I'm in  , masala tea ☕anyone? Email me. -- TheLoneRider

Life in Upper Bhagsu, Dharamshala

(June 16-23, 2018) My 7 days in Upper Bhagsu was nothing less than magical. The cool mountain climate, the scenic valley view, the eclectic cafe scene, the chill denizens who endured the high climb with their heavy luggage to pursue their spirituality, the affordability of the place, its isolation, the be-in events, etc., all amounted to a sensory bliss quite rare given all my travels.....more »»

Matters of the Heart

(Jun 17, 2018) If I have a weak link in my human chain, it might be the heart. I intellectualize nearly everything. Now, my benevolent universe is telling me along clear lines not to use my head to accomplish the tasks that the heart was meant to do.....more »»

A First Timer in Dharamshala

(Jun 14, 2018) Having done my mini-life in Rishikesh, it was time to move on again. Manali? Ladak? Shimla? They were the likely destinations during the monsoon season. However, since I only had 30 days left in my visa for another 30-day mini-life, I had to go to Dharamshala - the residence of his Holiness, the Dalai Lama and seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.....more »»

Forgiveness

(Jun 14, 2018) Let's all be human and face it - it's hard to forgive and even harder if the person deliberately did it and shows no remorse. It's much easier to put his balls in a nut-cracker and give it a little squeeze! Why should we forgive?....more »»

A 26-Day Mini-Life in Rishikesh

(May 18 - June 13, 2018) 26 days in Rishikesh during the pilgrimage season was hot, dry, crowded, deafening and chaotic! That is not to say it's bad. It's just intense! I took reprieve in its many cafes where I met travelers whom I shared anecdotes and insights with. Peoplescape is perhaps the highlight of Rishikesh for me.....more »»

Peoplescape of Rishikesh

(May 18 - June 13, 2018) With the continuing abundance of Rishikesh and the kaleidoscope of people checking-in and out of my hostel painting an animated peoplescape, my extended stay in Rishikesh is shaping itself into a mini-life.....more »»

Rafting the Ganga River with Greg Goldstein

(June 1, 2018) What's better than rafting the Ganga River? Doing it twice! This time with Greg Goldstein care-of White World Expeditions....more »»

White Water Rafting on Ganga River, Rishikesh

(May 25, 2018) Red Chili Adventure, the rafting outfitter, took us 26kms upstream to experience 11 rapids on a 9pax raft along the fabled Ganga River in Rishikesh. It was a white water adventure fun that added dimension the yoga/spiritual pursuits of the city.....more »»

Satsang (spiritual discourse) by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

(May 21, 2018) After the Ganga aarti, a separate event happens in the ashram. A satsang (spiritual discourse) and question/answer forum is presided over by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji. She has many titles to her name, but she is best referred to as the American Jewish lady who is extremely knowledgable and dispenses words of wisdom.....more »»

Ganga Aarti (devotional fire ritual) at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

(May 21, 2018) The daily Ganga Aarti at the Parmarth Niketan is the biggest and most celebrated in Rishikesh where devotees of any religion, creed or color transcend the barriers and gather to give thanks to the Ganga River for all its blessings.....more »»

Bouncing Back into Yoga in Rishikesh

(May 21, 2018) After my dust-induced ailment in Kathmandu, I have not been able to resume my yoga. But with a spacious yoga space in Haari Hostel and my resurgent strength, yoga was once again in the works. First session was with Cecilia and Ai, both fellow guests at the hostel....more »»

Exploring Rishikesh, India

(May 18, 2018) After 5 days in Paharganj, New Delhi, it was sensory overload. I had to leave. Rishikesh excited me a little more than the other destinations. With that, I booked my bus and hostel stay at RAAHI The Travellers Nest. I don't know anything about Rishikesh except for its yoga scene and I was curious what it would be like for me.....more »»

Meditation with Shirly Pnina at Lodi Garden, New Delhi

(May 15, 2018) It was a chance meeting at Cafe CoffeeCo when Shirly talked about meditation with a Polish traveler. I got into the conversation, and before I knew it, I was already part of the meditation group for Lodi Garden with like-minded seekers....more »»

A First-Timer in New Delhi, India

(May 12-17, 2018) I've read so many things about New Delhi. As India's capital, it is a land of sharp contrasts - bustling, spiritual, scams, dynamic, dirty and hot. It was intimidating. When I disembarked from the plane, the first thing that greeted me was the heat - like the gush of hot air when you open up the oven door to see if the turkey is done! It was a foretelling start.....more »»

India e-VISA Snag

(May 9, 2018) I thought I've already covered all my bases for my crossing into India until I realized I got one thing all wrong. Being turned back at the border, I had to ride the 13-hour bus trip back to Kathmandu.....more »»

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