Fringe Frontiers | Finding Creative Inspiration Beyond the Bucket List
Rishikesh , India
Seeking spiritual enlightenment on a magical mystery tour
Pinned between the River Ganges and the foothills of the Himalayas , the holy city of Rishikesh holds deep cultural significance for Hindus . Although smaller and less crowded than Mumbai or Delhi , Rishikesh is hardly quiet — it buzzes with intangible divine energy . Dubbed the “ Yoga Capital of the World ,” Rishikesh attracts spiritual seekers of all kinds to the temples , ashrams and meditation centers of its eastern bank . It ’ s in this traffic-free , alcohol-free and meat-free enclave that the Beatles visited for transcendental meditation in 1968 — and where they would stay for over a month to write dozens of songs . Many others would follow , claiming they too could feel the power of this place . From the silent meditations à la Elizabeth Gilbert ’ s “ Eat Pray Love ” to the world ’ s largest yoga festival , Rishikesh is a magnet for those looking to calm their minds and reconnect with their bodies . It isn ’ t all quiet contemplation , either — in addition to finding inner peace through yoga or meditation , there are just as many opportunities to stave off depression and anxiety with adrenaline . As the gateway to the world ’ s highest mountain range , the city is a hub for high-energy adventure sports , from hiking , rock climbing and mountaineering to whitewater rafting , paragliding and bungee jumping .
Street Performance in Ghent , Belgium
If you ’ re a lover of music , there are plenty of popular destinations you might visit , depending on your preferred genre . You could hear classical in Vienna , jazz in New Orleans , samba in Rio de Janeiro , electronic music in Berlin … and the list continues . But if you ’ re looking for a little of everything and a lot fewer crowds , head to Ghent , Belgium ’ s unsung capital of cool . This UNESCO-designated Creative City of Music is a hub for acts of all kinds , from jazz to classical , baroque to big band , modern rock , Latin , house music and more . It ’ s even home to Belgium ’ s first silent disco . But music isn ’ t the only draw . From the city ’ s charming canals to its wellpreserved Medieval architecture and
Ghent , Belgium
Unexplored byways and b-sides in Belgium ’ s music mecca
several museums , Ghent offers many of the beloved elements of more well-known European destinations , all accompanied by a healthy dose of hipster charm . Think retro record stores and weekly vintage markets , alternative studios and vibrant street art , avant-garde theatre , an extensive network of bike lanes and bike-sharing programs , and a thriving plant-based food scene . In 2009 , Ghent was the first city in the world to adopt a weekly meat-free day and has since gained a reputation as one of Europe ’ s most vegan-friendly cities . If you want to dissent — artistically , gastronomically and musically — head to Ghent .
16 · ESCAPE Summer 2024