PINCC Latin America Updates

You can find Mai's report on the latest PINCC voyage to Latin America at http://mai-pincc.blogspot.com/.

Iron

Two weeks back from the land of blood red soil, still feels like I'm there. Africa has such a rich culture, it isn't easy to put it in the past and move on with your life. It has become a part of me, a part of who I am and I will forever be affected by it. It immediately became clear to me that all of my assumptions and presumptions about Africa were just that and they would be replaced by the beauty of what Africa really is. Every experience, every interaction has made a tremendous impact on me and I remember every detail vividly.

We landed in Entebbe, Uganda on the 3rd of September 2010. The first thing that struck me was the wonderful aroma of burnt wood all through the city. Our driver gave us a quick lesson in Luganda as he drove us to Kampala. Our hotel in Kampala, The Aponye, was wonderful as it offered both hot water and wireless access, both rare commodities, we later came to realize; it explains Carol's excitement as she was privy to the conditions we were headed for. Kampala had an inherent chaos associated with its organization. Despite the chaos, there wasn't a sense of disarray or anxiety about the citizens of the city; they all seemed to be relaxed. I fit right into this sweet mess. We experienced most of the city, short of taking a boda-boda ride; I even got my cell phone unlocked in the midst of all the drama; Carol was impressed!

Once the "A Team" was gathered (Dr. Kay, Dr. Karen, Carol, Jetaun and I) we headed for Gombe. The ride was bumpy, I was glad I had on comfortable clothes! Gombe offered us the bare minimum; basically a few hours of electricity and tubs of water. It was a real, "welcome to my country" moment (please see Karen for an explanation of that line). Despite the scantiness, the hospital staff were enthused and ready to work. Also, the food was delicious even though it was sometimes hard to see what exactly it was that we were eating due to the darkness of the night; hey, they say, mask one of the senses and the other will sharpen to compensate, bon appetit! There was a beautiful funeral ceremony in the village and we got see some of it as we were leaving.

Next stop: Kayunga. This was an interesting place, a lot happened during our five day stay. The hospital staff was overwhelmed which affected their abilities to devote their full attention and energy to PINCC. Meeting and discussions took place in an effort to fix these issues before PINCC's next visit. We were lucky enough to witness a political gathering, and voting polls. It felt like Kayunga doesn't get many visitors because no where else did I hear "mzungu" uttered more. Mzungu is the southern, central and eastern African term for "person of European descent" Literally translated, it means "white person".

The Katikomu Hotel in Kayunga offered running water, cold showers, great food, and comfortable beds. I think the entire town of Kayunga had but one computer, with dial-up internet service that would lead a person to the brink of madness before it started.

The long ride to Jinja was gorgeous; we left a day early because it was a holiday and the clinic was going to be closed, however Dr. Kay was guilt stricken for leaving and having fun, but our presence there would have served no purpose without a functioning clinic. Jinja was very different from the other cities in Uganda, because there were many tourists visiting the Source of the Nile the city was better accommodated for tourists. We ate at a restaurant which offered cheese cake and brownies for dessert!!! It was like we were in the twilight zone, after such scarce conditions, we were being offered cheese cake!

Enter Fandi! Our host during our stay in Kenya. What a place to stay and what a great host! We didn't want to leave because everything was so wonderful! We spent a few days in Kitale District Hospital, finalizing that site. Dr. Kay donated the equipment, I interviewed the staff and we had a farewell dinner, granted one of the nurses wanted to keep me there to wed her son, but I begged and kindly refused; I must say though, I was quite flattered as mothers-in-law aren't usually supposed to be so kind. We spent a few days in Kapenguria District Hospital in Pokot with Dr. Lydia. It was a brand new site, but it ran so very smoothly. We celebrated Jetaun's birthday, played pop the balloons and ate banana cake, yum, thank you Fandi! Our last night in our guesthouse we watched "Karate Kid" and bid Jetaun and Dr. Karen adieu in the wee hours of the morning and a few hours later Dr. Kay, Carol and I flew to Nairobi.

Like the iron that makes the soil so very red, the women seem to be made of iron exuding extreme strength and resiliency, I was humbled by their capabilities.

What an inspirational trip, what a rewarding experience, what an amazing organization!! I am honored to have had the opportunity to join this group.

