A Perilous Journey Home

When Shimla received the season's first snowfall, everybody was in a jubilant mood, all set to go and enjoy the snow. I was in Tattapani, 53 kms away from Shimla, when I heard that it had snowed. I have to admit that I was quite excited myself.

Having lived in London, I have experienced snowfall numerous times, built snow men with soft, fresh snow, slipped and fallen in the snow and have even celebrated a white Diwali! I love it when it snows; trees, cars and the roads are painted a beautiful shade of white and I just can't seem to get enough of it. We were leaving for Chandigarh that day and heard that Shimla was snowed in and shut to vehicular traffic. Upon inquiring from locals, we were advised to take a detour via Salaghat onto Dharampur and then Chandigarh. 

Sleet falling on the way to Dhami

We drove towards Dhami, the closest town en route, experiencing steady rainfall, sleet at a higher altitude and a hailstorm shortly afterwards. Needless to say, the weather was not getting any better and we were eager to get home in one piece. To make sure that we were on the right track, we asked another a couple of other people for directions. They told us about a short cut via Ghanati which would get us closer to our original route so we decided to take it. The road leading there was narrow and had minor landslides. Although we were apprehensive at first, we decided to carry on. A km or so afterwards, the condition of the road deteriorated. There were massive potholes and avoiding them in the incessant rain wasn't easy. There was a sheer drop on the right side of the narrow road so we couldn't turn back. You could feel the tension in the car as everybody sat quietly. We carried on at a speed of 20 kms/ hr and it took us an hour to cover the 15 km stretch.  

Soon after, we were approaching powdered mountains, covered with a thin layer of freshly fallen snow. We passed meadows, houses, vehicles abandoned on the side of the road - all covered under a white blanket. 

Post Ghanati

Snow all around!

Frozen bush

Frozen leaves of tree

I tried capturing a picture of frozen leaves on the road side in the moving car but couldn't quite get the angle I had wanted. 

We were on the main road again. Everyone was relieved and happy to be back in civilization, until we were told that the road ahead was blocked due to snow. We had to re-route again. 

We turned around and made our way towards Arki, passing through thick fog, in which even the bonnet of the car was not visible. It started pouring once we reached Arki. Thankfully, the road ahead was in good condition, narrow but a hundred times better than the previous stretch. 

Rain lashed down on us as we drove on the narrow, winding road ahead. We could only hope that we were on the right track. Shortly afterwards, a car with a Chandigarh number plate overtook us. All of us heaved a sigh of relief. We were extremely lucky not to have gotten stuck because of a land slide, inspite of continuous heavy rain and hail. 

Hailstorm on the way to Subathu

The car slid a couple of times, at turns because of the ice on the road. In a span of four hours, we had witnessed all forms of condensation! Once we reached Subathu, the weather cleared up and we got a glimpse of the setting sun. The journey thereafter was smooth. 

Gorgeous hues of the sky

At Dharampur, we stopped to grab a bite at Hot Millions, a popular eating joint. While eating, I looked up to see the outside traffic hauled up and a man in khaki running after another with a huge stick. I thought the cops were after a thief or something. Till I was told that the bus driver ( in khaki ) was running after a car owner whose car he had banged into. Cops had to intervene and get the disrupted traffic moving again. It was an amusing sight, made us temporarily forget about the treacherous journey we had just undertaken. 

Christmas in India

Sitting at my desk, listening to BBC radio 1, feeling all Christmassy, on a cold and foggy day in Chandigarh, India. Oh how I miss X'mas in London! People being merry, shopping for gifts, Winter Wonderland, mulled wine, mince pies and the list could go on. Christmas here is very different, I caught it in pictures for you to see.

Santa hats for sale at the roundabouts

Horses and trees for sale

A visit to church on Christmas eve

Baby Jesus

Merry Christmas folks! Take it easy on the pudding :)

5 Reasons to have a Winter Himalayan Vacation

Winter is most definitely upon us. A lot of us have been enjoying the afternoon sun, at home or even at our offices,  getting out of our cubicles for a stroll to soak up some sunshine. As the year is coming an end, a lot of us are making vacation plans for Christmas/ New Year. While many people prefer a warmer destination - Goa or Thailand, being a hot favourite amongst us Indians, here are 5 reasons why you should buck the trend and head to the mountains this winter.

