their glow is reflected on the silver glass inlayed domed ceiling and words cannot describe the mesmerizing effect!
Raju, our guide with Cox & Kings (a travel company founded in 1758 and one of our favorites!), explained that India is steeped in tradition and has a rich and complex culture. Perhaps, I was influenced by Raju’s handlebar mustache and his gentle Ghandi-esque demeanor; I know for a fact that when he clasped his hands together and bowed, “Namaste” (“The Spirit in me meets the same Spirit in you”), our souls, our cultures, and our countries became forever entwined!

I’m so excited to be home right now because it’s Friday and I can play tonight, part of tomorrow (have to work some tomorrow) and all Sunday! What do you do to “play?” I blog; I knit; I crochet; I read; I eat; I play games on my computer; I knit; oh, and I knit!

I love fibers; I adore fibers; I’m passionate about fibers! I like to look at them; feel them; cuddle them; and let the combination of those sensory experiences tell me what I should create with them.

Sometimes, I fantasize that if and when I retire I will live in a remote locale (with lots of trees and water) in one of those houses one sees in movies–funky, quirky, and wildly wonderful. I’d have a room, a studio where I’d hang out with my fibers, maybe try my hand at dying them, spinning them, or letting the fibers guide me!

One thing wrong with this fantasy is that many of those cool, quirky homes in remote locales have already been snarfed up by the new, young computer millionaires—darn! Maybe I could interest them in a journey to Mongolia to study gers (homes) or experience a yurt tour in Uzbekistan (yurt is the Russianized word for ger/home!) and then offer to house sit their funky vacation home!

Or perhaps I could interest them in wintering in Space (companies are planning space resorts–no joke!)!

After a whirlwind journey to St. Petersburg, Russia, we arrived home a little after 12:00 midnight. I’m still at work trying to ignore the reverse jetlag!

Our last night in St. Petersburg was an over-the-top event–a sit-down dinner at Catherine’s Palace, the summer palace of the tzars. Dressed in formal attire, we arrived by bus (an oxymoron?)—just me and 300+ of my closest friends. We dined on exquisite gourmet food and were serenaded by a variety of sounds—classical music, opera, Russian folk music, and gypsy music and our evening ended with a fireworks display in the palace’s courtyard. It was beyond elegant; it was decadent. I suppose we were treated much the same as the czars were and I easily understand why the Russian revolution occurred. My question is, “Why did it take so long?”

Catherine’s Palace is incredible and the restoration work is amazing! We originally toured the palace when we visited St. Petersburg in 2003 aboard the Crytal Symphony. It still took my breath away—especially the Amber Room, a room whose walls are paneled in an intricate mosaic of amber.

As tasty as the food was, as beautiful as the music sounded, as incredible as the experience was, I wished I had been given an option: Attend the event or have the amount it cost per person donated to a charity that might enhance the well-being of innocent, hapless children who are victims of poverty and disease. I know that my well-being would have been enhanced by a donation rather than by an evening of “self-congratulatory” decadence. Yes, my chosen career is to help people experience the world in a unique way—perhaps I need to add “meaningful” to that definition.

I’m still in Russia and had to add one more post today. This came to me from my dear friend, Kimberly. It’s worth sharing with everyone and I hope you will send this to everyone you know!FROM KIMBERLY: You probably never thought of this, but women’s shelters in the U.S. go through thousands of tampons and pads monthly. Assistance agencies generally help with expenses of “everyday” necessities such as toilet paper, diapers, and clothing, but one of the most BASIC needs is overlooked- feminine hygiene products. (That tells me men are at the helm of the funding assistance agencies!)Seventh Generation, a green paper products and cleaning products company, has a do-good attitude and will donate a box of sanitary products to a women’s shelter in your chosen state – just for clicking the link. Talk about easy (and, yes, it is legitimate)! www.tampontification.com/donate.php 

Just a quick note to tell you how wonderful it feels to be treated like royalty! We had lunch today, here in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the Ethnographic Museum. This was not a museum cafeteria type lunch! Rather, we entered the main hall decorated with round tables covered in starched linen clothes, white satin slipcovered chairs and crisp linen napkins. Each table was piled with delicious cold selections, salads, veggies, Russian pickles (green bean pickles are a hoot!), smoked fish, and wafer sliced beef. The main course was a moist chicken breast laced with a rich cream sauce and decorated with a pastry pocket of veggies and zucchini. Not succeeding in pacing myself, I skipped dessert (my waistline gave me an ovation!). Soothing music was provided by a chamber orchestra and we were serenaded by an acapella choir with incredible voices. Just another day of being pampered–definitely a meal fit for a King (my last name, you know!). Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore!