Shogik Abramyan

Segment B PINCC East Africa Trip, September 4-September 18, 2010

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES AND ENDS?..for us

On Saturday we arrived in Shirati, Tanzania, and man were we surprised
at how different it was from Kisii, Kenya! In almost every aspect the
two East African countries are completely different; first let?s start
with the pace. Kisii although not at New York speed is a fast paced
city with congested streets, motorcycle taxis that weave in and out of
lanes (sometimes causing accidents), and there is always a constant
clamor of street vendors trying to sell you their merchandise. But
when we approached the small town it was apparent that city life would
be forever left in Kenya by the unpaved, pothole filed dirt road that
led us into the town of Shirati. The drive on the dirt roads seemed
like years due to the constant bumps that our van had to endure, but
also the constant stares that we received from the people.
Finally we made it to the hostel where we would be residing for the
next three days, completely intact but exhausted from spending the
whole day driving in that sweltering van. The hostel was a big change
from Ufanisi Resorts where people wait on you hand and foot. We had
the house all to ourselves which was nice because we wanted peace and
quiet from the loud night life in Kisii, but we soon found out that
would not be the case here either. There was always loud music playing
in the distance, dogs barking, and an annoying clicking sound that was
unrelenting. Sunday I spent it sleeping while the others went to Lake
Victoria and Renee went hiking up the mountain nearby. Finally I got
up and went out to go visit the lake which was absolutely spectacular.
The next day was all work and no play, or should I say a lot of
waiting. The day started out very S L O W?My mother had to give a talk
to the whole hospital staff and for the life of them they could not
get the projector to work. We had to set up the rooms, start
interviewing patients (but really wait for patients to arrive), and
get things in order. By noon only nine patients had been registered, a
huge change in pace from Kisii (it continued at that pace for the rest
of the trip). Cryotherapy was needed to help treat the patents but
there was no gas! So no surgeries could be completed and all we could
do were cervical exams; which is very hard because patients would
probably not receive the care they need if we did not treat them. We
could refer them to a hospital several hours? drive away, but many
patients did or do not have the money to go get the help they need. At
the end of this very short visit, the whole group felt defeated and
even contemplated the fact if we should even come back to the hospital
again. We were all ready to leave and have a change of pace at the
next place and so we did?.
Bukumbi was a suburb of Mwanza (the second largest city in Tanzania
aside from Dar Es Salaam) we were all excited to get to Mwanza and do
some shopping! (It was an all women group besides our amazing drivers
Manuel and Mike) We set out around 11AM for the supposed 4 hour drive,
but of course while in Africa you are supposed to expect the
unexpected! And man were we surprised while driving through the
Serengeti, we came upon a bridge with Baboons!

We kept on driving and there were ZEBRAS and WILDEBEESTS!
see wildebeest in background
AND MORE BABOONS?EATING RAW COTTON!

It was like a free Safari, BUT all the fun came to and end at another
bridge (cue the horror music). There was a huge truck that got a flat
tire in the middle of the narrow bridge, and unfortunately the truck
was way too heavy to push it off to the side of the road so we had to
wait and wait and?.. wait. Cars stopped and waited, people walked
around, and even vendors sold bananas and sugar cane! (I of course did
not get to eat anything because I was fasting) We waited for what
seemed like forever but it was only an hour. Anu and I began to get
antsy and thought that we would not reach Mwanza in time to go
shopping. Anu said to me, ?Soon people are just going to build houses
and create a village on the side of the road!? Finally the truck
received a new tire and we were on our way, but not in time to go
shopping. By the time we got to the city all the shops were closing
and it was even time for me to break my fast. We had dinner at a
surprisingly good Chinese place right on Lake Victoria in Mwanza, and
then we headed for the hospital in Bukumbi at which we were working at
as well as residing.
We got there, settled in, and everyone was very pleased with our
sleeping arrangements (it was quite an improvement from our less than
clean hostel in Shirati). The next day my mother gave another lecture
to the nurses and doctors that we would be training the next two days,
we setup the rooms as usual, and things were underway (way different
from Shirati). We saw close to 25 patients the first day, but again we
could not do any procedures because THERE WAS NO GAS; so all the
patients had to be referred again to the Mwanza hospital nearby.
Aside from the absent gas the nurses and doctors were eager to learn
and apparently liked to read as well because one of the male midwife
nurses (one of many) pleaded with me to let him borrow one of my
summer reading books that I desperately needed to complete. I
eventually gave in and let him borrow the book, and the next morning
he said, ?I love this book; I think you will leave this book with me.?
I had to finish it so I politely and as sorrowfully said no, but by
the end of the day I had finished it and decided to give it to him.
(see book in bottom right corner)
The day was similar to that of which before but sadly my partner in
crime and good friend, Anu and her mother Raji left mid day to go
visit family in Dar Es Salaam. And another person was also gone and
well missed, Monica, who had to leave abruptly for a family emergency,
and we continued to send her our prayers. There was also a huge
atrocity early in the morning?.NO ONE WOKE ME UP?.therefore I slept in
and people forgot that I was still in the house and so they proceeded
to leave and lock me in unknowingly. Finally the group realized that I
was not there and returned for me only to see me trying to break
myself out of the house, with arms dangling outside of the jailhouse
like bars that protected our house from burglars. The day went on and
we found out that at 3 PM it was time to pack up and leave for good
this time; back to America. Later that evening we had our last meal
together and reminisced on what a good and rewarding trip this has been.

