We have all been happily exploring the quiet side of India in Rishikesh. I think it did us all some good to get out those stuffy cars and trains and breathe the polluted mountain air [note: far less polluted than Delhi, but makes for some great sunsets]. All of us, I can safely say, have been on some sort of outdoor adventure in the last couple of days. So far, Rishikesh has the most white people I've seen in India-hands down.
Everyone is excited for the beach to come, but in the back of all our minds, we are dreading another train ride, which should be harmless compared to our previous exposure to train trips, which was a whopping 23 hours long. None of us came very prepared, which resulted in a very hungry and very tired Walden crew.
It is hard to believe that we have been here for two weeks, and I know that everyone is missing home to some extent. All of us scrambling to find gifts for our family and friends here in the hippie filled stalls of Rishikesh, and so far, there has been an explosion of comfortable yoga pants among the Walden girls and boys.
The chaperones are getting a little weary of their constant babysitting duties, but I hope they're still having a little fun. As I write, Eric is whining about students refusing to post on the blog, but as always, he is exaggerating just a bit.
Love to all family and friends, we will see you soon.
-Cecily
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Report from Rishekesh
Happy reunion in Rishekesh: 20 kids were waiting on the steps of the hostel when I arrived, healthy, sun-kissed, and a little scruffy. It’s so good to see everyone. Rishkesh is beautiful, a deep river gorge surrounded by craggy jungle, mountains. The emerald green Ganga (Hindi for Ganges), carves a wide swath through the valley and is cleaner and clearer here than in Haridwar just below us, where 20 million pilgrims are washing their sins away over the next few weeks (and raw sewage pours in untreated).
Crossing the massive suspension bridge across the Ganga was an interesting experience. People, motorcycles, and an occasional cow or donkey, jostle for space on the narrow trestles. I stopped midway to talk to a rather large monkey who was perched on the suspension wires and he nearly bit my face off. I had forgotten that monkeys in India are not to be trusted. Last time I was here, one peed on me and evidently, last week, Hillary narrowly escaped when she offended a monkey and it chased her around the temple grounds.
The kids did the inevitable shopping in the street markets. Most are now outfitted with balloon pants, head scarves, cloth bags, etc. Eli pierced his left ear and a couple of girls pierced their noses (we may be in trouble), then we joined a Hare Krishna ceremony on the banks of the Ganga at sunset. It was lovely, really. A small ensemble of locals played drums and chanted while an assemblage of holy men dressed in orange robes and turbans prayed near us. A group of young brothers filled small aluminum tins with fresh chrysanthemum blossoms and placed a half nut shell at the top of each one with a small candle in it. As the sky grew dark, they gave each of the kids a tin, lit the candles, and we floated them down the Ganga. The intent, I believe, is to send you dreams or wishes out to the gods.
There’s a large expat population here and an ashram or yoga center on every corner. We never did find the Beattle’s ashram, but plan to explore further today. I can’t imagine why anyone calls us the hippy school.
Off to wake the kids for river rafting down the Ganga. It’s wide and calm, so not too adventurous, but certainly gorgeous. The sun is just rising and it looks like another lovely day. Thanks for letting us spend time with your kids. They are being incredibly kind, helpful, respectful, etc. Not a single incident of misbehavior to report. I’ll try to get some of them to post photos later. Evidently it’s kind of an ordeal to download with this narrow bandwidth. My luggage remains lost and I’m wearing the same outfit going on day three. At least I had a shower (cold).
Diana
Crossing the massive suspension bridge across the Ganga was an interesting experience. People, motorcycles, and an occasional cow or donkey, jostle for space on the narrow trestles. I stopped midway to talk to a rather large monkey who was perched on the suspension wires and he nearly bit my face off. I had forgotten that monkeys in India are not to be trusted. Last time I was here, one peed on me and evidently, last week, Hillary narrowly escaped when she offended a monkey and it chased her around the temple grounds.
The kids did the inevitable shopping in the street markets. Most are now outfitted with balloon pants, head scarves, cloth bags, etc. Eli pierced his left ear and a couple of girls pierced their noses (we may be in trouble), then we joined a Hare Krishna ceremony on the banks of the Ganga at sunset. It was lovely, really. A small ensemble of locals played drums and chanted while an assemblage of holy men dressed in orange robes and turbans prayed near us. A group of young brothers filled small aluminum tins with fresh chrysanthemum blossoms and placed a half nut shell at the top of each one with a small candle in it. As the sky grew dark, they gave each of the kids a tin, lit the candles, and we floated them down the Ganga. The intent, I believe, is to send you dreams or wishes out to the gods.
There’s a large expat population here and an ashram or yoga center on every corner. We never did find the Beattle’s ashram, but plan to explore further today. I can’t imagine why anyone calls us the hippy school.
