Mcleod Ganj

The View  from the Valley

One of the many contradictions of India is that while its traffic scene is incredibly frantic, day to day life actually moves at a very leisurely pace. And so it is for us. We've mastered the ability to drift ... to forget about planning for the day and to allow it to unfold in all of its unexpected and intriguing ways. Not once have we been bored; not once have we been disappointed; not once have we wished we were anywhere but where we are. Living in the moment is proving to be very simple and extremely relaxing. And with us already just over three weeks away from home and our trip halfway over, neither of us feel any urgency to return. In fact another six weeks in this fascinating country would suit us well!

Today is a rest day. We arrived in Mcleod Ganj three nights ago and have explored the area both by car and on foot, including the temple and residence of the Dalai Lama. We are in delightful Tibetan lodgings called Chonor House, on the 4th floor with sweeping views over the picturesque  Kangra Valley and with glimpses of snow covered Himalayan mountains behind us. It had snowed on the highest peaks and so the air is cold, but clear.  The weather is sunny with just the occasional sudden downpour or hailstorm punctuating the blue and white skies.  It truly is a different world.

We're sitting on our balcony, morning sun on our backs, cloaked in our shawls whilst sipping tea and listening to the lyrical sounds of the Tibetan waiter in the courtyard below singing as he clears away the mornings breakfast trappings. The sounds of hand building form a constant, rhythmic background whilst the barking of dogs and occasional car horn punctuate the air in more dramatic ways. Soon the resonant sound of monks chanting and temple bells ringing will sooth the air and we'll reaffirm just how fortunate we are to be here, experiencing this heavenly place. 

I'll allow FB and Instagram photos and posts to present the details of where we've been, but the most impressive and heartwarming part of this trip had once again has been the people: the warm hearted, generous souls who call India home and embrace us as though we're family. Being invited to become part of their lives for just a few moments or hours ... in some case days ... gives us immeasurable joy.

With love and blessings, 

Alan and Michele