Why mataozm?

a question that a lot of people have asked and not asked.

apart from the obvious answer that its a motorcycling trip where 2 people are trying to maintain the zen state. its like the definition of the highest yoga by swami sivananda - bear insult, bear injury. but on a more personal level - its about 2 people trying to make sense of their lives.

as for me, due to my new yogic influences and a trend thats been on for the last year, its also about detaching. true peace and bliss is supposed to come when one overcomes the body and mind -stating with the 5 sense. But mataozm - by nature - is a trip that will be deep end immersion into experiences from all 5 sense. in other words - we are making a sense trip.

so a new 'title' to our trip
Mataozm - the Making Sense trip - on both counts :)

Mataozm plan for Apr-May 2009 (as usual tentative)

Apr 25
Bangalore - Kolar Gold Fields - V.kota - Pernambut (jedi's grandma) - Katpadi (jedi's parents)
Apr 26
Katpadi-
Apr 27
Coimbatore - Isha Yoga Center(Ananya) | Coimbatore (Jedi)
Apr 28
Kookal (Jedi)
Apr 30
Coimbatore (jedi+ananya)
May 2
Trissur
May 3
Thrissur Puram - Elephant festival
May 8
Coimbatore - Isha YC (ananya + jedi?))
May 12
Coimbatore - Aluva/Nagercoil?/Madurai- Rameshwaram-Pondichery
May 20
Chennai
...

shoulder testing 1 2 3

disclaimer: am writing anything after a long time, and even i can see that the thoughts are fragmented and bahy but...

after fracturing my right shoulder on the 21st of dec 08, i was laid low with the arm in a sling . it helped that i was living the life of a bum then - i had nothing to do and nowhere to go. the pranayama kept my head up and made the Hampi trip happen. at some point sitting in a rocky crack on anjaneya parvat, mataozm got its basic shape. the plan A of 2007's drug fueled haze was resurfacing, although in a less extreme shape.

chughun, ananya, and I back on the road, without the numbing restrictions of evil time.
i was already jobless and ananya due by march end. but would the shoulder be ready? would the spirit be ready?

I had to postpone my yoga teacher training course (TTC) from Jan 09 to March 09, with the hope that the shoulder would be ready. The doctors had said it would take 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, they said good progress, it will actually take 12 weeks. 12 weeks made it March 21st and TTC started March 15th..

By april, we would have no house either. So i had to take Chughun along.
So on the 10th of March, I left with chughun and head out to Kerala via Katpadi, Madurai and finally Neyyar Dam.

Briefs

1. Vellore / Katpadi: is where my parents have retired to. Vellore (land of spears) is a really old city by the now dry river Palar and used to be a battleground - hence the land of spears. Is famous for the erm famous Christian Medical College (and Hospital) - CMC and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT/VEC) - my engineering alma mater. It's mostly a dry shitty place extreme weather and no entertainment other than cinema halls and your own head.
   It's famous for 7 things - 1. a fort without a king, 2. a temple without a diety, 3. a river without water, 4. hills without trees, 5. women without beauty . don't remember 6 and 7. Anyway, met parents and visiting sister and brother in law. had a big 'family discussion' about ananya's and my illegal live-in and how its so terrible for them (which it is) . Vellore on Wikipedia
2. Madurai - I leave home and head south to Madurai on NH 7 - meet brother in law's brother in law (i think) who's a medical anthropologist (wow) and an adventurer. Madurai is like the london of India, with the Vaigai river bisectiing the city and is the oldest inhabited city in South India (pre 3BC!). Its the land of the Meenakshi -Amman temple, probably the most famous of south indian temples - ok maybe Tirupati also. NOTE: The Madurai railway station has (had? 2006? Joel's wedding trip data) high speed FREE Internet access, when airport, Chennai airport, Madurai airport and all other 'fancy places didn't! Jai BSNL. Madurai on Wikipedia
   
3. Trivandrum - reach Thenmalai by evening and slow down to take in the deep forests and old stone bridges and consequently have to travel along the windy Kerala hills towards the Sivananda Ashram - reach the general area around 9 p.m. and just go to Trivandrum (after calling the ashram and finding out its ok to come the next day) and a warm bed. The last time I had visited TVM was when I was little boy and had come to a church member's wedding at Chenganur. Faintly remember going to some church (surprise surprise!) or was that Adoor? Anyway, TVM was clean and lotsa nice colonial buildings - even the temples were different - rather unique. The churches are big and old. The mosques big and imposing. Guess its secular. I break the fast, and head off to Kovalam - might as well considering i'll be in the hills for a month and i'm just 16 kms away. Trivandrum on Wiki
   
4. Kovalam: This deserves a separate listing, coz it's a beach :D. But i was shocked. the last time i was here (Dec 2007), it had white sand. Now its crowded and the sand has turned black (in most palces) coz of the motor boats that take you deep sea to see the colored fish and what not. I guess the slowdown in Goa has pushed paying people down south. Checked out Groves, eves and lighthouse beaches (no difference, same stretch, with rocks in the middle) - become hmm hi-tech with red, green flags and whistle blowing lifeguards.
   
