Himalayas - Part 2

I was back in Uttarkhand in November, this time with about 80 kids!  A very different trip but still great fun.  We were near Rishikesh and camped in various locations (or should that be glamped?) in the foothills and then along the River Ganges.  Our days were full and busy.  These were some of the things that we did: yoga in the morning, visiting a local orphanage, trekking to a hilltop village, visiting a local school, spending time in a temple and rafting down the Ganges. 

Unfortunately, I don't have photos of the white water rafting, but I was thrown in a number of times by treacherous, mutinous students, the water was bloody freezing and for those two days my abiding memory is one of cold.....brrrrr.  I have turned into a weedy tropical flower I think.  At night, I was sleeping in long johns, x3 tops and a wooly hat.  And I still felt a little chilly!

The kids (and teachers) threw themselves into everything and I think we have all come away feeling a bit more mindful and grateful for what we have, which really was the whole purpose of the trip.

Practicing 5-finger gratitude, tree pose and a little chanting at the Hindu temple to Shiva

A waterfall, tucked away, but flowing eventually into the Ganges

After our hill trek.  We finally reached the top, despite lots of complaining, chivvying etc.  Honestly, I think they all need to go on an outward bound course!

The Ganga - early morning

The source of the Ganga!

Our camp by the Ganga, early morning.  On our last day, we did our yoga facing this direction.  We did our sun salutations, with the sun just peeking over the ridge, which seemed very appropriate.

Himalayas - Part 1

October half term.  We made the pilgrimage to Uttarkhand, in Northern India for trekking and relaxing in the Himalayas.  We stayed in a very small resort with no electricity or internet and had three blissful days cut off from the rest of the world.  Here are a few photographic highlights:

The food was absolutely amazing - this is us tucking into our first lunch.  As you can see, we weren't slumming it!  The chef was an ex-Tibetan monk and he knew his way around a kitchen.  We were surprised to see the latest Ottolenghi cookbook gracing his shelves!

Marajuana is grown everywhere in this part of the world!  This is us, in front of a fragrant crop.

 

Not by the hairs of my chinny chin chin!  Real Pashmina goats.

Looking down at a village from on high - these little villages were dotted around the mountainside, holding on for dear life.

After a 5:30 start and a 3 hour near-vertical climb, we reached the top and had stunning views.

Early morning cloud and sunrise on our day of departure

On our last night we had a huge storm, but it cleared the air and meant that our early morning drive was littered with views like this and the snowy mountains were finally visible.

Me, a little grumpy I have to admit, after our very long climb on an empty stomach!

Maaaaargaret River

Me and a kiwi - Queenstown

Post-Christmas dinner

Tiny Tim having a dip in the lake

Christmas with the Kiwis

Well, I take it all back about people not being in the holiday mood. Last night there was lots of madness in the campsite (Tim thinks its because it's almost a full moon) and today there are MANY Santa hats in evidence. I offered to take a shot of our campsite neighbours this morning for them to send home - they had their hats on, and two bowls of cornflakes for their 'Christmas dinner'. Comedy. By the lakeshore, everyone is out sun bathing, BBQing and drinking. As well as the Santa hats, much tinsel was in evidence when we cycled past - wrapped around midriffs and in hair. So it is very festive!

After a late start, we got on our bikes and headed out for a long ride - actually much longer than we anticipated so we are both cream crackered and Tim has obviously pulled down the shades of the van for a little power nap. The bike ride itself was gorgeous, going over some ground that we had already covered when we were in Arrowtown, but running parallel to the Shotover river (best river in NZ for gold) and with stunning views of the mountains - will upload pics in due course. Tim had a much needed dip in one of the lakes we passed - he loves doing that.

We have our Christmas 'lunch' booked for 6 so we are going to head down into town shortly.

All that remains is for me to wish you a very Happy Christmas!