Rough start in Rishikesh

Hi,
I have not done as well at this blogging as I thought I would, but anyway here I am in Rishikesh. The official Fulbright program ended on Wednesday. I traveled here via train on Friday am. I never tire of looking out the window no matter what vehicle I am in there is so much to take in here that is beautiful and different from what I know. I arrived here to find what looked to be that every male in the country of India put on an orange tee shirt and came here for a festival to honor Shiva. I am not kidding I think that the paper said something like 700,00 males. With that comes alot of distress for me in the way of unwanted stares and harassment. I making the best of it, but have moved to a much quieter part of town up the Ganges. I am now in Lakshmun Jhula and have a beautiful clean room with a fantastic view of the mountains and river.The cost for this room is 250 per night, which amounts to about 5.00 a night. An incredible bargain no A/C. but this is not really needed as there is a beautiful breeze coming off the water.While I am here I plan to offer prayers at the evening and morning ceremonies for Hannah, Rachael, Brien and Lily.I am also going to check out the yoga classes at Sant Seva Ashram this evening. Getting by on my own without the Fulbright guidance has been very tough, but I think in the end I will have a huge feeling of accomplishment. I am going to be happy to sit here for a few days(in the somewhat quiet) and think about all that has happened in the last 6 weeks. I miss the girls terribly and wish that they could be here with me. I am looking forward to coming home on the 10th.I will probably be posting every day because the Internet is right downstairs and very inexpensive.
Will check back in tomorrow-
Love,
Mary