1. Scenic beauty - Everybody travels for different reasons. Whether you are looking for some peace of mind after the crazy late nights at the office, need some quiet time to focus on yourself or a fun trip with friends, the mountains are beckoning you. The crisp mountain air, snow covered peaks, fresh water rivers and streams, wildlife sounds in the morning will surely put a smile on anyone's face. In that moment, all the noise and stress from your city life will be forgotten. 

2. Fresh perspective - The fresh mountain air will open up your mind, spirit and being to fresh, new possibilities in life. You will be able to reflect on your current circumstances in a calm and balanced manner. A trip to the mountains in the winter will leave you feeling rejuvenated, ready to take on the world with a fresh, new mind set. 

3. Adventure sports - For the adventurous, fun seeking lot, winter sports are definitely worth a try. At Solang Valley last year, I tried skiing, which requires an incredible amount of strength, endurance and balance. I also enjoyed driving an All Terrain Vehicle (OTV) in the snow and downhill, zipping through the long traffic jam. Para gliding, snow boarding, sledging and zorbing are some of the other options there. Gulmarg in Kashmir is a beautiful skiing destination, comparable to the Swiss Alps I hear. 

4. Away from the crowd - Depending on your preference, you can choose a getaway to a quaint village tucked away somewhere in the Himalayas or a busy city like Shimla. Barot, in Mandi district is a great option if you're looking for a quiet get away. Surrounded by the Dhauladhar range of Himalayas, with Uhl river passing through, Barot is a picturesque valley, well known for its trout & trekking trails. 

5. Discover a new you - Some of the most famous writers and poets are known to have been inspired by the beauty of the Himalayas. You can get completely spellbound by the surrounding natural beauty and might even discover the hidden poet in you. That is exactly what happened to me in Ladakh last year, when I just couldn't seem to put my pen down, and have been writing ever since! 

“Chasing angels or fleeing demons, go to the mountains.”
(Jeffrey Rasley)

A trek in snowy Manali

Last Christmas, I participated in the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) of India's Winter Trekking Expedition in Manali.  I had been to Manali loads of times before, but never for an organized trek. Everyone told me that there was no point in going somewhere I had been before, but I am glad that I did. It is one of my most treasured experiences till date. 

View of Solang Valley

YHA Manali is located in picturesque Prini village, on the road leading to Naggar. The auto ride there was lovely, with snow clad mountains on either side. The early morning chilly air on my face was refreshing. After checking in, I went down for some left overs from breakfast as it was past the set time. That's when I realized that I must get into hostel mode quickly in order to not miss out on meals. The view from my room's balcony was breathtaking, overlooking snowy peaks including Solang Valley. 

Icicles on the roof

I went solo as none of my friends were feeling adventurous enough to brave the cold. Although I may have gone alone, I never felt alone there. My Maharashtrian room mates and I had a ball, playing cards/ board games, eating bhakarwadi and home made ladoos in the evenings, exhausted after our respective treks. It's always a good idea to carry snacks or sweets with you for a trek, for in between meals. The temperature would drop to -5 degrees celsius at night. Everybody was assigned a mattress, sleeping bag, a blanket and a pillow each. I froze the first night inspite of having slept in my sweater, 2 pairs of socks, gloves, scarf and a woolen cap! Luckily, somebody left a duvet behind the next day, which kept me warm for the next 4 nights. 

Hostel from a distance

Every morning, we would run down for hot tea at 6 am, get dressed and be ready with our tiffins for breakfast soon after. A few of us would actually go down for yoga at 5 am! I never did manage that. Mostly, because I wanted to be in the warmth of my bed for as long as possible. Initially, it seemed like boot camp but I soon realized how discipline was essential to the programme running smoothly. By 9 am, everybody was off for their respective treks, usually involving at least 10 kms of walking. In between, we would get time to rest, look around or just sit by the river in meditative silence to take in the panoramic view of Kullu valley. We would come back exhausted after the trek and then run down for pakoras and tea in the evenings. It was important to get to the dining hall as soon as the bell rang or risk getting no pakoras/ snacks. 

