30 March 2025
For the first time in what felt like weeks, I slept like a baby. I woke up late, feeling completely refreshed and looking forward to a fun, easy day with the girls. A new friend from Australia would be joining us for coffee and a walk along the Ganga.
We took our time getting ready and followed a café location Juliana had sent us. As usual, Google Maps guided us down a maze of narrow backstreets—helpful, but sometimes hilariously confused by India’s winding alleyways. We giggled our way through a construction site and finally spotted the café. It was well past breakfast, so we treated ourselves to coconut, chocolate chip, and fruit smoothies—sweet, refreshing, and perfect under the happy spring sunshine.
From there, we made our way down to a little ‘secret’ beach. A steep, narrow staircase led us to a tucked-away alcove between smooth rocks, opening out to a breathtaking view of the Rishikesh skyline. Naturally, we had a mini photo shoot—it was too beautiful not to.
As I sat, breathing it all in, my heart filled with deep gratitude. My first visit to Rishikesh had already awakened something profound in me, and this time, the city was doing it again. There’s a sacred energy here that draws seekers, students, and teachers alike—those ready to step into a new awareness.
Yes, Rishikesh is changing. It’s no longer the sleepy haven it once was. Tour groups arrive in droves for rafting and yoga. New buildings spring up overnight, cafés and yogshalas appear on every corner. Some lament the loss of simplicity—but I see something else. I see expansion. I see the global awakening at work. We are being pulled here, magnetized by a frequency of remembrance. And in places like Tapovan, that happy, hippy spirit flows freely—calling together kindred souls from every corner of the world. Friendships form in moments, and somehow, they last.
Eventually, the sun became too much for the other girls’ sensitive, pale skin, and we wandered off in search of an ATM—I needed cash. After bidding Juliana goodbye, Lorena and I headed toward the main street.
ATM-hunting in India is often an adventure in itself. The first one didn’t exist. The second was closed. Google Maps sent us to a third—also closed. Determined, we decided to walk all the way to Ram Jhula, where I hoped a reliable ATM still existed. Since we were already there, I asked if Lorena would like to attend the daily Aarti ceremony held on the ghat right beneath the bridge. So far this has always been my favorite aarti and a beautiful way to end off the day. We arrived early enough to find a seat on the now carpeted steps and receive a blessing from one of the priests. During my first visit to Rishikesh I loved sitting here, finding stillness in the meditative atmosphere that fell as devotees and tourists alike, found their way down the steps and joined in the evening chants and prayers. This time was no different and although another rickety little dock had appeared for another boat crossing, the energy and ritual was exactly the same as before.
As we left the ghat, night had fallen, and we were running on hope and perseverance. When we finally reached the last ATM on our list… it was closed. Again.
I had officially run out of cash.
Thankfully, Lorena’s hotel allowed a second guest in her room, and she kindly offered to let me stay the night. I gratefully accepted. One more night of shared space, laughter, and gratitude before heading back to Sai Veda in the morning.
It wasn’t the day I had expected—but it was full of beauty, connection, and the kind of memories that make the journey worthwhile.
