First day off

Boy it feels good to not have to go in the car to the hospital today. Just driving there, 30-40 minutes each way is draining. The streets are such a commotion, exciting, stimulating, colorful, filled with sounds and smells and interesting sights, but demanding. I've been going nonstop since I left Bangkok. I arrived in the house in Amritsar at 9:30 in the morning and left for the hospital at 10. We've had 9-10 hour days at the hospital and meetings when we got home.

I talked to Carolyn last night, That was very good. I have been a little homesick from time to time and feeling neglectful about contacting folks.

Anyway, I slept in. Was invited to go with Muktiar to pick up his wood carvings and silversmith work. (He is making a scale model of the Golden Temple. It is an amazing art project, involving local wood carvers, silversmiths, marble and gold leaf. He has been quite impressive, working with the local artisans, challenging them, teaching them new techniques. He is working from old blueprints, and photographs.) I was tempted. Today, the woodcarving is supposed to be finished. He will put this together as a model. The silver smith has also completed some of the domes. Both have invited him into their homes for food and to look at the completed work. It is always an adventure going with him into the old craft shops of Amritsar. But I want to have a quiet day; do the laundry, straighten up my room, read, do yoga, go for a walk. I need some down time.