                      

My favourite trek was the one to a nearby village on the neighbouring mountain. We trekked up the mountain through deep snow and ice. Some of the people backed out, as they were not used to a steep climb. The rest of us carried on to the top and met a baba there. He had been living in isolation and was happy to see us. He sang and played a bhajan for us on his harmonium and gave us interesting insights into life in general. On our way back, some of the boys slid down the mountain as they couldn't keep their balance in the snow. It was a really funny sight. Soon enough, there was a snowball fight where I seemed to be the favourite target. We also got a chance to try some sledging on the icy road with locals, while passing through their village. 

On the last night, we all exchanged contact details to keep in touch for any forthcoming treks. After all the group pictures had been taken, some of us went out to drink some wine and have sheesha under the clear, starlit sky. I saw two shooting stars that night and I wished for more times like these. 

Up, up and Away!

Fun Things to do around Chandigarh

If you are going on a holiday to Himachal Pradesh & beyond, chances are that you will pass by Chandigarh. All the adventure enthusiasts having some time there can enjoy a joyride in a single engine airplane, with the scenic backdrop of the Shivalik range and Kasauli. 

A local company, Aerial Advertising Pvt Ltd popularly known as SkyADS, offers joyrides for groups and corporates in the scenic environs of Pinjore, 22 kms from Chandigarh. Advance bookings are required and can be made via their website www.skyads.asia

I got a chance to go up a few days ago and enjoyed every second of it.

Posing!

It was late afternoon by the time my turn came. I excitedly sat in the plane and got acquainted with the aircraft controls, especially the ones I was not to touch. As the aircraft began to taxi, I started taking pictures with my phone. Just when we took off, my phone's camera decided to crash unexpectedly. 

A bird? A plane?

The aerial views of Pinjore Gardens, Shivalik range, Kasauli and surrounding areas from 5000 ft were breathtaking.

Fields below

We were almost as high as Kasauli, one of my favourite hill stations and I could clearly spot some of the tourist sites there. Sukhna Lake looked like a giant ball of fire, enveloped by a bright orange hue, as a result of the setting sun. I could clearly see the terraces of numerous houses in Kalka, moving traffic on the highway, Timber Trail and its cable cars hanging in balance as we went towards the dam. Pinjore Gardens looked majestic, with its palm trees in perfect alignment, freshly manicured lawns and colourful water fountains. 

All this time, cool breeze blew in through my open window and I didn’t feel the chill at all. I was busy taking it all in. One sight as a time. 

"The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? —it is the same the angels breathe".
                             — Mark Twain

A Weekend in Nice, France

South of France should be a must do on every traveler's bucket list. It is a magical place which makes you fall in love with the country even more.

Azure blue waters. A giant expanse of blue touching the sky. It seems like an uncanny and surreal meeting between the two. The grounded ocean and the high-flying sky. Whether you're walking down the main boulevard, eating at one of the restaurants or checking the selfie you just took, one can't help but take a moment out to stare at this magnificent sight. 

Lovely sunshine shone through our hostel room's antique design wooden french windows. I looked out and got a glimpse into the busy lives of the locals going about their daily business. Soon after, I got acquainted with my room mates, made evening plans with them and left to explore Nice on foot. Although I had an idea of the sights I had wanted to visit, I decided to wander around for a bit, which I highly recommend.

If you're visiting the gorgeous capital city of the French Riviera soon, here's my top 5 things to do in Nice:

1. A meal at an oceanfront cafe/ restaurant - Start your day by having breakfast at one of the many cafés on Promenade des Anglais. Freshly squeezed orange juice, buttermilk pancakes, eggs benedict and the great blue sea on the side is a treat for the senses.

