Author Archives: Jean-Claude Garnier

Advice on what to wear for a stay in India

In India you will be surprised by the brilliance of the Indian women’s shimmering saris, and their femininity, their hair adorned with flowers and scented with jasmine.

A mark of respect

Indians, in general, appreciate cared-for, even elegant, dress. That is for them a mark of respect for oneself and for one’s interlocutor.

We remind you that for women, very short skirts, shorts, plunging necklines, and tank tops … are to be avoided.

For men, short shorts are also unsuitable, especially for visits to places of worship, be they Hindu, Jain, Sikh, or Muslim.

Covering up is also the best protection against mosquitoes and the sun depending on the region and time of the year. You will need to remove your footwear to enter places of worship; your shoes will be kept for a few rupees (if you don’t want to walk barefoot, bring along some socks). Don’t wear leather (belt, bags, wallet, sunglasses cases, etc.) when you visit a Jain family or their temples.

 

Shopping

You will find many dress shops for shopping (Kashmir shawls)…The Tamil cloth sellers’ stalls sell a wide range of fabrics, loincloths (dhoti) of various colours, and shimmering “Madras” style.

Other additional information:

  • Travel information: “flights” and “transfers”
  • “Visas”
  • Finding an “hotel” in Mahābalipuram
  • Taking photos in India
  • Information on “health” in India

Mediterranean chick peas

Ingredients

  • 225 gr chick peas soaked
  • 2 red peppers, chopped in cubes
  • 3 table spoons olive oil
  • 1 green pepper, chopped in cubes
  • Pinch of ground coriander
  • 450 gr tomatoes chopped in cubes
  • Pinch of ground ginger
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of grated nutmeg 

Directions

Place the pre-soaked chick peas in a pan and cover with fresh water. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and some salt. Bring to the boil, half cover and simmer for about 1 hour until tender. Drain and set aside.

Heat the remaining oil in a heavy frying pan. Add the spices, peppers and tomatoes and sauté until the vegetables are tender. Add the chick peas, mix well and cook together for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Guide of “Savoir vivre for a European in India”.

Hello

Saying “hello” seems to be the simplest thing

Unless your interlocutor takes the initiative, never shake hands, it is considered to be impolite, like an impure act. Greet people saying “Namaste” joining your two hands in front of your chest. It is the equivalent to “Hello” in Europe.

Kissing each other is not done in public, it is considered as very disrespectful and impolite.

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Couples :

The modest side of Indian couples will surprise you. They never kiss in public nor do they show each other any sign of affection. So keep you marks of affection discrete. You can only touch your wife!

On the street, a man can touch another man but never a woman.
A woman can touch another woman but not a man.
A man does not speak to a woman if she is alone. If she is accompanied, it is allowed.
A woman does not speak to a man if she is alone. If she is accompanied, it is allowed.

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In a restaurant :

If you eat in a restaurant with Indian friends, do not be offended if one of them gets up and goes to eat at another table when the food is served (some vegetarians are not allowed to eat and share a table with a non-vegetarian… because of their religious doctrine)

In India, people eat with their fingers, only those of the right hand, the left hand is considered to be impure.

In a family :

If a family invites you, you can give them some sweets, cakes etc.… above all don’t offer your help, it is considered to be ungracious.

Even if the meal is delicious, which it will be; avoid drowning them with compliments on the meal.

Don’t say the children are good-looking; our Indian friends think that it brings the evil eye.

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On the train :

If a person is asleep lying in the corridor, it is better to wake him up than to step over him, it is a sign of respect.

On the bus :

Normally a man does not sit next to a woman, the contrary is also true, except if you are married.

Photos of India (Ashtanga Yoga workshop in India Mahābalipuram)

South India and Photos

A journey to India is at the same time an inner journey, intimate and dazzling and an outside journey during which each moment may offer a discovery, a deep encounter.

For photographers, India is a real paradise, one of the best spots for those who like colorful pictures full of emotion.

