Finally managed to get the visa situation handled, and after the usual multi-day flight epic that traveling halfway around the world entails, I've spent the last 2 weeks in Rishikesh, getting acclimated and paddling the Ganga (Ganges) river every day. Here's a typical lap on the Ganga - pure Class Fun boating:
That was all well and good, until the government froze all 1000 & 500 rupee notes. Overnight, I was broke. Here we are a week-and-a-half later, and things have not improved very much. ATMs, when they have cash, have insane lines, and I have not been able to get enough money to do much of anything. Luckily, the wonderful folks at Expeditions India helped me out in a BIG way with a place to crash and the ability to cook meals instead of going out. Without their generosity, this would have been a real crisis instead of just a headache. If you ever want to do any type of river trip, trek, or outdoorsy adventure in India, start by contacting them.
The original plan was to travel around India for the next few months, but having no access to cash seriously limits what is possible. My problems are minor comparatively, I really feel for the small business owners and rural Indians who are feeling this the most. However, that doesn't change the fact that staying here is basically impossible without access to funds. So, we are heading to Nepal tomorrow to get out of dodge, and hopefully back to a place where my money is accessible. Until then, keep the shiny side down!
#gearmeout #tsugalifestyle
That was all well and good, until the government froze all 1000 & 500 rupee notes. Overnight, I was broke. Here we are a week-and-a-half later, and things have not improved very much. ATMs, when they have cash, have insane lines, and I have not been able to get enough money to do much of anything. Luckily, the wonderful folks at Expeditions India helped me out in a BIG way with a place to crash and the ability to cook meals instead of going out. Without their generosity, this would have been a real crisis instead of just a headache. If you ever want to do any type of river trip, trek, or outdoorsy adventure in India, start by contacting them.
The original plan was to travel around India for the next few months, but having no access to cash seriously limits what is possible. My problems are minor comparatively, I really feel for the small business owners and rural Indians who are feeling this the most. However, that doesn't change the fact that staying here is basically impossible without access to funds. So, we are heading to Nepal tomorrow to get out of dodge, and hopefully back to a place where my money is accessible. Until then, keep the shiny side down!
#gearmeout #tsugalifestyle
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