2. Jazz it up at Place Massena - Walking around Nice is the best way to explore the lovely French Riviera capital. Be sure to venture to Place Massena, the main square, during the day to soak in the sun and ornate Italian architecture around. The street jazz musicians make for some fantastic background score while you are loitering around or enjoying a meal at one of the outdoor eateries.

3. A stroll through Old Nice - Passing through alleyways with colourful houses and shops in the old part of town will make you feel like you are back in time. Sit and watch the world go by at one of the quaint patisseries there.

4. Sunset at Castle Hill - Castle Hill gives you fantastic panoramic views of Nice and it's bay. You can stroll around in the park, have a look at the Roman ruins and the gorgeous waterfall there. Watch the setting sun slip into the deep blue Mediterranean sea. A sight not be missed. Make sure to keep a track of time or you may get locked in.

5. A short trip to Monaco - Take a half hour bus ride to the Principality of Monaco. The drive there is very scenic, offering amazing views of the French Riviera. Monaco is definitely the playground of the rich and famous, one quickly realises, by the flurry of yachts, expensive cars and other luxury boutiques one sees there. A trip to Monte Carlo casino definitely reiterates this fact.

Have a great trip!

A year older in dreamy Paris

Ever since I enrolled for French classes at Alliance Francaise, while in college, I was completely smitten by the city of Paris. In class, Paris was projected as the city of dreams, romance and Renaissance. And when I got an opportunity to visit it for my birthday weekend a few years later, Paris was everything (and more) that I hoped it would be.

We got into Paris Gare du Nord station on a cold, foggy morning in January. The station was really impressive, the ornate wall clock on the Eurostar platform, adding to its charm. We managed to navigate our way to the hotel using the beginner level French I had learnt and forgotten years ago. Somehow, it all came back to me there and that is how we found our way around the beautiful city of Paris.

One of my favourite portraits

Our hotel was right down the street from the Eiffel Tower. After settling into the hotel, we started our sightseeing tour on foot, with a map in hand. Our first stop was Orsay Museum featuring exhibits by Monet, Van Gogh and many great artists. After being inspired by some of the greatest art displays, I crossed the road to take in a view of River Seine. I could not help but feel an air of romance around me, with street Jazz musicians on every turn and quaint cafes dotted along every street. 

Paris is magical. Although it was grey and bitingly cold the entire weekend that we were there, the city exuded warmth and love throughout. We managed to visit all major attractions, got lost a couple of times, but soon enough got the hang of finding our way around, on foot - through narrow cobblestone streets and boulevards as well as the metro. I even managed to take a picture with The Mona Lisa, like hordes of other tourists, in front of a security guard, much to my amazement. At dusk, we were at Champs Elysees, the most expensive street in the world, at the time. I visited some of the exclusive, designer show rooms there and walked out shortly afterwards, frightened by the prices. Someday, I thought!

Champs Elysees all lit up

We had dinner at one of the chic bistros there. As the menus were in French, we decided to stick to dishes that were easy to understand. Nevertheless, they turned out to be the complete opposite of what we thought we had ordered. Wine, jazz and Crème brûlée made up for it. There was an on going Christmas fair at the end of the street and the lit up Ferris wheel looked mighty inviting. We went up for a ride in that and got to witness stunning views of Paris at night, with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance. Soon enough, it was time for our late night Moulin Rouge show. Good seats, warm hospitality, a glass of bubbly, fabulous costumes and cabaret dance later, we headed back to the hotel.

X'mas Fair close to Champs Elysees

It was going to be midnight soon and I couldn't have asked for a better way to bring in my birthday. Until, of course, just by chance, the Eiffel Tower dazzled us by shining bright like diamonds exactly at midnight. We took pictures and dug into the best Black Forest pastry I have ever had, period. It was one of my best birthdays ever and the start to an even more exciting year, as I later found out.

My first rendezvous with Paris, the City of Light & Romance, left a lasting impression on me. It's like a passionate love affair which makes you keep coming back for more.