To take photos in certain places you will have to pay a tax for your camera or video camera (more expensive) but then you will be free to catch a beautiful ray of light, to make the best of each magnificent place. India is an unbelievably visual country, where anything can become a subject for a photo.

Often people spontaneously ask to be photographed, they nearly always say yes, if asked. 

Other complementary information :

  • Journey information, airplane, and transfer
  • Visa
  • Finding a hotel in Mahābalipuram
  • Indian cooking
  • Information: Health in India

Hotels in Mahābalipuram

In South India, the old village of Mahābalipuram, today known, as Mamallapuram is located in Tamil Nadu. It is an old historical town that used to be an animated seaport at the time of the Palava(s). There are various historical monuments, most of them having been built between the 7th and 9th century AD. UNESCO has classified the site as part of the World Heritage; there are many exceptional monuments, walking to meet them is allowing oneself a moment of self-discovery.

There are many accommodation possibilities in Mahābalipuram, you will find hotels at an affordable price and also luxury hotels where you will be treated as a royal guest.

Thousands of flavour lovers are attracted to Mahābalipuram for it’s lovely Indian cooking.

Below, is the hotel selection made by the Ashtanga Yoga Institute :

  • Les hotels Daphnés
    1. Daphne Hotel
    2. Blue Elephant Guesthouse
    3. Daphne Beach Hotel
  • Pallava Dynasty Comfort Cottages
  • Green Woods Beach Resort
  • Siva Guest House
  • Sri Murugan Guest House
  • Breeze Hote
  • Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay

Security for a stay without worries :

Always keep your suitcases locked, leave your valuables in the hotel’s safe, never leave your passport in your luggage and always have a photocopy of it with you. 

Other complementary information :

  • Travel information « flight » et « transfer »
  • The « Visa »
  • « Indian cooking »
  • « Photos » India
  • Health information in India
  • Dressing advice

 

 

Information ‘health’ in India, Ashtanga Yoga Workshop in India (Mahābalipuram)

Health

An informed yogini being worth (at least) two, you will be able to leave safely with a light heart and a joyful soul and enjoy your stay in South India, a discovery full of fragrances, colours, sounds…

No vaccine is mandatory for the Indian subcontinent (this of course, does not exempt the traveller from keeping his vaccines up to date).

If you have an on-going treatment, don’t forget your medication. You can take a basic first aid kit with you, containing bandages, plaster, analgesics, anti-diarrheal, laxatives, medicines for treating colds and soar throats, vitamin C. Be careful of the sun and the heat, that cause insolation and dehydration. There are many chemists in India where you can find what is necessary.

If you intend to travel in India, malaria being in constant evolution, get information on it’s prophylaxis depending on the regions you want to visit.

How to protect yourself from mosquito bites, vectors of chikungunya

Individual protection needs chemical and concrete means.
From 5.45 pm onwards, wear long clothes and protect your feet and ankles.
It is recommended to impregnate your clothes with a repulsive spray. Some repulses can be put directly on the skin. Be sure to put them on regularly (every 4 or 5 hours depending on the product). For new-born babies and babies under three months, find a mosquito net specially made for cradles, if possible impregnated with an anti-mosquito repulsive, it is the only method that is efficient.

On the spot, you will find anti-mosquito products in the form of sprays or creams, as well as sun creams.

 

The water

  • Always drink bottled water and make sure the stopper is sealed
  • Drink hot drinks like “tchai”

For the others illnesses

In Mahabalipuram, there are several Doctors who practice occidental medicine and, since last year, there is also an Ayurveda Doctor. There is also a small hospital “Suradeep Hospital” situated 15 Thirukumam Street, and 20 km away on the road to Chennai, there is a big ultra-modern hospital (to be preferred).

Turista (diarrheal)

It is caught usually due to the water or food containing relatively common bacteria. A little advice and some good medicine in a travel pharmacy will be very useful. Prevention remains the best method.

