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The following story copyrighted © 1998 by "Rina Natkin", all rights reserved.

From: "Rina Natkin"
Subject: (no subject)
Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 01:41:31 PST

My dearest friends,

Let me start by saying thank you for all of the wonderful words of wisdom and kind and tender support. I know that I do not write often but when I get the chance, reading those words truly gives me the extra strength that I need to keep going on without your loving hugs and tender kisses. I sure could use a good smut pile right about now!!! I wish that I could respond to everyone individually but given the cost of e-mail and my limited budget I can only afford to send out these mass mailers. Please know that my words come directly from the heart and that I wish that I could be there to share in the magic that is your daily lives. I love you my friends and you are remembered everyday as I watch the sunset and rise on the other side of the world. I have been writing postcards and sending letters which some have received and others have not. I am trying to keep the lines of communication open but bare with my, I am living in a third world country!

As for my life.... I sit on a street corner and a cow walks up and sticks his cold clamy nose in my face. I wake to the sounds of chickens and roosters and pigs and cows and dogs and cats. I sleep in ancient temples after long nights of sytars and tablah drums and lutes and guitars and belly dancing for the enjoyment of all. I awake on top of giant boulders near waterfalls and shower in rivers. I run around at festivals throwing colored dyes at all those who pass by, covered myself in reds, yellows, blues and greens that are brighter then any I have ever seen. I hide my belongings from monkeys who try to steal them from my cave. I listen lovingly to the sounds of the world; French, German, Itallian, Spanish, Hindi, Mahrati, Hebrew, Karnatak, Swahili, the wind, the birds, and more. I dance all night to techno beats under palm trees near the ocean. I ride in a big round basket they call a ferry in order to get supplies from the single roaded city we call town. I watch the sunset daily from mountain tops, temples, small islands, bus tops, beaches and more. I watch the sun rise almost daily from the same places. I argue about prices and laugh as teh seller says, "best price, best price," and we settle for much less. To think I have only been here two months, what else does destiny have in store? It's a good life, Cie la belle vie, Das est ein gudus leiben, hachaim tovim.....Aside from missing the beautiful people of San Francisco, I have no serious complaints.

So, yes life is good. I've only been deathly ill twice. Fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, etcetera. I only crashed on my motorcycle once, a few exhaust burns and bruises are no big deal. My tattoo came out great and has healed well. I've gotten used to slapping Indian men when they stroke my hair as I sleep on the bus or try to kidnap me on their motorcycles when I am stupid enough to hitch a ride or pinch my ass on crowded busses. In that way I am gettin stronger, like it or night.

I am a child seeing the world for the first time. My eyes are wide, my arms are open and I am ready to embrace it all!!!

All the best to everyone at home. Please keep sending your words of love and someone please save these letters and any oothers you might receive for me. Who knows, they may end up being part of a story someday.

Again, I will write as often as I can, sharing with you all the magic that is INdia. The stories are never ending but the time seems to be growing short. I'm not so sure I will make it home for Burning Man. A tough decision to be forced to make. Both this and the other are precious lifetime expeerriences. We shall see.

All my love to everyone. Thinking of you and dreaming of long nights dancing to the beat of the never-ending drums.....

Hugs and kisses from afar, Namaste,

Rina