uninterrupted power days and cool nights

Well,

I spent the afternoon reading and napping in my room. Between lunch and dinner. Incredibly lazy, could have gone to a yoga class at 4 (the one i was teaching before) but it was just so hot, i couldn't get up the go.

Today and all of yesterday were landmark days in that we had uninterrupted power ALL DAY! That means.... fan in my room is operating through the hottest part of the day, both days. Still, it is only circulating the super hot air around a little, the air is moving but it is not cooled in any way shape or form. Its a lot like driving your motorcycle through the Arizona desert in July.... it doesn't matter how fast you go, the air does not cool off. (and don't try wrapping yourself in wet towels either, it only gives you heat stroke, right mom?). And while we're on the subject, if you have to sleep in the desert, make sure you are up off the ground and away from the scorpions and snakes. Take an airconditioned van is my recommendation, although the motorcycle method IS exciting.

I've been walking the streets of Rishikesh tonight, revelling in the respite from the relentless April sun and soaking up the atmosphere of the place i've called home for the last 8 months. I may only be here another day or two so i'm a bit sentimental about leaving, really taking a good look around and trying to imprint every sight and smell into my experience. I have a strong feeling I will return here, so I am not too upset about leaving. The place is beginning to fill up, as well, with revellers who spent the winter at the beach resort of Goa, partying. Not that I have anything against partiers, I used to be one. My protest is that often I find that they come to Rishikesh, a holy city, a city of pilgrimmage and they fail to respect the customs and norms here. Its embarrassing, to me, as a westerner, that these foreigners behave so... barbarically. but what can i do. It's life.

The next place I will go is a bit down river, back to my old ashram at Santosh Puri where I was during the coldest months of the winter. When the cold wet fog that hung over the river and its banks sometimes never burned off, even at the sun's highest point. Then I was freezing. Now it is ironic that i am going back there now during the hottest time of the year. How to survive extremes in India...

I feel complete. I feel I've done everything I needed to do here. I am content.