  • The first reaction is to drink clean, lightly salted bottle water, sealed at the neck to avoid dehydration.
  • Charcoal capsules
  • If inefficient take “Imodium”, if it does not work then take an antibiotic such as “Fluroquinolones”

If an infection occurs when you get home

The most usual cases are:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Skin infections
  • Fever or flu-like symptoms

In all cases, if the symptoms last or get worse, don’t forget to tell your Doctor that you were in Asia.

For this subject, you can consult the following websites :

  • Tropical Medicine Institute “Prince Leopold”
  • Question-Santé
  • “Santé Voyage” with as bonus health information by country
  • “A.S. Adventure”. Several shops in Belgium of which several in Brussels
  • traveling-doctors.com

Other complementary information :

  • Travel information « flight » et « transfer »
  • The « Visa »
  • Finding a « hotel » in Mahābalipuram
  • « Indian cooking»
  • « Photos » India
  • Dressing advice

Information about Ashtanga Yoga trips and seminars in India (Mahabalipuram)

There are many flights to Chennai (Madras) from the major European airports. India being one of the most visited countries in the world … book your flight early, and enjoy the many benefits that the practice of Ashtanga Yoga will bring you, let yourself be dazzled by the fabulous temples of Tamil Nadu, Mahābalipuram, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannāmalai, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Darasuram, Tanjore, as by the profusion of details, the vibrant colours in the sanctuaries, where the stone contrasts with the radiance of the shimmering saris of Indian women.

For your session of Ashtanga Yoga in India

Flights : Whether it is a business trip or a holiday, many aviation companies propose an Internet registration service that allows you to reduce your waiting time at the counters of the airport.

Do not forget to register your « Miles » for a next trip to India. 

Travel agencies

In Brussels, we have had the pleasure of working for many years with « Welcome Travel » agency. They are very efficient and of good advice.

In Paris we recommend the agency « La Maison des Indes ». They favour intellectual and cultural curiosity. Phone: 01 56 81 38 38 (From Monday to Saturday from 10 :00 to 19 :00)

Airline companies

  • Lufthansa : German national airline company. Take advantage of their « discover the world » advantages. Lufthansa
  • Jet Airways : largest private Indian airline company. Their slogan is « The Joy of Flying ». Unfortunately they don’t have any direct flights from Brussels to Chennai (Madras)
    Jet Airways
  • Etihad Airways : book your flight to Chennai with the national United Arab Emirates airline company. You will enjoy an outstanding service for which their staff has received several awards, and arrive rested at destination. At your arrival, the sounds, the perfumes and the colours that enlighten every street of the city, will enliven your senses. Etihad 

Luggage 

International flights

Depending on the airline company, your luggage should not exceed 20kg to 30kg. You can buy or pre-book extra luggage weight before your departure (through the travel agency). Extra weight usually cost around 50$ per kilo.

Domestic flights

Indian companies allow up to 15kg. Please note they are very strict on the weight limitations. For any extra kilo they usually charge 5$. It is better to lock your main luggage. Your cabin luggage should not exceed 7 kg and 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm.

For domestic flights please avoid any instrument resembling a weapon, knife or even a nail file…

The Security (or safety) air

Be carefull : All batteries in devices must be charged (TSA). If your mobile phone, your tablet… are discharged, the boarding security service may think you are a terrorist carrying a bomb…

Control of airport security : 

Security checks are unfortunately necessary to travel by air, some passengers find them more annoying than anything else.

Here are some tips to make sure that everything goes as well as possible :

  • Remove all metal objects such as keys, mobile phones (charged battery), coins, wallet, belt if the loop is metal, etc. and place them in one of the available plastic bins.
  • Remove your coat, jacket, Sleeveless Jacket and place them, as well as your hand baggage, in one of the plastic bins.
  • Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage and place them in a separate bin. Don’t forget that you are allowed to carry, only liquid containers and gels up to 100 ml maximum, in your hand baggage, sprays are prohibited.
  • Remove your laptop and tablet from your bag so that they can be analysed separately (battery charged).
  • Follow closely the instructions given by security personnel

And everything should go smoothly, with a smile…

Transfer :

Transfer from the international airport of Chennai (Madras) to your hotel in Mahābalipuram :

  • At night, by Taxi : the price should be around 1400 Roupies. The transfer takes about 1h20 at night.
  • During daytime: bus n°108 B. Unfortunately this bus is not very frequent.
  • If you prefer, we can organize a taxi to pick you up for the transfer between the airport and the hotel

Money

I advise you to take either :

  • Cash in Euros
  • Traveller’s cheques, although these are not so convenient as you will lose time at the bank
  • Credit cards (American Express, Visa, Eurocard,..) are only accepted in large cities and big hotels. 

