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Rishikesh is a gorgeous city that straddles the Ganges River in northern India, near its source. The fast moving river is flanked by tall tree lined hills that are covered with ashrams, yoga centers, hotels, and shops.

I call it a Disneyland for Yogis, & guru disciples, because it is an intensely spiritual place. Yoga, Meditation, & Enlightenment are big business here. There are many amazing and wood-be yoga teachers here ready to sign you up for a 3-month course. Its really funny, but also very uplifting. Everyone here wants to change the world for the better – and that is a good thing, regardless of what it looks like.

The bus ride here from Dharmsala was one of the hardest trips I’ve had so far. It was a cold 12-hour overnight ride in a bus who’s lack of shocks was amplified by the extremely bumpy road. There were people getting sick and puking all over the bus. We were happy to arrive the following morning. During the trip we met Nicole. She and I had the won the honor of not being pushy with our bags and therefore not gaining room in the bus’s trunk. We had to secure our bags to the rooftop and that lended us some bonding time.

It was Nicole who told us about the meditation retreat. Her description was inviting, and so we investigated further and two days later found ourselves signed up. The details of the retreat are chronicled in another post.

After the 10days of silence we finally got to enjoy the river-side beaches and the busy streets. I enjoyed walking around and meeting the locals. It seems like everyone here likes to wash their puppies, which is nice to see for a change. Almost every day we went for a light dip in the hot sun and cold river. One day that stands out was a trip that erica led to a beach about 45 minutes out of town. Aside from some horses and mules we were the only ones there. Fun was had by all.