Repose in Reshikesh

A light day today.

After the whirlwind of rituals and driving yesterday, I woke up pretty exhausted.

Sadly, more touring.

We met our new guide early in the morning, and the day started out bleak...these guides, why am I paying them again?

We took our car down the hill of the hotel that we were staying on to a small ashram at the bottom. Ashrams, to my understanding, are like boarding schools: you stay there with the yogis and learn meditation and yoga. At most this is taught free of charge, and you get a free room too, while at others you pay a small fee, but nothing too high(1-200 rupees).

So we went to this place to see the altar of some very famous yogi - I don't remember the name. I said before how I feel uncomfortable faking ceremony in religion, and that was apparently very evident here, as I was told I had to meditate and then get the blessing of a priest. Again, I don't believe in this stuff so I hate having to pretend I do.

We did  that, longest 20 mins of my life, then the guide takes Suji to another temple while I wait outside. Lol, this will become a recurring theme for the day.

After the ashram, the day began to improve as we were taken to the heart of the town, and had to cross a suspension bridge. The bridge was very narrow and went across the Ganges- stunning views of the river and Himmialya mountains.

The bridge is supposedly only for foot traffic, but that didn't stop motorbikes and horse arts from using it as well. As a result, it's a bit crowded, but still a great place to be.

From there we arrived on the other river bank and, of course, did more temple hopping.

It was fine, tho, Suji visited them and I relaxed outside. One thing I learned today: cows like coffee. I had a cup in my hand, and one cow was following me all over, trying to take it; at one point even rubbing his head against me to try to steal it.

Of course cows aren't the worst thieves there: monkeys are. Reshikesh is crawling with the buggers, and they steal food every chance they get.

Earlier in the day we saw a baby monkey staking out a fruit cart, just waiting for the vendor to look away. Of course, the moment he did the monkey darted in and got a once grape before he was shooed off.

Don't be fooled by the cuteness - They WILLfuck you up!

Later in the day I had my own encounter as a monkey knocked a bag of chips out of my hand while I was trying to take a picture. I tried to shoo him away, but he wasn't having any of that and bared his teeth at me in a, "let's go, tough guy" kind of way.

Tempting as a monkey fight was, I let it go and walked away.Yeah, I'm being the bigger primate today.

Other than the temples, the only highlight, besides shopping, was a great 30 min boat ride along the river. It was cool to see everything from the water, and to actually be in the water itself. Everything was so quiet and clean, I was surprised.

After the ride we were taken to some more shops, where I got to see Suji do her bargaining thang, entertainment in itself, and then back to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

It wasn't a long day, but I've really enjoyed my time here and it's another of my favorite places, especially with all the city traveling I've done: it's a nice contrast.

Tomorrow is a stopover in Delhi again, and then back on the road again.

Next stop: Agra!