Exchange of currency in Roupies 

You can exchange currencies at the airport. Be careful, the Exchange service of « Thomas Cook » has a lower exchange rate than in Mahābalipuram. 

You have to show your passport for the transaction, and you must keep the « encashment certificate » which will allow you to exchange your leftover rupees when you leave the country. Bankcards can be used in big hotels and shops in urban centres. Traveller’s cheques in Euros can easily be changed in banks. You can only take cash out of your account in large cities either from the banks (takes a long time) or from automatic withdrawal counters marked “ATM”. There are now two “ATM” counters in Mahābalipuram. When you leave the big cities or centres, please make sure you have enough rupees or euros and preferably in small bills as it can be difficult to find change. 

The exchange rates are relatively stable. You can check following website to have the recent exchange rates : Oanda 

Water

Never drink tap water ! The water is not always potable. 

Electricity

220 Volt is common in India. It is nevertheless advisable to always check the voltage before connecting a device. It can be very useful to bring a flashlight/torch, in case of a blackout (this is frequent) and it is useful for visiting caves and temples. 

Time zone

  • Summer time : + 03.30 h GMT
  • Winter time : + 04.30 h GMT

 Bibliography/reading list

We have prepared a reading list for travel guides to India, novels, and history books.

Lonely planet :

  • Travel guide: guide book of the South of India and Kerala – a complete guide covering all regions from South India: Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra, Karnataka and Bengaluru (Bangalore), the Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Chennai (Madras), Kerala and the Andaman islands, and Odisha (Orissa)
  • Discover India

Hachette

  • Guide Voir: India per region, illustrated maps, detailed advice on visits, excursion proposals. Clever 3D maps of cities so you can better prepare your visits to Delhi, Jaipur, Pondicherry, Calcutta, or Bombay…
  • India Attitudes: small guide on customs and traditions

Le Routard

  • South India: trace your own route

Guide Bleu 

  • South India : an in depth discovery of the South of India in 4 chapters, illustrated maps, a small dictionary and bibliography 

Some books about India

“Once you have felt the Indian dust you will never be free of it”
Rumer Godden

  • « De Gandhi à Bollywood », test your knowledge, by Fédéric Testu, Editions Ellipses
  • « Histoire de l’Inde », by Alain Daniélou, édition Fayard
  • « Inde »: history, religion, traveller’s life, by Rainer Krack, Pages du monde 

You can find the latest publications on http://www.indeenlivres.com 

Language

English is widely spoken in the cities of India. India has hundreds of dialects and 18 officially recognized languages. The difference between the Indo-European spoken in the north and the Dravidian languages used in South India provides that English is an essential means of communication between the people of the north and south.

GSM / Iphone

GSM / Iphone

Cellular phone

Most of the foreign providers offer mobile Internet access (roaming) in India, but the rates are high.

Important advice

Remember that apart from the beauty and wealth of this country, India is and will remain India. It is advisable to look on the bright side to enjoy your stay at the fullest.

Additional information

  • Visa
  • Find a hotel in Mahabalipuram
  • Indian cuisine
  • Photos of India
  • Heath care
  • How to dress

What to do in Athens out of the Ashtanga Yoga practice

We propose two excursions

Visit the old town of “Plaka”, walk, eat and drink on one of the very nice terraces.

For all history lovers !

