Yes, No, Maybe, I Don't Know

After two days of feeling worse for wear I'm all better now, it could have been a lot more grim so I count myself lucky! I am going on a three day/three night mediation and yoga retreat in the mountains this afternoon-

http://www.mahabodhi-ladakh.org/sambodhi-retreat-centre.html

The whole thing including food and accommodation is only the equivalent of £40. It is so cheap here; I am currently staying in a room that costs £2.50 a night (although that is not always easy to find and I think I am actually staying in the owner's daughter's room as there are photos of her on the wall plus they keep asking to come in and get stuff from the cupboards!)

All these notes here (100 rupees) are the equivalent of only £1 so my purse feels nice and full for once!

I have been trying to sort out a guesthouse for when I get back to Leh after the meditation course; you need to have a lot of patience here as every time you ask if there is a room (if you are lucky enough to find someone) they say "hmmm, it's hard to say...", "come back in four hours", "let me just call my son/husband/uncle/pet dog" or something equally as vague. I have found that many Indians also answer with a slight nod to the side - this looks like they are saying "maybe" but it can also mean "yes", "no" or "I don't know"! Ultimately it is sign of politeness (or perhaps I am speaking too fast for them).

So...off to the mountains I go again! Just to let you know I am 100% expecting to come back as a fully fledged monk in three days so watch this space! : )