Paris is always a good idea - Audrey Hepburn

5 reasons to visit Prague

If you’re planning your next European holiday, Prague must feature on your To- Visit list. Here’s why:

1. It’s cheap – You can have the best of Czech culture, history and shopping without burning a hole in your pocket. It’s a beautiful city offering the very best of Romanesque & Gothic architecture, Czech beer & delicious food, lively nightlife and lovely cruises down the Vltava River. According to current rates, one US$ amounts to 22 Czech Koruna and one Indian Rupee amounts to 0.35 CZK. So, if you’re looking for a budgeted holiday to Europe, this is probably your best bet.

Palace  Cathedral

2. Gothic Architecture – Prague’s myriad of architectural styles wow you from the moment you set foot in the glorious city and completely blow your mind. The Gothic style architecture of the Palace Cathedral caught my attention, in particular. I remember standing in the middle of the Old Town Square for at least 10 minutes, taking a 360 degree view of all the beautiful, period buildings around me. The oldest working Astronomical Clock in the world, is a medieval delight, with 12 apostles passing by the window above the astronomical dial and with symbolic sculptures moving alongside.

View of the city from Petrin Gardens

3. Bohemian crystal – You can find gorgeous pieces of intricate, handmade Bohemian crystal decoration pieces in shops all over the city. The sheer variety and low prices will definitely give you a bang for your buck and memories galore. I picked up a pair of reasonably priced beautiful, hand painted, pink wine glasses and a couple of decoration pieces from a market on the outskirts of Prague. I absolutely treasure my pink wine glasses and wish I could’ve picked up more.

Prague at night

4. Nightlife – Prague offers something for everybody and is known for its vibrant nightlife. You can find everything from pub crawls to Mozart concerts to some of the best nightclubs here. Pubs and clubs are open till late, perfect for all the party animals out there. If you just want to have a relaxed evening with some good food, wine and music, there are a lot of jazz clubs to choose from. While I was there, I was lucky enough to encounter a live cultural show featuring the very best of Bohemian music, dance, Czech beer and street food. There are numerous events that are organized by Czech Tourism the year round, most of which are free to attend, so check the Events calendar and plan your trip accordingly.

5. Jewish Quarter – or Josefov, is a town quarter and a former Jewish ghetto in the middle of Prague. Steeped in history, going all the way back to the 12th century, you can learn a lot about the Jewish community and their strife. Six synagogues remain from this old settlement which includes the Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery - the most remarkable in Europe. If history is what you are after, a day trip to Terezin is well worth it, as can be seen in my previous post.

Don't listen to what they say. Go see. 

                                                Chinese Proverb

My visit to Terezin Concentration Camp

Some trips remain forever etched in memory, a trip to Terezin Concentration camp on the outskirts of Prague, Czech Republic was one such trip. I had always been curious about the Holocaust and wanted to learn firsthand about the mistreatment of Jewish people during that time. So, while planning my Euro trip itinerary, I made sure to have an extra day in Prague so that I could visit Terezin.

Terezín is a fortress built by the Enlightenment ruler Josef II and although, the building named after his mother Maria Theresa was supposed to be used for defense, it paradoxically became infamous first of all as a prison, and later during World War Two as a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp.

It was a cold and windy day. The sky was overcast, adding to the eerie environment. Right outside the entrance to the fortress, a gigantic Christian Cross and Star of David caught my eye. It was one of the largest cemeteries that I had ever seen. There were hundreds of graves with specs of red on them - poppy flowers were placed on each of the graves; mass graves as I later learnt. It was a melancholically beautiful sight. 

There were a handful of tourists around who soon disappeared. I started the tour of the former military base and fortified city, following the map that I had been provided with, at the entrance. I hadn't opted for one of the organized group tours from Prague as they were charging double the price and I was trying to spend the bare minimum, being on a shoestring budget. Seemed like everybody else was on a group tour!

I first went to the museum to learn more about Terezin and the atrocities that had been committed here. One of the walls was full of the names of the people who had died at the camp. I could not imagine a 7000 people facility being used to house up to 60,000 people! The cramped enclosures, unhygienic conditions, lack of food and basic amenities that they had to live in was appalling and disheartening, to say the least. And yet, they had spirit! This can be seen in the copious pieces of beautiful art, musical and theatrical works of the prisoners that have been well preserved.  

