GYPSY GIRL'S GUIDE

Rishikesh, 2004

I decided to join the weekly Photo Friday Challenge! Yey!
Here is my first entry: * Fresh Laundry * for the theme Fresh!

Actually, this pic is "fresh" all around because Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, and it's where the sacred river Ganga (Ganges) leaves the mountains. Thanks to that "freshness", the belief is that meditating and taking a dip in the holy river brings one closer to enlightenment and salvation.

Rishikesh is also a hot spot for "fresh" water rafting enthusiasts, because of the various (and serious!) rapids in the course of river Ganges.

Lastly, it is also "fresh", since lots of cool kids and celebrities (including The Beatles in the sixties), retreat in the several ashrams in the area to practice yoga and pursue spiritual knowledge.

But what is even "fresh-er" in my memory, is the day when I arrived there. It was night time and rain poured heavily. All the streets were completely flooded. There was no electricity and I had to wade (or shall I say paddle??) through some very "un-fresh" murky waters up to my thighs (not kidding), in the pitch-black crowded streets (yes! crowded with cows, people, you name it!). I finally got to my guest house, took a "fresh" cold shower and had one of those moments of what-d-a-hell am I doing here?

Fortunately, the next morning (as you can see above), I realized it was well worth it.

Nothing like a FRESH NEW DAY!