So I never finished that last post regarding the kitchens etc... which is in regards to finding a place to live while I am in Mysore. But to give the full picture you need to know that I actually have an email in my inbox from Sharath Rangaswamy saying "We have received your application and it has been accepted by us. So you can come according to your dates.
Please do not respond this mail, this is just for confirmation. Thank you,KPJAYI, Mysore." And you also need to know that according to the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute website the shala is "full" from January 10 through March 9th. (and I arrive on the 12th) BTW I am still rather doubtful that I am actually going to be going to India. I gather that January is usually a "full" time at the Shala but the rumor is that this January might be the fullest ever seen. Maybe with a lot of first timers like me who after Guruji's death last May approached going to Mysore with a renewed conviction. For me it all started when we realized that there would probably be a big memorial this coming May, as is the Hindu custom. May would be about the worst possible time for Dan, because of the rowing season, whereas at least for the majority of the time I'm gone Dan is indoors and spring racing won't have yet started....
Anyway, practically speaking what this means is that there could be upwards 200 westerners descending on Mysore all at once this January... all of them looking for the best deal for the best room. And some of the advice I've gotten is:
Be specific about what you want, and clear about the specifics of what's offered. For example do I want an independent house, a flat, or a room in shared house?
If not an independent house: are the owners co-resident (could be just fine, could be a problem)? ground floor or upper floor? separate electric meter or shared?
Number of bedrooms? Kitchen? For one month yes. If kitchen, is there gas, stove, basic utensils for cooking and eating? umm yes.. Water purifier? If not, arrangements for water can delivery? yes? Western or Indian toilet? not sure what that means, thinking western? Hot water? yes, Shower? yes, Ceiling fans (especially in bedroom?) Dependable water supply (typically from underground sump)? How close to the shala? walking distance? What furnishings are provided (being here for just a month, the less you have to do to make things livable the better)? How much light?
How much air? enough to breath? Window screens (i.e., curtains)? Mosquito mesh on windows or net for bed? yes! Sheets, pillows, top cover for bed? I'm told I can buy these for just a few rupees. Electricity included in rent or separate? (I've never heard of water not being included.) Is housecleaning included in rent or separate?... okay so you can see this is a fairly daunting process. Luckily though I have some help... for one a man I met a while ago when I was in Virginia, Randy lives there in mysore (see photo above)and he is okay with me coming directly to his house at 4am on the 12th to get my bearings and figure out where I'm going to try to go and what I'm going to do... Thank you Randy.
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