(Dr. Kenya, Dr.Mutiso [the wonderful doctor head of Kisii], Me
[Rajaa], Renee, Monica, Carol, Raji, Rashmi, Anu )
YOU ALL WILL BE MISSED!
Posted and written by Rajaa Numan (Sixteen years old)

The Nurses of Kisii

After all their hard work and perseverence, I wanted to give you a glimpse of some of the wonderful, quirky nurses we worked with at Kisii Hospital. As a group they were charming, diligent, kind, hilarious, and a pleasure to teach and work with. We almost wish we could pack each of them into a little box, place them in our pockets, and take them home. But then who would help Dr. Mutiso with the LEEP's and CRYO's? Oh well, I know Carol and Dr. Kenya are very excited and eager to see them again in February!

Jerusa: Wonder Woman and Nurse Extraordinaire

Petite, small, 52 year old woman. As soon as she saw us, she sized each of us with quick up and down glances, bounded over, and planted two kisses on each cheek. Then, she flashed us her famous Jerusa smile, in all its mischevous glory, and gave us a tour of the facility. Now, when she talks about the hospital, she caresses each word, patting each medical device and instrument as if they were her children. This woman radiates vitality and passion and a love of nursing. She even stayed late to help with paperwork and clean up! What we loved most about her was not only her sweet nature and sense of humor but also her ferocity. Either when she's on the hunt for more speculums or bargaining with Carol for more swabs or even a headlight, Jerusa makes sure that she can take care of her patient. Really, that was this woman's first priority...and that's just how we like it!

Josephine: The Dimpled Mama

I bet, when children look at Josephine, they automatically think "Mommy" because she even appears caring and loving. A small. slightly chubby woman with the kindest face, Josephine is soft-spoken and shy. But as the days went by, she started asking more questions and particpating more when Dr. Rashmi was doing exams. As a nurse she is capable and responsible...and as a friend she is peerless. Often, at break, all you see her doing is pouring tea for her friends or offering them more bread. And finally, when the other nurses have been attended to, you see her reach for another piece of bread and another mug of tea...and offer it to a patient. Gerneostiy personified, that's our Josephine.

Regina of the gleaming eyes

Oh Regina, standing so very tall. At first, we heard nothing come from this woman's mouth. Not a peep. But those eyes...oh those eyes. Always crinkled, always dancing, those eyes look like they know something secret...something special. All we knew of Regina was what the other nurses told us. "Regina? Regina's hilarious! She's always joking around and smiling." A-ha! We knew it! Those eyes gave her secret away! Fortunately, as we became familiar faces, she showed us more and more of her endearing nature...and we were hooked.

The Mellens

Same name. They even look similar. Heck, they came from the same town! But those Mellens are very very different. There's young Mellen and an older, riper Mellen (sorry, that really wasn't very funny...But I couldn't help myself!) Young Mellen is more vivacious and curious, while the other Mellen is established, firm, solid. Really, I think they do it on purpose to keep each other in balance...otherwise, there would be all kinds of confusion! But both Mellens are wonderful people, excellent nurses. What would we do without our sweet Mellens? (Oh god, another pun!)

Euniah: "We will do 100 exams...EACH!"