5. Neyyar Dam: Final destination - the Sivananda Dhanwantari Yoga Vedanta Ashram for my 28 day yoga teacher training course. Am glad I had already visited the Isha ashram in Coimbatore, so i know how an ashram is supposed to be. But still - 3 days is one thing and 28 days! It's a beautiful spot, nestled in the hills overlooking a green lake and a lion's park. Neyyar on Wiki. Every morning, during meditation, u'd get a jerk when the lions' would start roaring. The ashram is full of trees (ayurvedic - with labels) and a set routine, which initially irritating, but at the end, calming. Twice a week, we would go for silent walks - once evening and once morning to the lake and once to Kali para. Some walk photos Made some new and nice friends. got rid of the beard, lethargy, and agitation (yes, i had both) In and Out of the Ashram At some point, I called home and told them about the impending wedding with expected reactions. Every Friday, we would get the day off. During the 4 Fridays off, went to 1. Kovalam, Kanyakumari, 2. Varkala, Kovalam, Poovar, 3. Poovar, Kovalam, Varkala, 4. Kovalam
   
6. Yogi Siromani - It's the title u get when u pass the written and other tests during the TTCourse. It means jewel of the crown. Also registered for and got a spiritual name - got it for kicks, now its more fun. They apparently observe u and discuss in staff meetings ang then give u the name. I'm now Omkara (the sanskrit letter, a linga = energy body) Last days at the ashram.
   I have to head back to Bangalore for the paperwork wedding. i have 3 days. Plan is go to Kookal and pop, then bangalore. primary idea is to work the hills (the western ghats or sahyadris) from neyar dam to bangalore via idduki, munnar, Sathyamangalam (land of Verrapan), Dimbam, Kanakpura)
   
7. Idukki: It took a while to pack and say goodbyes, and the windy beautiful green hilly kerala roads plus the now 'sattvic' rides, where i don't cross even 60 kph - by 5 i'm near Idduki and settle down in a kerala tourism guesthouse at peermedu - 40 k from idduki. Intention is to score some gold, but recalling a conversation with sabir and a timely sms from him makes the higher mind come into play over the lower mind. Anyway settle down and fall sleep. 240 kms and the shoulder is acting up. Unsure if its the winding roads, or the 108 suryanamaskars done 2 days ago, or both. The next morning, head towards the forest and the dam. Have been passing atleast one dam or diversion something every 50 kms. The idduki dam finally is a kickass V shaped dam. felt like i was in an action film frame. The dam and other return trip photos After some confusion over whether to head to Thekkady (visited already during Kookal - Periyar Wildlife sanctuary - munnar- bangalore roadtrip 2 years ago), i head towards Munnar via the white roads (white roads are the little village roads on the map or not that mostly found after some persistent dialogue with the locals, and multiple dialogues at that - most locals have never even left a 30 km radius - or just travel by bus, and know only the main highways). More beauty and the slow ride helps.
   
8. Coimbatore : I eventually reach Coimbatore around 9. (another 300 kms only - for someone who has done 1072 kms in 20.5 hrs non stop - 300 kms feels like going down the road to a tea shop) - Stay at the hotel stayed when the shoulder was broken. in the plains after a month, and its warm and slightly sweaty.
   
9. Dimbam: Its on NH 209 and is a ghat with 27 hairpin bends. Nothing great, except that not all bends are labelled, so if ur chilling and enjoying the curves, one of the hairpins will spring up on u and u could fracture ur shoulder. felt rather silly for someone who's ridden the himalayas and both the highest motorable road (Khardung la 18,380 ft) and hihgest motorable pass (Marsimek la - 18634ft), but rode very very carefully.
   
