My sister Cherie and I arrived in Mumbai, India, late on October 11th. Cherie skillfully picked a hotel a few meters from the beach. Joyfully, we walked on the beach as the sun came up, delighted to see many Indian people taking a morning walk. The beach was clean and the water warm, but not ideal for swimming.

We hired a car and driver to explore the city, stopping for a seafood lunch and visiting parks, green spaces, and the well-designed city of 25 million.

A small snack for dinner as lunch was late, and the eyes were bigger than the stomach! Up early this morning for another sunrise walk on the beach, a yoga practice in the gym, followed by a buffet breakfast. Typically, in India, a buffet breakfast is included in the fee.

The flight from Mumbai to Cochin, Kerala, was 1.5 hours, and the most challenging part of the trip so far was finding the Dutch Heaven AirB&B. Thankfully, Google Maps and I directed the taxi driver to the house. The host met us, and we are now settled in for the evening after a walk to find the grocery store.

This trip is deeply heartwarming as I spent two weeks helping my son and daughter-in-law with childcare. Each precious day with my granddaughter brought us closer. It is difficult to be so far away, so spending time in Tokyo with them allowed me to reflect on my priorities.

The other blessing is traveling with my sister and the hours spent talking about what is essential to each of us. She is easy to travel with and always an adventurer. When she asked to come on the retreat, I said yes- only if she does the yoga. Chagrined -she agreed, and I feel so honoured to be a sister and teach her yoga.

Off to bed soon – catching up on sleep and feeling grateful for this blessed life.