The children

Yesterday we had morning meditation on the Ganga. I gazed at the river so long that when I looked up at the clouds they were moving sideways opposite each other the way the river. Our guide friend Rikesh says she has 80 different currents. 

I slept thru meditation this morning but I hear someone went floating by while they were meditating. Operation Ganga rescue was quicky enacted. Scarves tied together served as the rope to lasso and tow him in. Most indians don't learn how to swim and are afraid of the water. 

Ok, back to yesterday. Yoga sadhana and breakfast. The group walked together to Lakshman Jhula which is another part of Rishikesh. This 'side' is the place where the party happens and where you are most likely to find contraband such as alcohol and meat. Hashish is everywhere, for example, this morning one of the guys sitting/squatting outside the ashram was enjoying a little wake and bake with his chillum. 

We went to the HoneyHut restaurant and had REAL coffee (as opposed to Nescafe) and delicious vanilla ice cream.... Made from local, and I  mean really local cows, with honey on top.  

Laksman Jhula is full of westerners so there is more shopping, they take credit cards... and you can show your shoulders.

This side also seems to be a gathering ground for Trekkers. There are lots of gear shops and lots of Nepalese goods. I took a Taxi back from LJ to Sanskriti for another massage and then strolled back to the hotel. Maria and I did our usual speed walk and talk on the way home with the added effect of maneuvering  around cows. 

Our group was invited to our favorite jewelry/deity shop owners, Suneil, Govind and Madhar's home for dinner. (actually it was Govind's home but his two brothers were there). Govind's wife prepared the best meal we have had yet. Super awesome chippatis!

We brought the school supplies that we had purchased for the children. Govind has created a foundation called Jayatri, which means 'awareness'.  It is a school for the local children that can't afford an education. Many of the children's parents work in the ashram. The Parmath Neektan ashram is humongous and the hub of the town. All of the homeless people and all of the cows are fed by the ashram.

The children were precious. They had learned English songs and greetings. They were all dressed up and full of excitement. We gave the supplies that we brought, they quickly stuffed the pencils in their pockets. It was heart wrenching. I'll write more later about how to support this foundation.