10. Bangalore: reached around 8 pm. another 350+ km stretch. surreal ride through evening returning from work traffic. no emotional attachment. just another place. felt weird, so went to SLV and had a few sips of filter coffee. ananya has already reached bangalore airport from Calcutta. Go to vijay's house. end of a 2600 km trip.
11. Shoulder Status: Sore. stiff. again not sure if its surya namaskars or the ride. but bottom line is if i stick to 200-300 kms per day (on hilly terrain) - all should be ok. also sattvic ride is good fun. Plains are going to be scorching. but mataozm is a definite go.

On the Move Medical Mojo

For the last 4-5 months, as part of our ‘decluttered unpolluted life’ initiative, Jedi and I have switched to using natural remedies for minor ailments. It’s exciting because these actually work and never leave you feeling gross (the way my painkillers and anti-allergens would). Continuing to use these while travelling will involve carrying a bit of ‘extra baggage’ but before I reveal the contents of my med kit here are some self healing remedies and precautionary practices for common ailments on and off the road.

Acute Mountain Sickness

• AMS can randomly affect even the most experienced mountaineer who has had no previous history. The following precautions may not guarantee you immunity from AMS, but will help ease your discomfort to a great extent
• Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, smoking and regular exercise till acclimatization is complete
• Start fluid intake of 4-5 litres a day 48 hours before ascent to altitudes above 10000 ft
• Follow a carb rich diet low on proteins
• Work on good aerobic fitness before the trip as this is necessary to increase red blood cells
• Ascend slowly and rest at progressively higher altitudes
• A night’s halt should be at an altitude lower than the peak achieved during the day
• To cure AMS headaches chew a pod of raw garlic or take Ferrum Phos 30C (homeopathic)
• Immediate descent and professional medical aid for malignant AMS (symptoms include breathlessness, double vision, severe headaches, confusion, irrational behaviour, dry cough, pink froth)
  

Colds & Flu

• Avoid dairy products, fried food, sweets, wheat, meat and iced/cold drinks
• Drink lots of hot water throughout the day
• In case of chronic mucus, fast on warm ginger water for 2-3 days
• Practice Anulom-Vilom breath to clear sinuses and ease lung congestion
• Wrap up and keep warm
• Steep fresh ginger root in hot water, cover your head with a towel and use it as an inhalation to clear nasal congestion
• Soak 2 parts fresh ginger root, 3 parts cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes, then add 1/2 tsp of honey. Drink several times a day
• For colds with a cough, crush 1 tsp fresh ginger root with 8 fresh tulsi leaves, 2 black peppercorns, 2 cardamom seeds, 1 cup of water, 1/21 tsp turmeric powder, 2 cloves and 5 fresh mint leaves. Boil, filter and add 1 tsp of honey. Drink 2-3 times a day
• Take Sitopladi (as instructed on the package)

Constipation

• Avoid wheat products and meat
• Increase intake of high fibre foods like leafy green vegetables, oatmeal and fresh fruit. Bananas, raisins and stewed apples have a mild laxative action
• Drink at least 2 litres of water a day
• Take Triphala with warm water before going to bed
• Dissolve 1 tsp of ghee in warm milk and take before going to bed
• Practice Surya Namaskar as this stimulates the peristalsis movement
• Practice Kapalabhati as this massages the intestines and promotes healthy elimination

Coughs

• Avoid sweets, wheat, icecream, cold drinks and dairy products
• For dry coughs, mix 1 tsp of turmeric powder with 1/2 teaspoon natural sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ghee. Take 2-3 times a day
• Crush 1 tsp fresh ginger root with 8 fresh tulsi leaves, 2 black peppercorns, 2 cardamom seeds, 1 cup of water, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 2 cloves and 5 fresh mint leaves. Boil, filter and add 1 tsp of honey. Drink 2-3 times a day
• Mix 1 tsp of mustard powder with 1 tsp of dry ginger powder and 1 tsp of honey. Take 3 times a day
• Take Sitopladi (as instructed on the package)

Diarrhoea

• Stew 2 apples until they are very soft then add 1 tsp of ghee and a pinch of nutmeg. Eat this slowly, chewing each mouthful really well
• Mix a cup of cooked basmati rice with 1 tbsp of ghee and 3 tbsp of plain curd and eat in small portions
• Mix 1 tsp dry ginger powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp natural sugar with 1/2 cup of water. Drink this 3-6 times a day. If you suffer from acidity add 1 tsp of coriander powder to the mix
• To prevent dehydration drink small quantities of ginger tea throughout the day. Add 1 tsp of natural sugar, 1 tsp of lime juice and a pinch of salt to a bottle of warm water and drink this throughout the day

