Eclectic Observations

I just looked at my notes for the past week or so and again, it's an eclectic collection of observations.  I've now been in country 4 weeks.  And I have been hosting flu-like symptoms the past couple of days. Apparently, I'm not the only one.  I've been given a tea mixture that has honey and all sorts of herbs to drink a few times--I think it's called cara.  Plus, kitchari, the Indian equivalent to chicken noodle soup but without the chicken or noodles!

I definitely need to take pictures of every day things to post so that you get the full flavor and understanding.  For instance, whenever I shower, which right now, due to the heat, is a couple of times a day, I have to squeegee the bathroom floor because the shower has no dividing wall. Living in the U.S. definitely is easier in many respects!

You may or may not be aware but the symbol that many of us think of as the Nazi swastika actually is a holy Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainist symbol representing auspiciousness.   The first recorded use of the symbol dates back to 10,000 BCE in the Ukraine, thought to represent the sun or the 4 aspects of nature.  The reason I mention this is that I've noticed the symbol in various places and on shirts.  

Everything takes longer here it seems, whether it's getting my computer fixed, which has had numerous hiccups, getting a cooler removed from my room or getting another chest put into my room just to name a few things .  I still contend that the climate has a lot to do with the pace.  I also have noticed that just because someone tells you that something has been done, it doesn't mean it's so.  I'm not sure if it's to avoid conflict, which doesn't make sense because sooner or later, the truth becomes evident.  I'm also not saying this trait doesn't exist in the U.S. but it just seems more evident here.

I took my first dip in Maa Ganga!  It was really refreshing.  Although we're closer to the source here, it's still not recommended to swallow the water.  It definitely helps to cool off though on these hot, humid days!

I had my first cappuccino and chocolate treat at the Honey Hut.  I believe it's actually a chain but it's right outside the ashram in the market AND it has air conditioning!  Heaven!  I will definitely be going back.

This past week Raksha Bandhan was celebrated.  Its when a sister ties a rakhi--a sacred thread on her brother's wrist.  It symbolizes the love and prayers for her brother.  And he takes a lifelong vow to protect her.  It's always on the full moon--Shravan Poornima.  We celebrated here at the ashram by tying rakhi's on the Rishikumars--the young boys who attend the Gurukuhl on site.

I went out for brunch last Sunday at a hotel called Sanskriti.  It's across Ganga in Rishikesh proper.  So that meant that I walked across Ram Jhula, one of the bridges that crosses Ganga. I won't say I felt totally safe but people cross it all the time so what are ya gonna do?!  On the return trip, there were lots of baby monkeys crossing on the cables.  A really cute sight was one baby hanging onto its mama upside down!  And the brunch was delish!  I'm not a fan of cottage cheese but the cottage cheese and tofu omelet was great!  

Monkey right outside my office

Another first was eating Gujarati food here at the ashram.  There are many folks from the state of Gujarat who come for about a month and they set up their own kitchen.  My colleague took me there for lunch a couple of times.  Their food is a little more sweet.  And they just keep coming by and offering you more and more!

We have lots of intermittent power breaks.  Thank goodness most computer programs save things almost instantly otherwise, I'd be up a creek!  Or I'll go to my room during the day and will go to turn on the lights and nada.  This is a daily occurrence.  

I got my laptop reformatted for Rs500--that's about $7.70!  Was it perfect, no but for that price, I can deal.

One thing I've noticed since arriving is that many Westerners that I know will ask me how long I will be here.  Interestingly, none of the Indian people ask me that.  Time is such an interesting construct.  

And finally, I heard my first helicopter since leaving Washington, DC!  When it's noticeable, you know it's not common.  Now chanting--it's become almost like background sound.  Yes, I'm living in India at an ashram!

My new friend Ishika!

And the moon looks just the same!