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Himalayas at last -Manali Himanshal Pradesh, India
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Eventually after a tortuous 17 hour marathon bus journey, on some of the smallest busiest roads imaginable we arrived in Manali - the province of Himachal Pradesh - the Heart of the Himalayas. Special note to any of you lured to travel to India - DO NOT travel by bus!!
This busy little feeder town nestles with life and colour and is far cleaner than Delhi - although the speed of the drivers on these smaller roads leaves one dazed and bemused. Their incessant hooting and honking...a hoot as you approach another car or see a pedestrian on the road, another hoot as you get closer, a long hoot if you are behind someone, a continuous hoot as you attempt to over-take someone followed by a short toot - reciprocated by a toot from the over-taken ensures everyone is aware of where you are, or to confirm you are near a road! This appears to be the norm all over India thus far (hence the bus journey torture all through the night!). have aksed a few Indians about this marvelous aware way of driving - they laught and shake their heads - "it's the Indian way"!
There is something magical about the lure of India and for us especially the Himalayas. Our eyes are opened to the incongruency of life here.
Litter is strewn easily and lies freely on roads or in rivers, yet the sweet smell of incense wafts across from the many offerings interspersed on street corners, on walls or from within shops and houses. There is abundant poverty for millions of people in India, yet many many holy men and women choose to give away everthing they have and beg for their survival - to ensure they have no ego and can maintain clarity of purpose in worshiping their gods. Taking off shoes as you enter temples and some shops is the norm - yet these sites frequently have litter and dust built up thickly around them, sometimes with the pungent smells. It seems persuit of future higher spiritual attainment is far more important than the appearance or asthetics of the majorities current surroundings.
What continues to be breathtaking is the array of colours and designs of the clothing and outfits worn by the many women. They seem to make so much effort compared with most of their male counterparts or companions.
Sarah and I head off tomorrow on our much anticipated 12 day trek into one of the most remote areas of Himachal Pradesh - the Barra Bangal pass. We were able to arrange this and are fortunately (or unfortunately) able to do this as the only "tourists". It will be us, a guide, a cook and one man looking after the pack horses. Yes I was considerign being more gung-ho about trekking without porters and ponies - but at this altitude who am I to complain!!
Love to each of you
Grant and Sarah
PS we became an uncle and aunt on Sunday night...yea. Never been one of those before! (I can now be called Mammaji (uncle in Hindi)
Latest Comments (5)
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IR South African (reply)
Oct 11, 2006 13:55 EST by carolhalliday
Hi Guys,
Thinking of you and hoping the trekking is going well and your donkey's are behaving. (Mine aren't.....)
Look forward to hearing your news and photos on the trek.
Congrat on becomming an aunt and uncle.
Hugs
Carol and Len - IR South African.....
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Trekking, trekking here we go... (reply)
Oct 10, 2006 07:03 EST by tayls_hels
Hey GaS,
Great to read your updates... please do keep them streaming in! Can't wait to hear/read all about the trekking portion of the trip. Hope that you are managing with the hiking at altitude (thinking of you there reminds me of trekking up to Everest Base Camp). Remember to drink loads of fluids and listen to your bodies!
GT -- please shave off that beard, you are beginning to look li... show all
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Touch the Heavens Grant & Sarah!!! (reply)
Oct 10, 2006 05:33 EST by judeoppler
Hullo darlings
Now we have finally worked out how easy it is to use this thing we can send messages to you!! We are so enjoying your experiences and so envious of the colour, noise, smells and excitement you are experiencing. Can you paste some more photo's? You will be climbing higher and higher in the Himalayas so touch the heavens for us. Congratulations on your new little nephew, he looks ... show all
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Beware of men in pink pajamas! (reply)
Oct 7, 2006 22:12 EST by joppler
Glad to hear you are among mountian folk now. In my experience mountian folk tend to be more straight and rarely wear pink pajamas. Your trek sounds like it will be amazing. I don't think I can even fathom 12 days in the Himilayas. One day... Keep the great descriptions coming and leave no stone unturned in your adventures. I look forward to your next posting!
-J
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Hi (reply)
Oct 7, 2006 11:29 EST by guymeyer
Hi guys
So good to hear your news and it takes me back to when I traveled to India.
Very amusing about the guy in the pink outfit
All very testing on the old personal authority
Travel well with love
Guy
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