Back to the Himalayas..

At the Taj Mahal on Lonna's birthday



It really is impressive..



The oh so holy Ganges. Haridwar, Uttar Pradesh



The view from our balcony. Parvati Valley, Himachel Pradesh



Mountain kids at 2200m!. Parvati Valley, Himachel Pradesh

A few pics from the south..

Fixing the Coconut twine nets. Varkala, Kerala



Have you seen Lonnas famous elephant impression? Varkala, Kerala



Holi festival or paint and water fight all across the country! Sivananda center, Kerala



One of the silent sunrise walks at the Sivananda Ashram. Kerala



Sunrise, Sadhu and curious kids. Sivananda Ashram, Kerala



Picking tea at 1600m. Munnar, Kerala



School kids, Kerala



Fisherman using Coconut twine nets! Varkala, Kerala



A beauty on a beach. Varkala, Kerala



Fishing everyday. Varkala, Kerala

comments..

If you care to leave comments, I think it is possible now.
I will post more pics when I can!
J

Up to the Himalayas

After a super nice (super nice in the fact that it was only 4hrs not 48hrs on the train!) flight from the southern tip of India back to Delhi. We checked out the spectacular Taj Mahal for Lonna's birthday. Yes it really is as amazing as it is supposed to be. Built out of love for a queen who died giving birth to her 14th child, I think.
From New Delhi we wound our way up into the huge foothills of the Himalayas. A week in Rishikesh to swim in the partially clear Ganges. Dodging the constant barrage of Sadhus and cows in the "yoga capital of the world."
We left the amazing train system behind as the major form of transportation in the mountains is scary bus.
We have found a little gem of a place in the Parvati valley, called Kasol. Beautiful crisp mountain air, clean flowing rivers, hot springs, glaciated peaks and nice big trees!
Enjoying the leisurely walks and good food in the spring like temperatures in the Himalayas.
Jupiter

Ashram experienced?

I guess travelling through India isn't complete without an "ashram experience."
Waking up at 5:30am to sit in silent meditation and then satsung (chanting and singing) to start your day might not be every ones cup of tea, but it actually is pretty good. Watching a new day rise and awaken with clear mindfulness and sharp awareness, enjoying the space that is.
Almost two weeks we stuck to the strict schedule of meditation, 2-2hr yoga classes, some yogic philosophy and delicious simple vegetarian system cleaning food.
It felt great after the third day. Getting used to the early mornings and noticing significant progress in flexibility and stillness. Our mid days were spent chatting with people from all around the world and swimming in yet another crocodile infested lake.
It was a little bit church like, coming from someone who has never been, but all round it was a positive experience that I would recommend to anyone interested in a "yoga vacation."
Peace and space