We Meet Mother Ganga And Love Blossoms

This entry takes us from our last several days in Delhi to our current home in Varanasi (aka Banaras).  Our journey has taken us to the Navdanya farm (research and action to promote organic farming and fight mono-cultured farming), to Rishikesh (where John, Paul, and Ringo learned something and George learned to play the sitar), to Hardwar (not a real crowd favorite) and finally, after many unexpected and unexplained delays a 20 hour turned 24 hour train ride brought us to the safety, serenity and sanity of the Nirman School and the chaotic madness, charm and constant surprise of the city of Varanasi on the banks of Mother Ganga.  Also for 6 of us, a one day outing to Mussoorie to meet with prospective LC recruits at this Hill Station City's Woodstock School (which was really cool because we got to reunite with Katie Walter, see a beautiful city, cool down for at least a day and meet some very friendly faculty, staff and students at the school--which only turned dicey at the end when our taxi driver failed to show up and we had to get all 6 of us in a car designed for 4-meaning Aukeem and I were squoozen into the back of a hatchback for about 1 1/2 hours--note to the International Office--you owe me one)

So much to share, so hard to find time.  Highlights: First and foremost the white water rafting trip on the river in Rishikesh.  I've been on wilder rivers but never had more fun with a more fun group.  The two aartis (google it) in Rishikesh and Hardwar and Durga Puja celebrations.  Emily's birthday party.  Aukeem's Audacity of Dr. Seuss (see photo evidence below)

Not so highlights:  the train ride from Hardwar to Varanasi.  Should have been about 18 hours (that's bad enough) but wound up taking 24 hours.  To everyone's credit, we found ways to make it work and now that it's over, find some humor in the gross incompetence we encountered (can you imagine George Bush running a railroad system--if so, you get the picture)  Second not so highlight: mutinous meat eaters, stunned by the fact that everywhere we went was totally vegetarian (guess they missed that part of the orientation).  We posted guards at the doors of our vegans.  Finally relief when someone found a place that served chicken outside Hardiwar.  We didn't see them for two days but at least we no longer felt like the last members of the  Donner Party.

Here are just a few photos.  

Carol, who specializes in light dimmers was amazed at the precision wiring in Delhi's old city

On the steps of the Jama Masjid waiting for a few students who've gone to Delhi University and are joining us there before heading off on another adventure.

So we're sitting on the steps of the Jama Masjid and it's very hot and crowded. Aukeem jumps to his feet and reads the entire text of Oh, The Places You Will Go by the famous mughal emperor Seuss. Suddenly barriers disappeared and our group and those awaiting evening prayers were drawn into the story. One of the most fun things I've experienced during this trip. Good on Aukeem

Aukeem commands the attention of a very diverse group
He liked Aukeem's reading
She did too and was very happy when Carol showed her the picture

At an eatery in the old city in Dehli.
Revelers in the old city just prior to the start of the 9 day Durga Puja, celebrating this goddess

If you've read my previous entries, you know I'm taken by Indian traffic. We're traveling about 60 miles an hour when I snapped this from the bus. There were by our count 15 people inside and 7 (I think) hanging on the rear bumper. This was not a very big car either.

Statue of Shiva (one of the big three Gods) in Hardwar. He's my favorite. Carol digs Vishnu, for reasons I can't even begin to imagine.  I mean Shiva is THE man.   

Emily turned the ripe old age of 19 in Rishikesh and we celebrated with three cakes. And guess what, they all were eaten. Imagine that.

White water on Mother Ganga. A group favorite to date.  Although the moonlight ride on the Ganga in Vasranasi would rate right up there.

After "water surfing" Keletso and Emily and I celebrate. This was Keletso's first white water trip and she was a bit apprehensive at first, but after the first set of rapids, she couldn't get enough nor wipe that mile wide smile off her face.  I found the water too hard, however, and I simply couldn't do a think with my hairs.
Statue of Buddha in Dehra Dun. The sign below was a welcome reminder for us to control our public displays of all the listed no-no's.

At Navdanya farm outside Dehra Dun.  Alex finds a soul mate. Public displays of affection were not discouraged there.
A "farm walk." They do some pretty amazing things there.

Creamatorium on the Ganga. We understand they still use sandlewood but also use electricity. 

Another view as we sailed down (up) the Ganga on our first day in Varanasi (the river here flows from south to north for the length of the city so I'm constantly saying up or down-stream when I mean down or up-stream--whatever)
There are numerous ghats on the river. Some call Varanasi the city of ghats. Each day, we're told, over 50,000 pilgrims visit the river. It is considered by many to be the oldest and most holy city in India. One pilgrim told me it as to Hindus as Mecca is to Muslums.