Arriving for the first time at Amma’s Ashram in India after 35 hours with hardly any sleep, two delayed flights, and a two-hour dirve on Indian roads was quite a shock. When somebody asked me for my first impressions I mostly answered: “Crowded, plain, and even though I have my Mom with me, I feel completely lost.”

The Orientation Tour on the first day was a good start, but many more questions appeared and I had to look for information on my own. I felt like taking the next flight back home.

The situation somehow changed when Amma gave me my spiritual name, which was always a good topic for starting conversations. And even though drying dishes wasn’t my favourite Seva, in the end, it meat lots of fun and wonderful conversation with others who were helping.

Amma’s energy was fascinating, especially when I was sitting near Her – giving Prasad, or just watching. But it often was so crowded that I preferred to stay in the background. I had wonderful experiences, met amazing people, and would also recommend the Backwaters Tour. I’ll probably give it another try.

7-9-2006

Nistula S (20) Germany.