What a promise! What a crazy, promise! Even though we only expected the nurses to complete 100 in 6 months, this woman promised that each nurse would see 100 patients! But, there's not doubt that it's going to happen. And if anyone could do it, it's Euniah. Euniah's not afraid to say what she thinks or even ask for something she needs. Carol agrees; "Euniah grounds me."

Teresa. A god-send.

Though not a nurse, Teresa deserves as much recognition. This woman would arrive every day earlier than us and stay late too. She made sure everything was clean, tidy, organized. Frankly, she had one hard job. And we respect her and admire her for her diligence and attention to detail. Without her, we would probably have been tearing our hair out and acting crabby. Thank god for women like Teresa!

A little philosophy to warm the soul...

You know those old, corny romance movies, especially the ones set during the Civil War? There's always this one scene where the man, lavishly decked in his Confederate braid and insignia, is bidding a sorrowful adieu to his little mistress. And he says something along the lines of, "When I see the stars, I will think of only you because I know you'll be seeing those same stars too." Well, here in Shirati, when the electricity suddenly died during dinner and we all whipped out our flashlights, we trudged outside to behold the stars...I guarantee, that you can't possibly be seeing the same sky that we see. Looking at the dark carpet of night, we awed at the brilliance of those shining white specks. And we reminded ourselves that even through the troubles we face, be they power outtages or a lack of nitrous oxide gas (oh drats, as Carol would say), we must simply take time to find the beauty of the moment.

And breathe.

-Anu Menon

The Adventure Begins...Kisii 2010

As of now, we have been in Kisii for four intense, long, tiring,exhausting, crazy, hectic, chaotic....magical days. At this point, the team has (almost) seen it all. Visual Examinations, Cryotherapy, LEEP...HAIL IN KENYA...you name it, and we have already checked ( I mean, ticked) it off our list. Arriving from various jet-setter destinations around the globe, we met in Nairobi on Saturday, August 21st.

Our Team: Kenya, Carol, Monica, Rashmi, Raji, Renee, Rajaa, and Anu

From the get-go, trouble and his pal misfortune stared us in the face. One of our medical bags, which contained important supplies like batteries, gloves, and swabs was missing; probably stuck somewhere in Cairo! But of course, Carol, with her everlasting supply of patience and good will, kept calm, while urging Mike (the driver) to check up on the bag' progress. (Thankfully, on Tuesday morning, we had our bag and all of its sorely missed contents). On Sunday, we left Nairobi in a van, packed tightly with bags, equipment, suitcases, and, lastly, ourselves. And, after this 4 hour drive of picturesque views and varying weather patterns, we arrived in Kisii at the Ufanisi Resort, a place of untold comforts. Now, when you think of Africa, you probably think mosquitoes, dirt, no electricity, no running water...you think that we all must be roughing it big time, reeking of bug spray, going without showers, and what not! The future may or may not hold that in store, but for now, we are enjoying the wonderful Kenyan food, hot water, and wonderful lodging. On the night of August 22nd, I know, many of us slept unsoundly...not because of a lack of comfort, but due to the agonizing anticipation, the excitement, and the uncertainty we were facing. Since this was PINCC's first visit to the area, we were unsure of what was in store for us on our first day.

Kisii level five hospital is used to seeing high risk cases: it didn't get that level five status for nothing. Standing resolutely in the hustle and bustle of kisii life, the hospital is fairly large with several floors and passageways galore. Here, in the Gynecological Clinic, we set up our supplies and the equipment. With 5 rooms for examinations and procedures, the team set to work on the long list of women who always appeared promptly in the morning, forming a line outside the door. The first day, Dr. Kenya and Dr. Rashmi practiced basic examination practices and worked with the nurses and Dr. Mutiso, the resident doc, to develop the skills that would transform these fledglings into lean, mean cervical cancer fighting machines. Though the first day saw very little of the more advanced procedures, the nurses were tested and lectured by Dr. Kenya, who handled the training with a masterful prowess that takes years to cultivate.