Fever

• Avoid iced/cold drinks
• Get plenty of rest
• Wrap up and keep warm
• Fast on warm ginger tea. Mix 1 tsp dry ginger powder in 5 glasses of water, boil, filter and drink throughout the day
• Steep 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds and 1 tsp fennel seeds in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes, strain and drink
• Once the fever has subsided follow a simple diet to avoid upsetting your digestive system and eat small, regular meals to restore your strength

Headaches
If throbbing, confined to the back of the head or starts at the back of the head and spreads to the front:

• Take a warm shower to relax and ease muscle tension
• Massage shoulders with warm sesame oil
• Make a paste from a little ground nutmeg and water, smooth it over your forehead and leave it on for 30 mins

If burning, penetrating, located around the temples:

• Make a cooling paste from sandalwood powder and a little water and smear it over the forehead and temples
• Boil 1/2 tsp of ground cumin seeds and 1/2 tsp of ground coriander seeds in a cup of hot water. Drink after cooling

If due to nasal congestion from cold or allergies:

• Make an inhalation using 10 drops of eucalyptus oil or fresh grated ginger root in hot water, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam
• Apply a paste made from 1 tsp of dry ginger powder and a little water to your forehead and sinus area

Heartburn

• Avoid hot, spicy, fermented foods and citrus fruits
• Avoid overeating or eating when you are upset. Only eat when you are hungry
• Avoid combining incompatible foods like fish with milk, or fruits with milk
• Allow a gap of 3 hours between your evening meal and going to bed
• Add 10 drops of lime juice and 1/2 tsp of natural sugar to 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and drink immediately
• Practice Shitali breath as it is cooling and improves digestion

Sore Throat

• Gargle morning and evening with 1/2 tsp turmeric and 1/2 tsp of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water
• Make a soothing herbal tea with 1/2 tsp of grated fresh ginger root and 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon stick. Drink up to 3 times a day

Stomach Ache

• Follow a light diet of home-made vegetable soups or plain boiled rice and drink plenty of fresh ginger root tea after each meal
• Combine 1/3 tsp of ground cumin powder, a pinch of asafoetida and a pinch of rock salt. Chew it well and wash down with warm water
• Dry roast 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds and 1/2 tsp of coriander seeds. Mix them together and chew about 1/2 tsp of this mixture at intervals throughout the day
• Mix 1/2 tsp of ajwain powder with 1/2 tsp of baking soda. Chew it well and wash down with warm water

Common herbal medicines like Triphala and Sitopladi are usually sold at most medicine shops. You needn’t carry rest of the stuff. Water, whole and powdered spices, fruits, vegetables, rice, honey, ghee, milk and condiments should be pretty easy to procure in inhabited places. Water can be heated wherever you stop for the night or using your camping stove. Sugarcane juice, muscovado sugar, brown sugar and gur may be used as natural substitutes for white refined sugar.

So, what’s in our medical/first aid kit?

• Nutmeg powder
• Cinnamon powder
• Dry ginger powder
• Whole spices - pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, star anise, mace, nutmeg)
  
• Aloe Vera capsules (with honey, the powder inside eases post menstrual cramps)
• Aloe Vera Gel (eases post menstrual cramps)
• Brahmi capsules (brain and nervine tonic)
• Triphala capsules
• Sitopladi Churn
• Tweezers
• Sterile dressing/plaster/bandage/bandaids
• Savlon
• Antiseptic cream
• Mosquito repellant

Never to be used except in dire dire dire straits:

• Paracetamol
• Pain killer
• Anti-allergen
• Broad spectrum antibiotic

Ofcourse, the bigger idea is to keep physical/mental/spiritual illness at bay through yoga and ayurveda!

Noseburn Destination: Sunderbans

Why?
· World's largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna
· World’s largest estuarine forest
· India’s largest Tiger Reserve and National Park (2585 sq. kms.)

· Dark and foreboding mangroves

· Swimming man eating tigers, mudskippers, Olive Ridley turtles, estuarine crocodiles, sharks, poisonous snakes, pirates and a plethora of birds
· Bonbibi, Dakshin Ray, Kalu Ray

Getting there:

· (by road) Kolkata – Basanti/Sonakhali (3 hours) – (boat to) Sajnekhali (3 hrs)
· (by road) Kolkata – Basanti/Sonakhali (3 hours) – (public ferry to) Gosaba (1 hr) – (boat to) Sajnekhali (2 hrs)
Boats and guides are available for excursions through the mangroves from Sajnekhali.