 Winter sends me into the doldrums! The only days I like in winter are ones where there’s been a big snow and I can lie down in the freshly fallen snow and make a snow angel (There is no upper-end age limit on snow angel-making!!!), then retreat indoors for some marshmallow laden hot chocolate. So, what’s a nice girl like me doing in St. Petersburg, Russia in early March? Michael and I are attending the Virtuoso Annual Overseas Symposium being held here March 2 – 6, 2007. What, you ask, is Virtuoso? It’s a “by invitation only” group of travel companies and suppliers that specialize in unique custom travel experiences. Great Getaways is the original KC member of Virtuoso (11 years and counting). Enough business plug–check out our website www.greatgetaways.travel for more info on Virtuoso!

Our visit began with lots of bells and whistles—not the glamourous kind, either! On Wednesday Michael underwent a Nuclear Stress test on his heart (and, yes, he definitely has a beating heart!). On Thursday we left for St. Petersburg via Chicago and Stockholm. We flew on SAS from Chicago–business class, la de dah, which I’ve come to realize is worth the investment for long haul flights. The plane had jazzy seats that became beds of sorts. I didn’t care for the slight angle of the “beds” although I was definitely grateful I wasn’t wearing any “slippery” clothing (alas, the satin gown stayed at home!) as I am quite sure I would have slid into the seat in front of me!

When we arrived in St. Petersburg, we proceeded through Customs, which gave me the feeling of what living in the old USSR must have felt like. As in all countries, one stands behind the yellow line awaiting their turn to be “welcomed” (aka processed) into the host country. Here we followed a narrow path to a glass enclosed booth with cheery gray walls (I’m being a wise ass). The uniformed official took our passports, stared very hard at us, checked her computer to be sure we aren’t criminals, etc., studied our visas, and then nodded us through. We were delighted that all 3 pieces of luggage arrived (in today’s travel world, that qualifies for a celebration—consider using a luggage concierge–they’re worth it!). Gathering our luggage, we headed out of the baggage area to meet our host for transport to Grand Hotel Europe. I have an annoying habit of walking rapidly at times and yesterday was no exception. After I left the baggage area, all sorts of bells and whistles and alarms went off (Did you think I forgot my lead-in sentence?). I turned back and saw my husband being escorted by a legion of “officials” in uniform to the corner of the large exit area.

They took each wheeled suitcase back through the security gates and nothing happened. Then they had Michael go through and again we were serenaded by alarms and bells. They held a machine next to Michael which did emitted a piercing high pitch sound   (good beat but couldn’t dance to it!). Suddenly, I thought, “Is Michael’s nuclear medine still in his body and setting off a radioactive alarm?” I shouted that to Michael from the safety of the airport lobby. He tried to explain that in English to officials who spoke only Russian. You try pantomiming “nuclear stress test”—not easy, eh? I went to our host and explained the situation–that Michael really isn’t sneaking any illegal radioactive material into Russia nor trying to get even for the Russian spy who died some months ago in England! She came to our rescue and explained the situation. Just to be sure, one official asked Michael to show where the radioactive dye had been injected (thankfully it was in his arm and not some indelicate location). Once again, out came the little machine that confirmed the arm was very radioactive. Next came some paperwork, all in Russian of course that Michael had to sign. We have no idea what it says and hope it will help us exiting Russia on Tuesday! As we left the airport, I put aside the image I held for almost an hour of Michael being sent to some quaint little gulag in Siberia and me becoming a travel expert on Siberian vacations!

Last night, after arriving at Grand Hotel Europe (near some great shopping, oh boy!!!) we attended the opening cocktail party and buffet dinner. I am not into the cocktail party scene–especially this type—the kind where people read my name badge before deciding to say hello! I get very tired of the lifted eye-brow comment, “You’re from Kansas? Where’s Kansas?” I responded that we live next to Dorothy and Toto and two blocks away from the Wizard of Oz (That usually elicited a polite laugh that covered the obscenities I mouthed. This ignorance of where I live helps me feel the disdain we give all too often when we travel abroad and find things so terribly un-American!).

Today the official opening session was very informative and interesting—a good thing since jet-lag and I have become fast friends! Lunch was hosted by Holland American Lines at Yusopov (aka Yussopov) Palace. This palace was the site of the “assasination” of Rasputin. First they tried to poison him and it didn’t work. So, in the interest of time and of achieving their goal, the friends of the Czar who thought Rasputin was muddying the royal image, shot him. They carried his body to the Neva River (St. Petersburg’s main river) and dumped him into the cold and frozen river. When his body was discovered a few days later, the autopsy revealed water in Rasputin’s lungs and listed the cause of death as drowing! Yusopov Palace has been magnificently restored and is a very formal, ornate edifice. Originally, the Yusopov family, relatives of Czar Nicholas, had an amazing art collection. Now the art is part of the amazing selection of art one can see at L’Hermitage. Okay–here’s some bragging–we get to go to L’Hermitage on Monday for a morning of PRIVATE viewing! Cool!

Are you bored yet? Well, I’m tired! More tomorrow or Monday! I’ll end with the favorite question people are asking Michael, “Do you glow in the dark?” I answer for him, “No, but he lights up my life!” Okay, it’s a groaner…cut me some slack!