woman and gold ... the believer is happy, the doubter miserable ... both are deluded - to know oneself is to forget oneself

I lived in the ashram for the first month when I came. Later I got the flat in the house mum lives in. I go into the ashram everyday almost. I eat my dinner there and buy fruits and vegetables.
It is a place where there are no beggars or 'flying' traders. You have to cover your shoulders and your legs (plus normal clothing:). Alcohol, Smoking, Meat, Photography, Horn honking, Showing affection between men and women are not allowed inside the ashram walls. Men and women are separated in: living quarters, lining up, canteens, shopping center times and darshan. There are no yoga classes - you can have them outside - free of charge. There are lectures sometimes. In some places you have to take off your shoes. You can stay a maximum of 2 months within one year - you can live outside and visit the ashram anytime. The Gates close at 21:15 and open at 4:30. It is possible to stay here 2 months and not leave the premises - there is postoffice, bank, phones, stationary shop, Bookstall, Bakery, Fruit and veggie shop and a shopping center. The 'world', as much as possible, is shut out. There is a peaceful energy in the place. You can actually feel it. There are 3 Canteens - Western, North Indian and South Indian. The South Indian is the real thing. You pay with coupons that you purchase at a small counter outside of the canteen. I eat there and take a spoon with me or use my right hand. Darshan (sight of a holy being) is given 2 times a day. Indian Tourists do come and have a look inside but the main purpose is for devotees to get in touch with their inner self. Your not supposed to make friends and chat especially not with the opposite sex. You can do that outside in a cafe if you must. You are reminded (in written word) that the connection between the Guru and Devotee is personal - and that no other person can act as a medium if they claim to be able to. Accomodation costs 100 rupees a night - if you share in the dormitory you can cut that down to 25 rupees. Coupons for the South Indian Canteen cost 2 rupees - you need 3 for a proper meal. In the Western and North Indian Canteen you pay cash - approx - 20 rupees (North Indian) or 45 (Western) - depends on what you choose - Pasta is most expensive and best when the Italians are doing seva (selfless duty) in the kitchen :) 41 rupees is one dollar and 55 make an euro. You are encouraged to wear clean clothes - preferably white. There is a meditation tree, Gardens and temples.
- finish - no judgement in this text I hope :)
Sometimes there are people present that give 'Satsang' - you sit in the grass and listen to somebody who has realized that duality is an illusion - closest you can get to an AA meeting as a non-alcoholic.
My opinion: if you have never been to an ashram but you are attracted to 'experiencing' it - get the info from wherever, choose one and live there for a while - and no arguing with God during your stay! Namaste and Peace out. :)