the beatles enjoyed the atmosphere in india, and the free time they had between classes, and began to write songs for a new album, which was later called the "white album". one by one the beatles lost interest. ringo starr, who had a sensitive stomach, became sick from the spicy food served at the ashram, and headed home after just a few days. paul mccartney in time became bored, and also headed home. george harrison and john lennon stayed longer, but were upset when "magic alex", a friend who came to india with them, began to tell them stories about the maharishi trying to have sexual intercourse with some of the women who came to the ashram. this harrison and lennon, and they went home the next day.