The Cow's the Holy Mother

RISHIKESH, India // "The cow's the Holy Mother," states our cab driver Salman as we pass through the city of Jaipur. They roam through the streets and roads, and freely defecate as they please. While wandering through Rishikesh, I finally stepped in a hot streaming pile of cow poop. It was inevitable as it's everywhere, but I really sank ankle deep into this fresh green pie. I stepped back into it to dodge a car as it came around the corner, so I missed it once, but got it in reverse. Needless to say this wasn't the high point of my day or week, and we were still a decent walk from the ashram, so I stomped my way back hoping to loosen the poop on the way. No such luck. It was like wet paint and it started drying in the hot India sun. Great. 

Back at the ashram I used an extra toothbrush we picked up at the last hotel, a hose, and some soap to cleanse my shoe. Yuk. I got wet in the process and have drenched my shoes. I walk up to our balcony to put my shoes in the sun to dry and sit in the chair to rest and dry out myself. Not 10 seconds after I sat down did an Indian grey hornbill fly across the sky in front of my face. That's right I said HORNBILL! The illustrious unicorn, my personal white whale, the bird I have been hoping to see our entire trip! Finally, logged // Bird #123 // Isn't the world a funny place. The yin and yang of it. Sometimes you have to step in shit to find joy!