Oy Vey Namaste

This will probably be our last entry as we set out for the USA tomorrow -- that is if our airline (American via Jet Airways) is not still on strike --we are not kidding!!!! We just heard that 21 international flights haven been canceled. This is Tracy's stroke of good fortune and Linda's nightmare of a liftetime. Linda is numb and has developed Stockholm syndrome (after you are kidnapped and start to sympathize with your kidnappers). We will keep you posted (no pun intended) of any changes in our travel plans. We hear there is a lovely Radisson at the Delhi airport. Our Indian travel agent keeps saying "no problem." On Saturday Tracy had her Vedic astrology chart done by a dude who only Indians use -- she needed a translator. She had an amazing experience (will take weeks to process) which culminated in her buying and donating 65 kilos (her body weight) of food as an offering or something. It was a moving day for her. Linda had an appointment with Uma Thurman's swami -- this guy is right out of central casting. For $50 you get a reading and then ask questions (when will this trip be over?????). Linda went in very cynical, however, he was accurate and knowledgeable about things he couldn't possibly know! He was also very interested in her Blackberry. Tracy visited the tailor. In the afternoon, while Tracy was buying food to donate, Linda hiked with the group around the now defunct and abandoned ashram that was made famous by the Beatles in the 60s. A very interesting place with over 100 little meditations caves with bathrooms (nicer than our hotel). The views of Rishikesh were spectacular. We had a late afternoon Kirtan (music chanting) with Linda's new best friend, the Swami, that went on a little too long. Then we had a lovely goodbye group dinner outside on the rooftop of the hotel. Today (Sunday) Tracy went with the group to Haridwar (about 45 min away) to visit some temples and an aruveydic/yoga hospital. Linda started her day with an amazing dawn meditation on the Ganges and opted to stay in town (grouped out!) for another shirodara treatment (suggested by the Swami to still her swirling mind). Tracy will be visiting the tailor one last time (so sad as they have become quite close!)
Tonight we dine at a restaurant considered "the status spot" by the locals. We used the bathroom there the other day and were not impressed but remain openminded. Thanks to all of you for your support and comments! Hope you were able get a taste (and smell) of what our journeys were like and that you were mildly entertained. We will be having a sandal burning ritual tonight that is sure to become a hindu classic! xxooo