Sadhus, Marigolds and Firecrackers

Well, let's see what the news of the last couple of days might be -

We've been meandering about Rishikesh where Sadhus line the paths. One of them was kind enough to offer me up a hit of heroin yesterday (are they called hits? that's how much I know about heroin). I passed, but wished him peace and had a stinking suspicion he wasn't a real sadhu. They are supposed to beg for food, money and hits of heroin to continue their journey...

The town is full of yoga and meditation ashrams, and it's quite laid back. Very touristy - so lots of touts and shops. We can watch the white water rafting from the quiet rooftop terrace of our hotel, it's been a respite from the crowds.

Yesterday was Diwali! Much happiness, marigold garlands, candles and oy vey, firecrackers!

Today we are off the Haridwar, where the Ganges descends from the Himalayas. Once every four years, a big todo occurs here where something like 12 million people pilgrimage to the banks. Apparently it can be seen from space! Luckily, it's not this year, and we should have a normal afternoon. Every night at sunset, people release bouquets with candles as offerings out into the Ganges. It's supposed to be quite lovely at Haridwar. We went to the one here in Rishikesh and it was quite a hoopla - touristy (imagine! that's not us of course!)

Tomorrow we start our way back...I am going to wrap myself in a big Biore Strip to yank all of the dirt off me, and then commence in the Name That Stain Game with my clothes...

PS to Joy: We're looking forward to showing off our new yoga skills in class next Saturday!!!

See you when we get back. I think a dinner out at the India House will be in order for the next Foreign Food Friday.

xoxo dmt