Over the River and to the Woods...

April, Pali, and I returned back to Delhi just in time for a wonderful Christmas party and gift exchange between the artists. Being my first Christmas away from family it was difficult, but everyone tried to make it one to remember. We started with High Tea at a nearby hotel restaurant and then headed back to GAV for a group Christmas party. Marisa and Maria got adventurous and cooked up some wonderful spiced rum, little desserts, and other tasty Christmas treats. We played music, sang carols, and each made or bought fun gifts for everyone. Having lived together now for 2 months they are a new extended family that I will cherish always.

Aarti Ceremony

Not much time was spent for me at GAV before I packed up once more and headed this time for Rishikesh. A good friend from the states was bringing her sons on a photography tour, but decided to come a few days early to see me and a little more of India. She choose Rishikesh, and what a good choice it was.

Christmas Gift Exchange

Rishikesh, yoga capital of India, resides in the lower part of the Himalayas on the Gaga River. We stayed for three days on the Gaga River at a rafting lodge: hiking, eating and white water rafting. It was absolutely glorious relaxing and enjoying the peaceful waters edge. We went down to Rishikesh for an evening walk and to witness the Atari ceremony that happens every night. The ceremony was lead by a holy man surrounded by children dressed in yellow and orange with paint on their forehead singing and clapping. Flowers are placed in the water in front of Lord Krishna along with other ceremonial doings. This was another beautiful site and reminder as to why I love India so much.

Ganga River, Rishikesh

Lord Krishna

Rishikesh