Discover the historical past of Athens during a fascinating walking tour, alone or accompanied by a local expert guide available at the entrance to the Acropolis. Immerse yourself into the heart of the ancient city of Acropolis, the most famous classical Greek monument, dedicated to goddess Athena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover how this ancient monument dominates the city at his feet.

All entrance and guide fees, are at your own cost.

In the evening, watching a Greek tragedy in the ancient theatre located at the foot of the Acropolis is simply magical!

You want more…

No problem, there is so much to do here.

Close to there, go visit the recently build Acropolis museum, superb modern building very well designed, where the return of friezes taken by Lord Elgin (British Museum) is eagerly awaited.

To see at the National Archaeological Museum, among many wonders, the gold mask of King Agamemnon found at Mycenae.

Climb on the Philopappos hill (Hill of the Muses), nice in summer because there is a bit of greenery, admire the panoramic view from one end to the other of Athens, including the Acropolis, to the port of Piraeus.

On Sunday morning, go for a walk in the pedestrian street Apostolou Pavlou towards the flea market, and stroll among the stalls of professionals and amateurs.

Efzones

Efzones

At Syntagma square, go see the changing of the « efzones » guards (When facing the building, the guards are coming from the avenue on your left).

If you wish to do some shopping (souvenirs), go on Saturday to the Ermou pedestrian street.

Visit one of the many Orthodox churches, like for example the one located in the middle of Ermou street (pedestrian) or the Agios Dimitrios Lombardiaris chapel, built of wood near the Acropolis.

In Athens, the Greek summer is very hot, dry and sunny. The period from June to early September is ideal to enjoy the summer, including sea swimming. However, the heat can prevent you from visiting archaeological sites in early afternoon. Have always with you water and sunglasses…

Other complementary information :

  • Travel information « flight » et « transfer » « Boat »
  • « Greece cooking »
  • Health information in Greece

Health information in Greece, Ashtanga Yoga workshop in Greece (island of Andros and Athens)

In Greece, an informed Yogini being worth (at least) two, you can safely leave with a light heart and joyful soul and enjoy your stay, full of fragrance, colour and sonority…

The Greeks are very warm and welcoming, but the public health system could be much better… In case of necessity, it is better to go to private hospitals (better monitored hygiene). It is a good idea to take out a travel insurance, as “Europe Assistance”).

The European card of health insurance (public service).

For the French :

You get your European insurance card from your social security centre or via it’s website. You will receive it within 15 days. It is valid 1 year, free and personal.

For the Belgians :

Ask the equivalent from your « Mutuelle ».

The card is valid for all countries, members of the European Union

No vaccine is mandatory for Greece (that does not mean that the traveller should not update his vaccinations).

If you have a current treatment, don’t forget your medications. You can take a basic emergency pharmacy with you. Beware of the sun and heat, which can cause sunstroke and dehydration. In Greece, there are many pharmacies where you will find all you need.

Turista (diarrhea)

It is caught, in general, by water or food containing of relatively common bacteria. Some tips and a trip pharmacy containing good medicines are often useful. Prevention remains the best method.

  • The first reaction is to drink clean water, slightly salty, bought in sealed bottles to avoid dehydration.
  • Charcoal capsules.
  • If insufficient, take the Immodium. If there is no effect, then take antibiotics such as “Fluroquinolone.
Toilet paper ?

Toilet paper ?

The toilets

In Greece, one does not throw toilet paper into the toilet bowl; the risk of clogging the pipes is serious. One throws it in the bin prepared to this effect. The other reason is that toilet paper acidifies seawater and our Greek friends are very attached to the quality of the blue of the sea…

On this subject, you can visit the sites :

  • ‘Question-health’
  • “Health trips”, health info by country.
  • S. Adventure, several shops in Belgium and Brussels.
  • Website: traveling-doctors.com 

Other additional information :

  • Travel information, ” flights ” and ” transfer “
  • Find a ” hotel ” in Athens
  • ” Greek Cuisine “

“Greek Cuisine” Travel information, Ashtanga Yoga workshops in Greece (Athens & island of Andros)

Greek cuisine is famous thanks to its “Mediterranean diet” or “Cretan diet”. The countries of the Mediterranean basin have a food tradition based on fruit, vegetables, cereals, walnut and olive oil, dairy products (yoghurt, cheese), aromatic herbs and a low consumption of animal products (meat).

