In Mysore there are several yogis/yoginis who have made it their permanent home. Although India does not come without its problems and struggles, I can understand why many people are drawn to this part of the world.

Even in spite some of the obvious headaches there are many wonderful things that can only happen in India. I often think it is probably these little things which make it so worth while. Like everything in life you learn to take the plus with the minus and hopefully with the latter never outweighing the former. And even if it does, it is something you work, live with and learn from. If not, you leave! I have yet to encounter any situation or relationship that is 100 per cent perfect (and if there is such a place or a relationship I wish someone would point me to it).

In India, life is definitely rural. If you don´t have money for a generator, there will be frequent power-outs, you cannot drink the running water unless you have a filter system and there may not be hot water 24/7 (only in the morning).

All of these experiences make me appreciate the simple fact of taking a hot shower back home whenever I please, having regular electricity and running water from the tap. These are the little things we consider part of ´normal´ living. But in India it is just not that way.

A few days ago one of those remarkable experiences took place that emphasizes life in India....and only in India. My friend, who lives in Mysore permanently, had blown a tire on her scooter. She dropped off her scooter and within an hour it was ready to be picked up. I had been hanging around her home so when she returned I drove her back to the shop.

The amazing part was not that it was ready in 1 hour but the cost....Get ready for this...20 rupees! (50 cents in Canadian dollars, 50 cents in US dollars....my god).

When she handed over the paper note to the shop-keeper I had to say, "That´s incredible." She smiled and bobbed her head side-ways (a common Indian gesture meaning ´that´s just the way it is´.)

And just the way it is, is pretty great and close to perfect.