Before
starting the actual reason for this trip: our motor ride back to The
Netherlands, I wanted to get adjusted to the climat, people, etc and
to relax a bit, so I decided to ga to an Ashram the last week before
the big trip.
And so
here I am, In Rishikesh, Parmarth Niketan. A big Ashram at the side
of the river “Ganga” as they call it here. For most Indian People
the holy river.
The
voyage from Jaipur to here was a long one. And by arrival I had to
wait another 2 hours before the reception opened it's doors. Although
I asked for a single room, I had to share a room with the (un) lucky
woman that passed the first and that was Shamy, from Mexico. She
already booked in a few days before and had to share her room now.
And she did without any comment! We got a room at he top floor that,
we found out later, was the hottest place in the block. No airco,
just l little fan.
After
putting my belongings in the room it was time for breakfast where I
met Samuel from New Zealand, who was working for the Ganga team. A
team that is trying to safe the Ganga from getting more dams. He
invited me to a walk up to a temple. Although I was very tired I
couldn't resist and it and it seemed to be the best decision because
the people I met during this walk, were really nice!
That
evening I received the schedule for my yoga classes for the next 12
days. First class at 06:00PM...... The yoga group is very
multinational. The teacher really nice. She's singing us through the
practices. On of the most group binding activities is the cleaning of
the yoga hall. We bring up a hose to the first floor and make almost
a swimming pool of the hall. We are like little children....
The
spare time we have we mostly spent together with the same group:
Shamy, my roommate, Kim, she's staying in the ashram as well and
Samuel. (he left a few days ago) We had nice conversations and fun.
We try out different places to eat. The food in the Ashram is good,
but always rice and vegetables...... I don't like to eat rice in the
morning so was very pleased to being introduced by a good breakfast
cafe: The Office. Now I'm at the office every morning! They serve an
excellent fruit salad, ginger lemon honey tea and mango lassi,
hmmmmmm.
Sunday
we had our day of. With a small group: Ram (an Indian tourguide that
Kim had met some days before) took us to the waterfalls. Us being:
Shamy, Kim, our two (Indian) men from yogaclass, Jagat and Jitender and a
man we call Free India, because of his talks. It was a long and heavy
walk, but worthwhile! Finely swimming! It is very strange to see the
Indian men bathing in their underwear while the women have to keep
their clothes on. We as well!. So no swimming in bikini for Shamy....
We ended in a restaurant. A good ending of a great day!
This
week Marika and I will start our trip together. I'm looking forward
to it. We've had some good news about our visa. There a sign of life
from the agency in Iran. Our agent in The Netherlands said that it
good e arranged now in a few days.......
The
time here in the Ashram has been great and still is, because of the
wonderfull people I've met here..... thanks you all!
Marika!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenZo spreek ik je een tijdje niet en zo ga je gewoon even door de mooiste en wellicht ook gevaarlijkste gebieden (voor een Westerling althans) van de wereld rijden.
Hoe Gaaf. Hoe Stoer. Hoe Waanzinnig Leuk!!!
Ik neem mijn petje af. Doe mij maar een paar slokjes van jouw geheime Lef-Drankje!
Ik mis BMW Motorrad Nederland bij de sponsors. Wat mij betreft een gemiste kans.
Heel veel plezier op de lange reis.
Ik ga jullie verhaal aandachtig volgen.
Groet,
Jaap (je weet wel: India/regen/jouw groepje-mijn groepje)