Sit Properly

This weekend was wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that upon returning from it, all I want to do is watch Casablanca and mope about not being around devotees (though, instead, I’m just watching Buffy).

I had a few reservations about the weekend. The plans on how to get there weren’t exactly falling into place. Was this some sign that I should cancel it? I hate reading into these things.

Luckily, there’s car rentals. I got a good deal and was on my way.

I arrived after dark at Elisabeth’s. It was the first time meeting her. And after the horrible experience I had with the last person I had a first time meeting with (SLC), I was a bit apprehensive. And nervous. I didn’t want another experience like that.

But VERY thankfully, it was the exact opposite of it. We chatted a bit and watched some TV (hey! House is a good show!) and Eddie Izzard and talked more till falling asleep.

The next morning, the day of the Rath, was Ekadasi. We ate a handful of grapes and a banana or two, got dressed and headed off to the event.

At this point, I don’t even want to talk much about it. It was great. I had a great time.

One of the surreal highlights were the bagpippers.

Why were there bagpipers at a Ratha-Yatra? I have no idea. They lead the procession, playing “Hare Krishna” melodies (seriously, this was WEIRD – but oh so Philly). Elisabeth and I held the “Philadelphia ISKCON” sign. Then came Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu…

What’s cool is that two of the devotees (Caru-candra and Priya Darshana) were both at the temple when I started coming. They’re still around and so am I. It was great.

And after them, came the rest of the folks…

Olivia found me while I was carrying the sign (which had misspelled Acharya, by the way) and we talked for a bit. Elisabeth and I were released of sign duty and joined the rest of the devotees for the big kirtana.

Another bit of Philly surrealism was Ben Franklin.

Why? I don’t know, but I was happy to see him. Most of the time, he was walking around, carrying a Bhagavad-gita. That’s great!

This was a Ratha-Yatra that David Byrne, circa 1986 – True Stories should have been narrating. It was weird. But I loved it. Quite possibly the best one I’ve been to ever.

After the procession, Elisabeth and I got some prasad (food) and found Ananga Manjari, Nedra (who reads and posts here a lot), Bhagavan (who I knew from NV and who is now married to Ananga), Olivia and Mangari Lila. We sat around and talked. I loved it.

At one point, Ananga’s kids and another lil vaisnava were running full speed into the Moon… bouncy .. thinger… This thing:

It was adorable!

The day was winding down and so I think everyone left. I wanted to say goodbye to .. well, everyone. But could only manage to find Olivia, who was in quite a mood. We hugged anyway, said goodbye and Elisabeth and I were off.

What an amazing Ratha-Yatra!

The devotee community there was so sweet. I really really liked it. If it weren’t for harsh winters, I would move there. Even with harsh winters, it’s tempting.

The next day… that would be today… we woke up and we went to Govindas Restaurant. The cafe side. I think I saw Prema there. He’s a devotee I’ve known for years. I’m pretty sure it was him. He sort of recognized me. And I saw Arvin too. If you’ve been following my blog since it’s been on LJ, he was the Indian devote who accompanied me, Jan, Yaitsa and Madhava Gosh to Bhahulavana last summer. He remembered me. Damn, I really love Philly.

Ok, enough with the babble. That was my weekend. Anyone else want to weigh in?

Big super thanks to Elisabeth, Lola (who looks nothing like a man) and Scrabble for hostessing me this weekend. It was very appreciated!