3 hours in the car from Chaaki Bank to Dharamsala
We finally have arrived in Dharamsala...
...the only problem was I was stuck admiring the beautiful mountains from my bed through my hotel window. Another 24 hours later (after moaning and frequent visits to the bathroom) I was ready to venture out and see this lovely Tibetan town-more specifically known as McLeod Ganj.
My first stop: the Kora. This beautiful path circles McLeod's stupa. From the trees hang hundreds of Tibetan pray flags, drawing your attention from the plastic littered ground that seems to be everywhere, up towards the skies and out towards the mountains. Prayer wheels are another important part of this path. Every time these are turn a Buddhist prayer is sent out into the universe for Tibet. The Kora is such a wonderful, calming place but also simultaneously saddening as you see Tibetans of all ages consumed with the idea of being about to return to their homeland.
As I left the Kora I suddenly found myself in the middle of town. Merchants, cafes, cows, and restaurants line the street. But there is a different feeling here than in Delhi. First the obvious smaller population is wonderful. The fresh mountain air fills the streets far more than the pollution and horn of passing cars. But overall there is such a welcoming energy coming from and to everyone. This town is obviously used to tourist, so not feeling 1,000 pairs of eyes glued to your back is a relief.
I've barely been here for very long at all, but already this place feels like home.
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