Took off from Montreal during a snow storm, from Doha under the pouring rain, and landed in Delhi through thick smog. Was looking foward to the sunny blue skies and fresh air of Rishikesh. Super quick airport exit - 5min to get through customs, 5min at the luggage belt, then across the street to catch the metro to New Delhi. Things got a little less smooth when I exited at my stop. When I got outside and looked around, I didn't recognize anything. Strange. I've taken that metro before, but usually go straight to the train station (staying a day in Delhi this time). My guesthouse should have been a quick 10min walk from the metro stop, but it seems I wasn't at the stop I was expecting to be at, and I ended up walking around in circles for about 20 min, getting conflicting directions from everyone I asked. Hot and tired, I finally gave up the search and got a tuk-tuk. Of course, he over-charged, but I just wanted to get to my room for a shower and a nap, so I didn't argue for too long over the extra dollar. Was settled into my room at RAK Hotel (where I've always stayed in Delhi - ordinary rooms, but extraordinary staff) by 11am. Had a few little errands to run on Main Bazaar, the central street of Paharganj, backpacker district, after which I could relax and recup from long, sleepless travels. Out for a quick bite at my regualr spot, the organic Brown Bread Bakery (always best to start off with some not too exotic food!), then back to my room for some repacking and prepping for the next day's early morning train to Haridwar. Got a few solid hours of sleep, and probably would have managed a full night if it weren't for the barking dogs I awoke to shortly after 4am. Walked to the train station at 6am, in the pre-dawn calm and darkness that I love, and was in my seat for departure at 6:40. The 5 hour ride from Delhi to Rishikesh is always one that I thoroughly enjoy, listening to my music and watching the Indian scenery go by. From the Haridwar train station I walk across the street to catch a rickety old bus to Rishikesh - 40min, 35 rupees (70 cents). Then comes the moment I dread, when I get off the bus and am swarmed by a crowd of tuk-tuk drivers, all wanting to be chosen for the ride to Ramjula (precisely here that my foot got run over last year). So I was momentarily pleasantly surprised when I walked down the steps from the bus, and the swarm didn't happen. But as I looked around, I realized that the reason there were no tuk-tuk drivers waiting around for customers, was that there were no... tuk-tuks! Hmmm, this is bizarre. Ok, so I'll start walking, I thought. The main road where I would surely be able to catch one was about a 10min walk away. Manageable. But when I reached it, still no tuk-tuks in sight. Very strange. So I start walking along the main road, but I know that with the heat and the weight of my 4 pieces of luggage, I'll never make it to my destination, a good hour by foot. I did see a couple tuk-tuks drive by, but they were either full or not stopping. Walked for another 20min or so, and was just about to stop for a rest on the side of the road when I finally heard one slow down beside me. He knew rides were hard to come by today (the reason for which I would later find out from Swati, was that it was election day and therefore a holiday, so many drivers not working) and used the opporunity to hike his price. I managed to reason with him a little, I knew it was a short drive to where I was going, but would have paid quadruple if he had insisted. Once at the taxi drop off area, I still had a 20min walk to my guest house, across the pedestrian bridge and up the hill. At last, I arrived, and despite my exhaustion, was thrilled to be back "home".
Highlights from my first week here coming up next.
Until then, a few words from Kahlil Gibran:
"All things in this creation exist within you, and all things in you exist in creation; there is no border between you and the closest things, and there is no distance between you and the farthest things, and all things, from the lowest to the loftiest, from the smallest to the greatest, are within you as equal things."
Highlights from my first week here coming up next.
Until then, a few words from Kahlil Gibran:
"All things in this creation exist within you, and all things in you exist in creation; there is no border between you and the closest things, and there is no distance between you and the farthest things, and all things, from the lowest to the loftiest, from the smallest to the greatest, are within you as equal things."
Four pieces of luggage...hmmm. Were two of them full of books? ;-) I still remember bidding farewell to you in India and watching you stagger away to the train station under an immense load! You truly amaze me...in so many ways! How long are you gone this time?
ReplyDeleteHaha, no, the book luggage is on the way home. Only bought 8 so far 😉 I had my big travel backpack (clothes, toileteries, sleeping bag, towels...), a rolling suitcase full of donated items for Swati's school, a small backpack on my front (carry-on with gadgets, camera, notebook, shoes...) and a purse plus water bottle strap carrier. Somehow, I manage! Here for 6 weeks, left Feb 12, return March 26. And organizing a small group trip for next year 😊
DeleteThis all reminds me of our amazing trip last year. I remember the travels from place to place like it was yesterday. I have to agree it can be overwhelming but yet there is something so peaceful within the ciaos of the people and the hustle and bustle of the streets. Its hard to describe but I remember it well. I think its the sense that your not alone. There are so many people around you and you are all united by the streets of India.
ReplyDeleteI love your last quote too. It reminds me of another quote you have made reference to in your yoga classes that sticks with me when I need it. "Everything you want to be is already in you"
Indeed, the sense of inter-connection is palpable in India. Somehow, things just magically flow, when logically, looking from outside the web, it would seem like there should be constant destruction...
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