View outside my room early morning in Rishikesh Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
At the end of October I returned to Australia after spending almost 2 months in Rishikesh, India. What was meant to be 2 months of raft guiding actually turned into 2 months of video boating for Red Chilli Adventure! Fortunately this opportunity was offered to me so I was able to do what I love - kayak everyday, make videos and earn a little bit of money to put towards rent and food!
Loading the jeep for rafting at the Red Chilli store Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
Marine Drive put-in on the Ganga Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
Relaxing after the major rapids of the day on the Holy Ganga River Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
Packing up and getting ready to re-load the jeep Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
This was my second visit to India (my first being in Jan - March 2008). I saw many old kayaking friends there (Flo from Austria, Eamon from the UK, Vipin, Anvesh, Arvind all from Red Chilli Adventure and many more!) and made new ones such as Polly & Paul from the UK. The thing I love about this place is everyone is so enthusiastic about life, being on the river and the outdoors. People not only care about their bodies but also their minds which is why I guess Rishikesh is one of the main hubs for Yoga in the world.
One of the many monkeys which inhabited my balcony! Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
Luxman Jhola bridge - one of the main tourist sights in Rishikesh Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
View from the Red Chilli office of the beautiful Ganga River at sunset Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
Yet another monkey with what looks like a stolen apple from an unsuspecting tourist Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
This man sells really nice snack mix at the rafting take-out Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
View of the Ganga outside Den-ascent Expeditions Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
There were a few disappointments in India such as not being able to kayak the mighty Siang River but these disapointments were replaced with being able to paddle with good friends on the Ganga everyday, experience India's main festival Diwali (basically everyone just throws around a bunch of fireworks and a lot of sweets are eaten), take part in a yoga class, and be invited to many birthday parties and dinners hosted by my local friends.
Paul holding the mother of all fireworks! Photo Jacqui Whitehead
Busy streets during Diwali Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
It was also fantastic to see a few trainees from my first visit to India (who had that stage never even been in a kayak or guided a raft) be trip leading or safety kayaking down the Ganga River. I can't wait to see how they have progressed next time I go back.
Another view of the Ganga and Luxman Jhola bridge Photo: Jacqui Whitehead
Celebrating my last trip on the river in India with Balam Photo: Bheem Sing
I will be posting a video with the highlights from India on my blog soon but I really need to thank my dear friends Arvind, Vipin & Anvesh and all the boys at Red Chilli Adventure - you guys truly made me feel part of the family!
