McLeod Gang
Trip Start
Dec 09, 2007
1
40
52
Trip End
Jul 07, 2008
McLeod Gang,
India
Friday, May 9, 2008
In Mcleod Gang 9 or so kilometers from Darmasala. This region and in particular this town is famous for housing the Dalai Lama and his court while in exile. Not too mention inhabiting many refugees fleeing the Tibet from Chinese persecution. Everywhere you walk in this town you are reminded, through posters, and merchandise and conversations, about the cause of "Free Tibet." From my few interactions with the Tibetan people I sense from them a deeply rooted, ancestral, cultural, demeanor of calm and peace and compassion. It's genuine, there's something in there eyes that speaks about generations lived in quite majestic mountains with long dark seasons and endless vistas. There is a patience and a reverence that I've never seen in any ethnic people.
Here there are also large populations of Hindu and Muslim Indians
road to Darmasala
. So the food is almost as good and varied as in Delhi and very cheap. My accommodation is expansive clean and has a soft double mattress, computer desk, kitchen and large bathroom with hot shower. Then walk to the balcony let your eyes wonder into the valley below and they will naturally raise up over the sharp hills into the great white faced Himalayan peaks in the distance. All this for 200 Rupees or $5!.Mc Leod Gang:
Hangin' with my buddy Hossi. Iranian born Belgium guy who lives in Goa. Cool cosmic yoga and mediation guy whose a spit fire with few boundaries or constraints. In his early 50s there's no sign of slowing, direct but kind and always fun, ready to make friends with anyone at any moment he can belly laugh all night at a party with people he just met that day and he can meditate, as he does every morning at sunrise, as deeply as the surrounding Himalayas are high.
And Ness short for Vanessa who is a treasure. Tall Blondie beautiful and so full of rich wisdom and confidence...grounded and present, clear and guided, she speaks with assurady and listens with an open heart and eyes. A real gem, I rarely meet people that seem this worthy of complete trust.
view from my balcony
Other cast of players are my yoga instructor Lalit and his fiance' Ivana. Both incredible people. The yoga has been kicking my ass but also prepares me for the 300 old stone steps I have to go up and then down every time I go to town or my hotel. Beyond obviously improving my strength and balance the yoga has helped me to develop some much needed confidence. I've done some things with my body in a short time that I did not know I could ever do. The yoga studio is conveniently placed on the top floor of the hotel. Hossi's room is next to mine and at the corner is the room of Lalit and Ivana.
-break-
Last night 12th meal with 3 beautiful Russian sisters...up in dharmakot. quite chill i played my music on a guys laptop and we ate while others smoked hash and we laughed and chilled through the night.
Today the 13th I met and interviewed the director of International Relations for HH Dalai Lama and his administration in exile. I saw H.H. upon my arrival on the 9th or 10th. It was the last day of a 3 day teachers training he gave. Saw some monkeys, Eagles gliding everywhere, great merchandise and presents for family and mom. kind people, majestic views, cool nights, light rain, monks, cows, dogs and beggars abound
Mcleod Ganj
. But it all kind of flows and none of it is jarring. great cheap food, dahl, side sauces, and 2 roti (a nice filling lunch) for under $.50. Even better and cheaper than Thai street food.-break-
On the 14th I had one of the best massages of my life. Recommended by Ness I went to the nearby town she's staying in called Dharamakot to see Madu. Surely older than her zesty good looks give off, she's beautiful but wise, incredibly gentle but firm. Under her hands I both disappeared and was so present with her touch and my body. If you ever need a massage come to India and find her. I might even go back one more time tomorrow before I leave. Cost is 700rs for around 2 hrs. That's less than $20!!!!
And oh yeah! The amazing Chocolate Balls at the street baker's!
