First Day in Rishikesh

RajPalace hotel manager gave me a scooter ride to the next spot along the Ganga: Laxman Jhula, as I mentioned my desire to check it out.
While walking around I noticed how much more backpackers/hippies stroll in this area. I wouldn't say one is better than other. I picked a place to drink ginger hot water and relax...
Lucky Hotel has a very nice terrace with a huge tree and a view on the river and Laxman Jhula bridge.
The menu offers a nice break from Indian food (in case you need one). When you come here, try out the Egg Plant, Spinach, Mushroom Potato Sizzler for 65 rupees (less than 2 dollars). It smells and tastes good. Make sure you have time when you come here, as the service tends to be very slow (and very nice).
After a few bites, I realized we were only women. Apparently Rishikesh is the place for women traveling on their own. I wonder if it's a good spot for men to hit on them, I mean if they'd be receptive to that...
On Lucky's street level you'll find a cyber-cafe where Arvind will be happy to take of you for 30 Rupees an hour (of Internet of course...).
His cousin teaches yoga, so here we go by motorbike again meeting Kukuji. I arrive 10min late for the 4pm yoga class, followed by a cup of herbal tea to make better acquaitance. Kukuji and I are about the same age but he seems wiser beyond his age, teaching yoga for 5 years.
He offers me to stay at their family guest house (150 Rs, my current hotel room is 250 Rs). I actually wouldn't mind, their place is near by a happening area but manages to be peaceful and quite. Besides, alone in a hotel room can be depressing... Let's see how things go.

It's starting to get dark, it's time for me to walk back to Ram Jhula, Kukuji assures me the walk is safe even at night, but I won't for total darkness to experiment his advice.


Hmmm when is this concert? tomorrow...

The sun has now retreated behing the ashrams on the other side of the Ganga.
People are chanting and praying in front of the shrines along the river.
I manage to catch the end of a huge pooja.
Before getting to sleep, I order some cooked pastas at 'Little Italy' next to my hotel. The restaurant is packed with these teenagers wearing a turban and a silver bangle. I wonder what they learn at the school apart from Math and Penjabi...

The waiter is very nice and tries his best to be helpful and give me advice about his home town. Like most of the Indians I met here, he was born here and lived here all his life.
After this great and full day I think I deserve a good night of sleep in a real bed :)

Arrival in Rishikesh

Arrived a few hours ago in Rishikesh in Uttaranchal, India.
World capital of yoga, some come here hoping to find the Nirvana, others to raft or just relax on the Ganga, my reasons are maybe a mix of all of them, with a particular emphasis on relaxing while pratising yoga and learn some new things.
Getting the train in Delhi should have been a smooth experience since Jayanthi and her daughter made everything easy and simple for me to depart.
I just didn't made sure to tell my cab to take me to Old Delhi train station rather than New Delhi Station. As soon as I realized there would never be a Mussoorie Express leaving that station, I rushed onto an auto-rickshaw and caught the right train. Another 200 rupees out of the window.

I felt more and more sereine being on the train by myself. My 2nd class neighbors seem to be fine people, with some ladies in the batch next to us.
I would suggest anyone willing to travel that way to take a thick blanket and a pair of ear-plugs for your next to avoid being disturbed by a symphony of snoring. Ashok, Jayanthi's husband also mentioned not to accept food or anything from strangers.
After getting off the train in Haridwar this morning, I checked if I'm still on the waiting list for my trip back to Delhi, apparently yes. I guess I'll have to deal with this sooner or later...
Then I walked towards the bus stand to catch the next ride to Rishikesh.
After the night train, a one-hour bus ride, here I am sharing an autorikshaw with an American female backpacker who was on the bus as well. I gave her my number, maybe she'll call sometimes. She also advised me to stay on the south side of the river, more happening than where the Omkarananda Ashram is located.