Magic in Rishikesh, India

I am way behind on my reporting, but wanted to get this off. I'll work to catch up a bit in relating my wondrous adventures in this incredible land...
My travels from Delhi to Rishikesh went perfectly smoothly, thanks to great extent to the wonderful ladies at the US Embassy School travel desk. I arrived in Haridwar, the nearest train station at around 12:15 pm. I met two other travelers looking to share a taxi or ride to Rishikesh. The woman knew about the buses so we walked one block, got on a bus for 30 rupees $ .60 US, that took us to Rishikesh. From there, I got a tuk tuk to the ashram for 50 rupees and arrived at around 1:30 pm so everything was perfect. I am one of the only guests in this huge ashram...many monks and nuns. I participate in some of the daily activities and will do some volunteer work for them on a few days.
I meet many good people and am really enjoying Rishikesh; I love the monkeys. I am in a quiet area with a strong spiritual focus along side the Ganges...life is good!
I am staying at the Sivananda Ashram, founded by the late Sri Swami Sivananda and the guru of one of my early teachers in this incarnation, Swami Sivananda Radha, founder of the Yasodhara Ashram in BC, Canada. She was a profound influence on my spiritual path and development. Here, I pay homage to her memory, teaching and lineage, as I meditate, participate in Kirtan's, satsangs, arati, yoga, and donate time in "karma yoga service". I have a wonderful feeling/experience of gratitude and heart opening, uplifting consciousness as I experience these ancient traditions.
Much love and blessing to you and all of the fine people in your circle.
Greg