From the Himalayas to the Sierra Madres: Rishikesh

Well I am back in Dehradun, still trying to get over how much I loved Rishikesh. We were only there for a couple of days, but they were very busy and relaxing at the same time. The city sits on the Ganges (they say and spell it “Ganga”) with very large mountains jutting up on both sides of the river. Right when we arrived, we headed up the valley to go river rafting. The water was not as intense as a previous rafting trip I went on with my dad and my friend from college Brent Smith, but it was still very fun and beautiful. We got to get out of the raft for a bit and just float along the boat in the Ganges; it felt incredible in the heat.

We relaxed for the most part afterwards and got to see the city at night. Just like the rest of urban India, it was at its busiest around 9 PM. Even more than I had anticipated before coming to India, I have grown very comfortable with many many cows walking throughout the streets almost acting as equals to humans. It’s amazing how there are so many “homeless” cows, yet they’re all well fed. When anyone finishes his or her mango, banana, etc., the peel or remaining fruit immediately gets thrown to a cow. I’ve grown very fond of cows since being here: they’re so patient, calm and content (or so they seem). I love how everyone pitches in to keep them fed and healthy. Even the poor street venders or beggars will throw them some remaining scraps before eating all of their food.

I got my first much needed Ayurvedic massage on Sunday morning after a week of yoga. After a relaxing morning, we went out for some great shopping and exploring of the city. It’s difficult to explain the vibe of Rishikesh, but I’ll make an attempt: if you mix hippie, yoga, spirituality, travelledherefromacrosstheworldbecausethebeatleswerehere50yearsago American people, natural beauty, young people, and smiling, you can start to get the feeling. Everyone seemed so happy and excited to be there. I miss it already.

Anyway, I am back in Dehradun now and our clinical rotation is very interesting this week. In the morning we shadow an ophthalmologist and an OB/GYN at night. We will get to see surgery every other day, so I’m super excited.

The power is likely to go out soon so I better get going. I have experienced anywhere from 3 to 5 power outages per day so that has become an expectation. India does not produce enough power to supply everything all the time, so they will cut power in different locations at different times so that there is enough power to last throughout the day and night.

I have to go, but I will try to update the blog soon. I don’t know if you can read this between the lines in my blog, but I’m having the time of my life. I can’t believe I’m already ¼ of the way done, but happy that I still have ¾ of it to experience.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Clayton