busbyfreyblog: Chanting "OM" in Rishikesh

We are in Rishikesh---at the point where the sacred Ganges River emerges from the Himalayas and flows out over the plains of northern India. Rishikesh translates as "One who has Conquered their senses" ...and there is definitely a multitude of meditation and yoga classes; numerous ashrams abound. As ever, we are preoccupied with all things Amaya and cannot be bothered to delve too deeply into the study of various Hindu philosophies... or the full on ayurvedic lifestyle (although some yoga and massages were in order).

Shiva Temple

Trayambakeshwar Temple and River Ganges

Hmm

A day hike to some waterfalls...

Okay, besides all the cultural stuff and Rishikesh being known as the "yoga center of the world," I really wanted to take advantage of Rishikesh as "the gateway to the Indian Himalayas." I had investigated several trekking ops--and ever eager to check out Nanda Devi and other monumental peaks, I could almost taste it. However, we've been deterred. The driving sounded ugly and I feared an early winter at altitude ...with the kid. Perhaps its the season, or just travel burnout, but Amaya quickly vetoed any suggestion of more trekking in cold wind (after 2 months in Nepal). She has demanded an immediate return to Thailand's warm beach fronts for a kinder, softer holiday. So we are making arrangements along these lines.

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Oh yea, we recently had the opportunity to attend a traditional Hindu wedding with about 2,000 other guests. Although it was difficult to interpret what was going on by western standards; we were treated to an amazing feast of epic proportions...