Off to wake the kids for river rafting down the Ganga. It’s wide and calm, so not too adventurous, but certainly gorgeous. The sun is just rising and it looks like another lovely day. Thanks for letting us spend time with your kids. They are being incredibly kind, helpful, respectful, etc. Not a single incident of misbehavior to report. I’ll try to get some of them to post photos later. Evidently it’s kind of an ordeal to download with this narrow bandwidth. My luggage remains lost and I’m wearing the same outfit going on day three. At least I had a shower (cold).
Diana
Sunday, March 7, 2010
so... im in india!
So far, every city here has been very different. The first one we were in was very busy and fast paced. The second one was very beautiful, but we didn't stay there very long. this one, is amazing. not too busy, the hotel isn't too hot, if you go onto the roof you can see only one hill. On this hill is a huge fort, I mean HUGE. At the fery top and center of the hill is a big bright white tower. We visited the fort today, but I'm still not sure what the big tower is. Also, if you're on the roof looking the other way, you can see a big blue city. This is outstanding.
-Owens
-Owens
Let's make Apple Juice and Fax it to Eachother.
So. This is Eli. I know right, you're thinking. Eli- Straight Gangster! But Lo and behold, even G's blog. So ima try that right now.
India is something unexpected. It's beautiful and gross, it's colorful and dull. What else could I use? I dunno, you guys get the point though.
The India prep class (NO offense Eric.) Did nothing to prepare me for this place. I thought I knew what I would be getting from India, I thought I knew what to expect. I still don't know what to expect. I mean, here I am sitting in an open restaurant in Jodhpur, sitting on pads on the floor, with the wind blowing through, forcing the curtains to flutter and (What else can be used with flutter that sounds nice? Well whatever you think of, put it there.) and all I can say is, "wow, I'm in India." I still couldn't explain to you what this place is like in words. I think everyone here on this trip would agree with me on that point. Past the pictures, past the descriptions. There is something more to India, something that can't be sold or told, shared or recorded. Is it in the air? The food? The language? The People? Hell if I know. (Am I allowed to swear on this blog?)
Well, today we visited the Blue Fort. Or the Maha-something something fort. Names, who needs em? Anyways, it was absolutely incredible. We took an audio tour that was recorded by the Maharaja, and it made me feel so young. I mean I am young, I mean feel REALLY young. Like my existence on this world is so... pointless. Boring. It sort of inspired me to do something more. Also it inspired me to build a castle, and it will be super super awesome.
OH! On the point of the title of this post. Applejuice is something that I seriously enjoy in life. Like more than you know. So when I can sit and order applejuice as long as I want, I'm basically in heaven. Not to mention how amazing the applejuice is. Just ask anyone else who has ordered it. Good. GOOOOOOD.
Also, everyone should be in love with Josh. He's such a good kid.
India is something unexpected. It's beautiful and gross, it's colorful and dull. What else could I use? I dunno, you guys get the point though.
The India prep class (NO offense Eric.) Did nothing to prepare me for this place. I thought I knew what I would be getting from India, I thought I knew what to expect. I still don't know what to expect. I mean, here I am sitting in an open restaurant in Jodhpur, sitting on pads on the floor, with the wind blowing through, forcing the curtains to flutter and (What else can be used with flutter that sounds nice? Well whatever you think of, put it there.) and all I can say is, "wow, I'm in India." I still couldn't explain to you what this place is like in words. I think everyone here on this trip would agree with me on that point. Past the pictures, past the descriptions. There is something more to India, something that can't be sold or told, shared or recorded. Is it in the air? The food? The language? The People? Hell if I know. (Am I allowed to swear on this blog?)
Well, today we visited the Blue Fort. Or the Maha-something something fort. Names, who needs em? Anyways, it was absolutely incredible. We took an audio tour that was recorded by the Maharaja, and it made me feel so young. I mean I am young, I mean feel REALLY young. Like my existence on this world is so... pointless. Boring. It sort of inspired me to do something more. Also it inspired me to build a castle, and it will be super super awesome.
OH! On the point of the title of this post. Applejuice is something that I seriously enjoy in life. Like more than you know. So when I can sit and order applejuice as long as I want, I'm basically in heaven. Not to mention how amazing the applejuice is. Just ask anyone else who has ordered it. Good. GOOOOOOD.
Also, everyone should be in love with Josh. He's such a good kid.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Hillary:
I thought my biggest trial in India would be dodging rickshaws and enraged cows plowing the banana split and rocky Indian streets, or ignoring eve teasing boys who fallow our group of super white all American girls with their cell phones popped open snapping photos like paparazzi. I was dreading ice cold showers and squatters with "left hand" toilet paper. But I've managed to weave through the hectic and roaring traffic, embrace the curious paparazzi, avoid every squatter to this date, and somehow come across a spurt a hot water every time I step into the shower. Little did I know the greatest trial one faces while traveling in India was yet to come.
