Bliss, bliss, bliss... living in Rishikesh

Never thought I'd update my blog every day, but can you imagine how long the posts would be if I only wrote once a week?! Just back from day two of my yoga course, and I feel completely invigorated. Grey gloomy day today, but the radiance I feel within is shining, providing me with light and warmth. Oh wow. I realize how cooky that must sound... That's what happens in Rishikesh, you are instantly transformed by its magic. It's unreal how different and enriched I feel after only two days here. And I continue to sound crazy. Ok, back to yesterday...
A bit more about my classes. The beautiful, kind, warm, glowing Spaniard, Angela, taught the morning class from 8-10. Half an hour of theory, half an hour of routine warm-ups to awaken each chakra, half an hour of routine asanas (postures), ending with the asana of the day (we learn a new one everyday, theory and practice), and half an hour of relaxation. Then, from 4-6, Polish Ananta taught us, with his deep, monotonous, hypnotic voice and long red hair and beard. Half an hour of the same routine warm-ups, half an hour of surya namaskar (sun salutations), including chanting the 12 names of the suns, half an hour of the same routine asanas and re-doing the one of the day, and ending with half an hour of music meditation (loud, classical orchestra music errupting from crackling speakers around the hall, creating energy and vibrations) and final relaxation. Ananta and Angela are both dressed in flowing white clothes from head (shoulders) to toe, with their long hair loosely cascading down their back. Wow, I'm making them out to sound like deities! Maybe they are... Then came humorous, energetic American Laura's lecture on satya (truth) from 7-8. What an incredible day! And a month more of them to come! I have learned so much already, and not just mind junk (as is often the case at school), but fascinating, life-changing knowledge and understanding. Two days, people! Two days! And my life is taking a new course. There is magic in the air. I kid you not.
And I'm pleased to announce that I almost slept through the night last night. Fell asleep quickly shortly before 10, woke up a moment so brief that I didn't even check the time, and the next wake-up was at 5:20. I was so happy that I didn't even try falling back asleep. 7 hours beats what I've been getting until now. Morning bathroom trip was another success... bowel movements still wonderful. Better than ever, in fact! My stomach is taking very well to Indian cuisine. Lots of masala chai (spice tea), lots of veggies, and very little sugar. Read my chakra book from 6-7, then headed off for my second morning yoga session. Ananta taught both morning and evening today, then Angela gave a fascinating lecture on healing strategies in yoga. Wait till I get home and tell you about the powers of urine therapy!
On that, I will head back to my new home (Sudesh guesthouse, near my yoga), for what will probably be my best sleep yet. Comfy mattress and non-gigantic pillow (albeit very strange).
Good night. Namaste.