Himalayas, here I come

Tomorrow morning I leave the 40 degree Celcius heat of Varanasi (that doesn't let up much in the night) and head to the cooler recourse of Rishikesh.... **sigh** I can't wait. This is where I plan to spend a month, if it works out: http://sadhanamandir.org/index.html

The research center sounds amazing, I might help out of possible. I have a few ideas for my future career, some involving Ayurveda and almost all involving medicine of some sort. Where I will study is the biggest question: India, the U.S., or both... I'm not sure. Everyday is different, so my opinion is constantly changing.

I get really fed up with the intensity of this area, and I hope the North is more like the South: relaxed, less populous, and cooler (temperature-wise). If anyone plans to travel to India, the area including Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, and Varanasi does not give you a good idea of what India is all about. I just met a very nice couple from the South and they also agreed that this area is "crazy."
It is so hot here, I really think I am melting. It is hard to cool off, sitting in the shade with a fan doesn't work, it makes it hard to function when you always feel like your brain is shutting off. Getting to the railway station tomorrow morning won't be so fun but what can i do?

I've met many cool people in the past few days, a lot of local interaction. Being alone is a welcome sign for everyone to come talk to you, thankfully a lot of children and some women have been included. I am so sick of the men, I just ignore them completely now. It is so normal to be rude to them, they expect it and if you are nice they just take advantage of the situation and always always always come on to you or try to sell you something.

But Rishikesh will be a retreat, for sure. Man, I am so excited. Enlightenment, here I come :)