The place was hopping with activity as Carol sought to project her expansive calm across the area, Dr Kenya and Dr Rashmi coached the nurses, Raji stood in for whatever job had to be done in the procedure rooms, Renee flitted around like an energetic social butterfly, and Rajaa and I reigned as the Data Entry Queens (you may address us as such!). Almost 100 women were registered that day...and 40 were examined. You can imagine the heartbreak we felt when we had to start turning away some of the women. Judi, who handled registration, near begged us to admit more and more:

"This woman is old...almost ancient. And she walked and walked and she had surgery last week and she is on crutches and her daughter won't ask her husband for the car so he can drive her and she's so so so so so ill! We have to put her first on the list!"

As we worked...we developed a routine. We arrive at 8am. The medical professionals join Dr Kenya for a powerpoint lecture that was delivered to the nurses. And Renee, Rajaa, and I would head to the clinic, where we would set up the registration and data entry station. I have to add, just as a little rant of my own, this data stuff would get so convoluted and well...silly! Every person had a unique PINCC number and a hospital number. Thinking we were these brilliant hotshots, we made the PINCC number the same as the hospital number, so things wouldn't be so random.

Little did we know, that almost all the time, people would be assigned the same hospital number...so Rajaa and I would stomp over to the med students doing the number (hands on
hips, frowns on faces) and demand the mistake be fixed...well maybe that's an exaggeration...Rajaa and I are far too nice :)

Anyways, after working for some time, the 10 o'clock tea arrived. Now this tea...it's a godsend. I'm pretty sure it was the wafting,enchanting scent of the chai that prevented any impatience and squabbles. The sight of this tea sent all the nurses into a sighing frenzy. And as soon as they cleaned the last speculum of their last procedure, they ran to the

tea and circled the canisters like zebras at a watering hole (Like the African wildlife analogy?). Soon, even we started awaiting the arrival of the buttered bread and the red and blue canisters.

On Tuesday, directly after the tea, Dr. Kenya oversaw the first Cryotherapy. Dr Mutiso and the nurses clustered around her (oohing and ahing when necessary) and eagerly watched Dr. Kenya perform the freezing treatment. It would get so crowded during each procedure that Dr Rashmi and Raji would literally be swatting some of the nurses away: "THERE'S ANOTHER PATIENT ON THE OTHER SIDE! YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE THEM THERE!" I guess this behavior is a testament to their dedication to their profession, and really, these nurses are incredible. In the next post, I'll give you a closer look at some of them.

Thursday was crazy. Crazy, crazy, crazy. Carol says that the week worked out perfectly though. Monday was very slow, almost sluggish, as everyone tried to gain their bearing. Tuesday and Wednesday had few procedures, but there was enough to allow the doctors and nurses to practice. But Thursday, oh Thursday. On Thursday, this super blend team of PINCC and Kisii volunteers and medical staff finished 8 LEEP procedures and 3 CRYOS. Though we only saw 35 patients, almost all the major procedures ended up being on that day. Only the sheer will power
and energy of all present could have made this possible.

Right now, it's Ramadan. And Kenya and Rajaa are fasting. I felt it necessary to add, after that bit about that insane day, how amazing they have been, even without eating during the day!

Today is our last day in Kisii. In the morning, we examined and treated 25 patients...even though today is a holiday. Today, Kenya's constitution is getting a makeover. So now, the president has a term, there are checks and balances...and it's more democratic. It's a happy day for the most part, and people really believe that the passing of this bill will bring more rights for more people. Anyways, while people were in their house watching the proceedings or having little parties around transistor radios in street corners, the PINCC team and the Kisii nurses were hard at work. But, after all, it's not all work and no play. As a sincere thank you, PINCC treated the nurses to a lunch at the Ufanisi resort where we are staying. With enough ugali ( a mushy, corn based, rice-looking lump of stuff, which Carol and I love) and chicken for all, we dined together as one happy, content, successful team.

More about these festivities later! Food calls!

SSSMH Training is Complete

From John Adams

 

Greetings all from Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India

 

Today we completed our fourth and final day with the Sri Sathya Sai Mobile Hospital -- our third training session here. Dr. Narasimhan wants four or more really outstanding doctors trained to full competence in VIA through LEEP. That way he can have VIA and LEEP (and all the rest) available 12 days every month, in the 12 nodal villages.

 

Dr. Ruth and Maddy are probably arriving at Bangalore airport about now, and Dr. Rhoda and I have a week to relax and to partake of the other joys available in Puttaparthi.

