Hey folks,well i just happened to see my blog posts,a few years ago from this day and it struck me that ,why did I not continue to weave my experiences in written words? The stereotypical answer,busy with commitments of work ,giving energy to all frivolities and being on a roller coaster of mental well being ,pretty much sums up why i haven’t showed up on my page,at least for my ownself.A lot has happened over the last few years,in fact many years ,close to three years since i wrote my last post.
Having this intense desire to be a wanderlust nomad,i did manifest this wish of mine in a great measure.I can’t stop feeling elated and grateful as i write this article.I truly and strongly ,have always desired to be a travel hippie ,embarking on adventures around the world and my native land, India itself, is a world on its own.I finally was able to do numerous solo expeditions at leisure ,not that this was my first time,but yes the freedom offered by work lifestyle ,that of a digital nomad is the greatest gift that has been a boon of recent times,that has encouraged me to explore places in umpteen measure.In the year 2024 I had been to mcleodganj,dharamshala,amritsar and basically the beautiful state of hilly himachal pradesh ,that is truly soaked in magic .I can’t find the perfect words to describe my experiences there ,as it was so soulful that no words can do justice.I felt at peace ,with a soothing sense of tranquility wrapping me ,as i connected to nature .The nature in the hilly regions of the himalayas is mesmerising to say the least.Being from southern part of India,having mostly seen beaches and certain hill stations,this was undoubtedly, my intimate exposure to the beauty in the rawness of the himalayas.The wild nature, basking in nature with the humans harmoniously co- existing in its presence,no wonder the natives ,also known as pahadis brim with pride in their identity of culture ,that is so closely associated with nature in some way.I must also remark,that the inhabitants of the hilly regions are such kind,warm and such peace loving people,probably they represent the land and nature in some way,taking birth in places like these ,sure defines a person in some way.The geography does have a bearing on how individuals and community of people live and thrive and it is fascinating to say the least to know how everything is so interconnected.
The view of the mesmerising himalayas
My third time to this place and first as a solo traveller, exploring on my own at an unhurried pace has been the best experience of my life,it lit my soul ,so powerfully.I soaked in the place ,breathing with the sights and sounds of the place.I felt profoundly drawn to everything this place held ,right from the nature ,food ,weather and to the warm locals.If home was a feeling ,if ever ,i had to call a place a home,i would have no second thoughts about belonging to this place.I stayed in the picturesque valley at the top of mcleodganj ,the bhagsu area to be precise.The moment i entered this place,i could sense the calming vibe.The time i entered was a transition phase from winters to summer,but the place was still cold,understandably as it is a hilly area.I initially felt a little uncomfortable adjusting to the weather,but over a period of time got used to the cold climate and in fact sort of enjoyed it too.I rented out a hotel room.for 15 days at an affordable price and was so elated at the make and ambience of the room.It perfectly fitted into the idea of a cottage room ,tiny yet spacious and offered the cozy comfort as it should.Just being in the place,felt meditative.I happened to visit the beautiful local monasteries ,the cute market areas and basically walk on the foot in the hilly area ,to be in the intimate presence of the mountains.The ride on the cable,was another special experience,i experienced a sense of wonder,thrill and ecstacy as i witnessed the scenic Himalayas ,while travelling through the cable,a truly delightful anecdote ,to share.I tried the local cafes,savored on the famous dish of siddu on street and enjoyed shopping the colorful shopping stuff of the place.The woolen caps,handmade winterwear and lots of cool woolen clothing were some of the local shopping stuff on display.I had also been to dharmshala and visited a beautiful tea garden and the highest stadium in the world ,which was a treat to the eyes.
The pictures posted above are few of my special.memories of the place.The namgayal monastery in particular,was a resplendent place ,filled with a mesmerizing divine cosmic energy.
Another picture that has ,me holding a piece of bread and butter,is the handmade organic bread and butter made at a local homestay in the place.The homestay was a charming and a tranquil place ,with the hosts focused on health and mindful eating,thus offering homemade organically grown food.I have numerous instances and accounts of how life in the mountains,in the state of himachal and especially the Buddhist place of mcleodganj is nothing short of an abode of tranquility ,how you feel a deeper presence in the serenity beyond words!!
translating thoughts 