Unesco has recognized Mediterranean cuisine as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity since 2010[1].

This cuisine is not only tasty but also very good for your health, protecting against cardiovascular diseases; degeneration of cognitive functions (memory lapses, etc.)…

Contemporary Greek cuisine uses a lot of olive and walnut oil (omega 3), spices, vegetables, and cereals. Olives, aubergines, courgettes, tomatoes, yoghurt, as well as the cheeses, are world famous. The wine is delicious !

cuisine_greek

Greek desserts

Sugar lovers will be in paradise with Greek desserts that are often made with honey and nuts.

Served with wine, ouzo or raki, mezes (something between appetizers and hors d’oeuvres) offer a variety of typical Greek dishes. In a Greek restaurant, if you do not speak Greek, no stress, you go directly to the kitchen, you lift the lids and order what you like.

Most Greeks do not go to a restaurant for gastronomic reasons but to feel well and have a good time with friends. The standing of a restaurant is therefore not a concept which really applies to Greek restaurants: expect paper tablecloths most of the time and no concern for the way the food looks and the muddled order in which it comes to table…   What counts is that you eat well, cheaply and rather copiously in most of the “taverna” found everywhere. You will be charged for the bread and cutlery!

In theory, there is a difference between a taverna and a restaurant (estiatorio). The first is more relaxed and friendly than the second. In practice, the label “restaurant” gives a ‘smarter’ impression for some people, but the label does not always describe what you find inside.

Finally, you will also find Greeks eating in the ouzeria (plural of ouzeri), sometimes also called mezedopolia or even ouzadika. Mezes (or even pikilies when they are larger) that accompany ouzo (local pastis) may be enough for a small meal.

On Andros Island, for your seminar of Ashtanga Yoga, you will eat in the Karanasos Hotel. Our host Sophia is not only a very good yoga teacher; she is also a wonderful cook. At each meal, you will be surprised by the taste and the quality of the food, by the lushness and inventiveness of the Greek culinary tradition. Most of the ingredients are grown organically.

Some tasty standards :

  • Feta: famous Greek cheese, not only eaten in a salad. It can also be fried, coated with sesame seeds, served with honey or coated in batter.
  • Greek Salad (khoriatiki): essential first course and cheap.
  • Tzatziki: yoghurt, cucumber, crushed garlic, olive oil and herbs.
  • Melitzanosalata: eggplant salad.
  • Moussaka: there are also vegetarian moussakas… yummy
  • Kolokithia tiganita: zucchini cut into slices and fried.
  • Dolmades: well known stuffed vine leaves.
  • Briam: a kind of ratatouille (potatoes, zucchini, peppers and tomatoes).
  • Imam baïldi: a dish of Turkish origin, like so many others (eggplant stuffed with onion, tomatoes and herbs).
  • Stuffed Tomatoes – Yemista (orphana): when the tomatoes and peppers are stuffed but with rice (no meat), they are known amusingly as “orphana’ (orphans), my son Surya’s favourite dish.

Snack time.

cuisine_greek03

Greek cafe

 

Greek coffee, avoid asking for a “Turkish coffee”: you won’t be well thought of. Ask instead for “ena helliniko, parakalo!”(One Greek coffee, please). It is normally served with a glass of water.

Retsina, the French are often surprised by its taste. It is a slightly sparkling table wine that is typically Greek.

Additional information:

  • Travel, ‘flight’ and ‘transfer’ information
  • Finding a ‘hotel’ in Athens
  • Taking photos in Greece
  • Information on ‘Health’ in Greece

[1] Wikipedia: the Mediterranean diet  (In 2010, Italy, Spain, Greece and Morocco were the first to be recognised, but on December 4, 2013, Portugal, Cyprus and Croatia were also recognised by UNESCO.)