Indian restaurants are notorious for their delicious food and slow service. My biggest trial is timing my drink and dinner to arrive at the same time. The reason this is such a monstrous trial is due to the small and un-refillable drinks.
This is how it begins: I first started by ordering my guava juice and Banana Nutella Crepe at the same time; this left me with nothing but the fibers of a guava clinging to the inside of my glass when my crepe arrived. Next I tried ordering my Fanta and Sagg Paneer at the same time and refrain from drinking the Fanta before my Sagg Paneer came; this left me with flat Fanta as warm as Indian air and also warm Sagg Paneer, I had no relief from the heat. Finally a few day later I tried ordering my Cheese Nann first and waiting till I recieved it to order my Lime Water, bu of course my gnawing hunger took me over and my Nann was long gone by the time my lime water got there. This problem has been nonstop since we arrived in Dehli, and I am determined to find the solution. Next I will be timing how long it takes to get my food from the time I order it. I will take 6 (two days of meals) and average the time. While aking these times I will also have to time how long it takes to get my drinks and average those times. From there I will subract the time in takes to get my drink from the time it takes to get my food and finally fingure out the approximate time to order my drink. If all goes well by day 3 I will get my Mango Lassi and Honey Banana Crepe at the same time. Wish me luck!
I thought my biggest trial in India would be dodging rickshaws and enraged cows plowing the banana split and rocky Indian streets, or ignoring eve teasing boys who fallow our group of super white all American girls with their cell phones popped open snapping photos like paparazzi. I was dreading ice cold showers and squatters with "left hand" toilet paper. But I've managed to weave through the hectic and roaring traffic, embrace the curious paparazzi, avoid every squatter to this date, and somehow come across a spurt a hot water every time I step into the shower. Little did I know the greatest trial one faces while traveling in India was yet to come.
Indian restaurants are notorious for their delicious food and slow service. My biggest trial is timing my drink and dinner to arrive at the same time. The reason this is such a monstrous trial is due to the small and un-refillable drinks.
This is how it begins: I first started by ordering my guava juice and Banana Nutella Crepe at the same time; this left me with nothing but the fibers of a guava clinging to the inside of my glass when my crepe arrived. Next I tried ordering my Fanta and Sagg Paneer at the same time and refrain from drinking the Fanta before my Sagg Paneer came; this left me with flat Fanta as warm as Indian air and also warm Sagg Paneer, I had no relief from the heat. Finally a few day later I tried ordering my Cheese Nann first and waiting till I recieved it to order my Lime Water, bu of course my gnawing hunger took me over and my Nann was long gone by the time my lime water got there. This problem has been nonstop since we arrived in Dehli, and I am determined to find the solution. Next I will be timing how long it takes to get my food from the time I order it. I will take 6 (two days of meals) and average the time. While aking these times I will also have to time how long it takes to get my drinks and average those times. From there I will subract the time in takes to get my drink from the time it takes to get my food and finally fingure out the approximate time to order my drink. If all goes well by day 3 I will get my Mango Lassi and Honey Banana Crepe at the same time. Wish me luck!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Just after the camel trek
Howdy All!
I must say the blog is currently nothing to speak of, but all of us will be working hard the next couple of days to get it up and running with pictures and stories. However, until then, I will speak shortly of the Camel Trek.
I think everyone had a great time getting to know the camels and seeing a more remote side of India. Often, in the States, we take for granted all of the wide open space that we can escape to, but here it was truly different to be away from the bustling crowds of the city. Though just as in the cities of India, there were people from many different backgrounds traveling with us. Some camel herders, native to the land, some Indian tourists, and a couple from the New England. To my knowledge everyone rode a camel a least once. We all got a little sunburnt, but nothing too bad. So far, there seems to be more home sickness than anything else.
We will be spending the next few nights in Jodhpur; so, everyone will have a chance to post to the blog and send a few personal emails home to the fam.
-Cecily
I must say the blog is currently nothing to speak of, but all of us will be working hard the next couple of days to get it up and running with pictures and stories. However, until then, I will speak shortly of the Camel Trek.
I think everyone had a great time getting to know the camels and seeing a more remote side of India. Often, in the States, we take for granted all of the wide open space that we can escape to, but here it was truly different to be away from the bustling crowds of the city. Though just as in the cities of India, there were people from many different backgrounds traveling with us. Some camel herders, native to the land, some Indian tourists, and a couple from the New England. To my knowledge everyone rode a camel a least once. We all got a little sunburnt, but nothing too bad. So far, there seems to be more home sickness than anything else.
We will be spending the next few nights in Jodhpur; so, everyone will have a chance to post to the blog and send a few personal emails home to the fam.
-Cecily
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