Hotel Natraj Rishikesh

... which basically went all along the Ganges. It was refreshing and mildly exhilarating. We passed through a village and met a 92 year old man who was extremely chatty. <br><br>Later in the day I tried the white water rafting which was totally up my street and really good fun. This evening trip was the "introduction" to the rapids - the most violent rapid was just a Grade 3, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The next day I hit the harder rapids and we ...

... border where an infamous ceremony takes place at the closing of the border each night. <br><br>Rishikesh has been very relaxing and we have met some really interesting people such as Mark from Oz and his Nepalese wife, Nanho. Mark has been in India for around 11 years and has travelled around extensively on his Royal Enfield Thunderbird. This is a motorbike taken from the old Enfield British manufacturer and has given me another idea for a future adventure to look forward to!

... and we couldn't even make it on the bridge before realizing that this would not work. We brought the scooter back and got our money, but there were no other places to rent from and we would have to wait until another day.<br><br>Wednesday, I took a trip to a nearby water park with some Israeli people. They had arranged a taxi to take us, so we went on an hour drive to the Fun Valley water park. Admission was only $4, and it was not a very big park but it was not ...

... everyone to clap him on the back and tell him what a clever boy he is (this is off topic, but I wonder what Kerouac would have made of a middle class chap heading off for a month or two in India, spouting to all and sundry about his 'adventures', before returning home to study at Warwick Uni? Not much, I assume. This criticism is somewhat hypocritical I realise, but at least I acknowledge that the Beat Boys had genuine socio-economic constraints to break and were truly ...

... upstairs to this little room and there I met Sandeep. <br><br>Sandeep the palm reader is a young guy and I must add, he's quite beautiful, the most beautiful Indian man I've ever seen. He read my palm and gave me a lot of interesting information which I will keep to myself. One thing I'll share, which you might already know is that I have some minor psychic abilities. I can read people's eyes. If you don't know this about me, really it's true, I've been doing it since I was a teenager ...

... the school who had taken the course a few months before and he gave me a bit of information and told me to come back in a few hours. Of course I came back and it was still closed but I met another former student who had left and come back for another month long course. Also raved about it. Sunday I went to an introductory lecture at the yoga school. It was really interesting. Met lots of great people. Ended up going out for brunch ...

... is everyman for himself. This is the same for the predestines walking on or crossing the road who really do take their lives into their own hands! There is one rule which is followed however; if you want to overtake someone hoot your horn and if your lucky they will move over if not you hoot again! Anyway this was quite a fantastic experience on my arrival and I was very surprised that we reached my destination in one piece! Looking ...

... highly regarded for in honoring the perfection of God and his creations keeping uncut hair is a recognition of that perfection. Sounds perfect to me! Anyway, Rishikesh is a maze of winding roads lined with local markets and temples at every turn. I couldn't get enough of this atmosphere and will most definitely spend much more time here if I ever come back. I felt so at home! The one spectacular bridge is the Lakshman Jhula ...

... off the plane in full regalia. Lastly, the queen bee herself - an American woman in her late 30's who appears to live and work at the ashram. Her white sari a symbol of the abandonment of her former life and a sickly sweet smile of a psychopath. Would love to know her story and who or what she is running from!! Maybe it's just me and i need to let go of the cynicism but it's just too funny.<br><br>Anyway, can't add photos here - will try again once we reach Rajasthan.

... street boys, " Theresa says, pointing to the 2 grinning boys following behind our rickshaw. " The Book (aka Lonely Planet) says you are not supposed to give the street urchins anything or they will never leave you alone," I say. " These boys very dangerous, they will try to trick you and take your money," says the guide. " Well, that is true of pretty much everyone in Delhi," says Theresa. " I just think they would ...