 

During the past four days we screened 126 women and found that the degree of pathology is already seeming to be lower after the first two rounds. We carried out two LEEPS and two Cryos and did a slew of biopsys and paps. Thing is, at the SSSMH sites, the mobile hospital has built such trust in the villages it serves that it is easy to get women to return for pap and biopsy readings and so we are using "see & treat" sparingly -- only when the need is obvious.

 

At our closing village today, Chandrayunipalli, Dr. Narasimhan thanked us profusely and told the whole village and all the volunteer doctors of his commitment to PINCC and his desire to have us do a four day camp every time we are in India to build and build and build an outstanding and highly effective program.

 

The two camps were tiring but exceptionally rewarding for all of us. We are already plotting our return in December -- when it is likely we will open another site, as well as carrying out #2 with PHRII inMysore and #4 with SSSMH in Andhra.

Greetings from the land of six syllable villages!

From John Adams

10 August, 2010

Yesterday we were in the village of Veldurthi, and today if was Mylasamudrum. The SSSMH VIA program is rolling along smoothly and we are mostly involved in enhancements and training a few new doctors in LEEP. Soon, the mobile hospital will have four or five LEEP certified doctors to cover each month's cycle of twelve nodal (and almost 400 nearby) villages. Presently there are three.

Dr. Narasimhan has received word from a subsidiary of Honeywell Computing that they will be donating a mobile machine that can upload medical notes to a protected server data base from any village that can make cell phone calls -- which past PINCC volunteers will recognize as "All" villages in the "less developed" parts of the world -- unlike in the 'developed" USA. He hopes to have all data, including VIA data, in digital form within a few months.

One of the doctors we are training at this camp has already started talking about bringing VIA to her hospital in Hyderabad, and numerous new site opportunities presented themselves in the final days in Mysore with the folks at PHRII. 

Another doctor here in Andhra Pradesh, that we certified in LEEP last December, has volunteered to be the second MD trainer in December at PHRII / Cheluvamba Government Women's Hospital! An exciting new feature in our work with the doctors here -- solidify their skills by having them come along and teach!

And good news for all those who want to volunteer in India!  We've been developing a key inside the curtains role for a woman volunteer in each site, thanks to the diligent work of Dr. Ruth Shaber's daughter Maddy. The hard part is developing a meaningful volunteer role for husbands on the outside of the curtains. We are working on it -- should have no trouble in Mysore in December for a volunteer couple -- although not sure if there is a role for the husband in Puttaparthi though. We'll be working on it!

First PINCC PHRII Collaboration a Huge Success

August 7, 2010
Mysore India

From John Adams

Today we wound up four days of screening and training in Mysore, coordinated and "staged" by the wonderful people at PHRII. This is a collaboration that we will pursue for a long time to come. Every detail was meticulously planned, the PHRII staff members took care of every detail from beginning to end, and the women screened were very grateful for the work we did.

In the course of four days, we screened 159 women (43 paps, 15 biopsies, 5 Cryos, and 2 LEEPS for those who want the details).

This morning, before the fourth day of the session, we toured the Cheluvamba Women's hospital in Mysore, the venue for our second training. Two of the trainees are doctors at this government hospital, and are very keen to establish VIA screening within their institution. The head of the OB/GYN department at this hospital is also very supportive. We really liked the facility (see picture of central courtyard) and all the people we met there.

In the evening, we went to dinner with the core PHRII team that worked with us (see picture) and had a very warm celebration of the successful experiences herre in Mysore. Tomorrow morning early we are off to Puttaparthi, where we start another four days of screening and training -- our third round -- with the Sri Sathya Sai Mobile Hospital!

First Two Days a Huge Success!

From John Adams

We have now completed two days of screening and training for PHRII, at the St. Joseph Hospital in Mysore. 

We are working with five doctors and two nurses. Some of the trainees are from a hospital that is connected to the Mysore Medical College.

The first day of the training / screening, we opened with a traditional lighting of a lamp (see picture) to invoke blessings upon our endeavor, and then received a nice welcoming speech from the Director of the hospital and also from Dr. Vijaya. After Dr. Rhoda and Dr. Ruth completed a first didactic session with the trainees, we screened 27 women. The second day, we screened 41! So far there is less pathology here than has been our experience over in Andhra Pradesh, so we have been finishing a little earlieer and having more time for resting or sight seeing or shopping.

We still are in love with Mysore and still are blown away by the level of organization and preparation that has preceded our arrival.