Rishikesh

Auspicious day for our arrival. Landed in Delhi Thursday night after what I believe to be the worst 14 hours one could ever hope to spend on a plane. surrounded (no joke) by screaming children on all sides - there was not one move, one ipod track, nor double earplugs that would subdue the noise of screaming children. the tagged team their sleep so at any given point you could hear one of those pesky little children crying and screaming. did i mention i am not a crazy about children? i think we all know that.

but on to the good parts.

Landed in Delhi with seamless customs experience (much unlike my Canada escapades) and after the expected cab ride with the driver that does not speak english and has no idea where our hotel is (because we are staying at the brand new Hilton), we arrived to luxury and cool air-conditioning! But even better were the surprise treats in the room - fruit and delightful chocolates. this is my kind of places .. who told them i love chocolate ?

After a good night's rest and pool relaxation we headed to the airport with very little time to spare. We arrived at 2:15 pm and our flight was leaving at 3 pm. no one really stresses about time here, scott and i are freaking out - but scott much more then me as i have done this before here many times and for some reason here in india the most populated country in the world the domestic airports sure do a good job at being relaxed around late comers. So after 6 security check points and much confidence there will be no bombs on this flight we board the flight to Dehra Dun (nearest airpot to Rishikesh).

So here I sit back again to my favorite internet station offering my first India encounter. Upon landing, Pankaj, my dear Indian friend, tour guide and savior - greeted in full ceremony. Flower upon arrival and wait what else ???? LIMCA ... yes the best, most refreshing drink on the planet that you can only find in india. now i am in heaven = back home.

After a quick stop to get my favorite Himalaya products and Ayurvedic herbs we head to our new hotel - raj palace. now this is where i really begin to feel like a celebrity. As soon as we pull up the my friends at the hotel are outside waiting to greet us - fresh pineapple juice, ceremonial kum kum, more flowers .... and wait walk up the stairs and a HUGE BANNER with my picture welcoming me - what ?

and then my room fully decorated with flower, ghee lamps burning - oh so sweet. all this for me? really. i had no idea how much i was missed.

so with that i leave this post as pankaj is waiting for me to plan out tomorrow journey toward Kedarnath - the very sacred, holy Shiva temple and did I mention that August is Shiva month here in India. Yeap! that's why the goddess decided i could not go to Leh as originally planned because this is where i need to be the entire time.

stay tuned. look for pics on facebook.