                             

I think we have much to learn from these prisoners. Sometimes, we find ourselves stuck in our own little prisons/ situations where we feel completely immobile. I think the key is to stay strong and keep working towards creating our own "masterpieces" without letting the outside environment get to us. 

            

          

I walked around the rest of the dilapidated fortress feeling overwhelmed. The howling wind and the desertedness of the streets put me on edge. Soon enough, I stumbled upon an antique store which was full of WW2 treasures. I came across beautiful bohemian cutlery, antique guns, old cameras, amongst lots of other interesting stuff. Unfortunately, I could not pick up much as I was in the middle of my backpacking trip through Europe and was unable to carry more stuff. I picked up a couple of WW2 love letters which are really close to my heart.

I completely lost track of time in the antique store and almost missed my bus back. I hurried to the bus stop and did not find the last bus standing there, as scheduled. I panicked and tried to find somebody who spoke English. The tourist office had shut and the handful of locals there only spoke Czech. I had no option but to wait. And hope. And pray. While I was trying to figure out how to get back to Prague, an elderly beggar with crooked, yellow teeth and grey, piercing eyes was slowly limping towards me with the help of a walking stick. 

Internally, I was freaking out but I put up a calm face for him. I tilted my head sideways, indicating that I would not be giving him anything. For a minute, he frowned, staring devilishly into my eyes. That's when I thought here goes my passport and all my money. Thankfully, he walked away, hitting the dustbin with his stick, out of frustration. Right after, my bus arrived.

Terezin was a good learning experience for me. Not only did I learn about the braveries of Jewish people but at the same time, that I am brave. 

“No man is brave that has never walked a hundred miles. If you want to know the truth of who you are, walk until not a person knows your name. Travel is the great leveler, the great teacher, bitter as medicine, crueler than mirror-glass. A long stretch of road will teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet.” - Patrick Rothfuss

Musings in Kasauli Part 2

Glistening dew, I think of you

Morning glory, days of fury

Silent Nights, warm July

Promises broken, words unspoken

Fragile ties, quick demise

Circle of life.

- Saachi Dhillon

I would be interested to know how you guys interpret this poem. Any thoughts?

The Simple Life

We are so busy in our everyday city lives that we often forget to stop and appreciate the little things in life. A trip to my ancestral village in Ganganagar, Rajasthan reminded me of just that. A weekend at the pind (village) gave me time to slow down, reflect and appreciate the simple things in life. 

Sri Ganganagar is the northern most city in the state of Rajasthan, right across from the Punjab border. The drive there takes you through the heart of Punjab, passing through numerous paddy fields, at this time of the year. 

We reached the village late at night.  It was pitch dark and deserted. Our caretaker flashed the torch at us, motioning where to enter the periphery of the farmhouse from. He opened the massive gate leading us into the house. Although I was visiting after ages, it seemed the same. As if time had stood still. 

After freshening up, we sat in front of the cooler in the courtyard. The manjas (beds) had been laid out for us right there, just like old times. The silence was daunting, at first. I could only hear crickets and a dog barking in the distance. It seemed like the entire village had already gone to sleep. It was only 10 p.m.! Having lived in cities all my life, I am so used to noise. One can hear cars honking, people talking, babies howling, TVs on high volume, amongst other things. And here, nothing. Silence. I could almost hear my thoughts. 

My father and I reminisced about the good old days over a couple of beers. I had requested our caretaker to make dal like my grandmother used to. It had been slow cooked in earthernware the whole day. It was simply delicious. I overate, to say the least. After a sumptuous meal, we were ready to hit the bed, under the stars. I lay down and gazed at hundreds of stars glistening like diamonds in the night sky. For the longest time, I just stared at the sky trying to spot a shooting star or two. 

Pigeon eggs

I was woken up by the sound of the rooster and chirping sparrows at dawn. Generally, I would be peeved if I had been woken up that early. Today, I woke up with a smile. One could hear a lot of hustle bustle taking place outside. All the workers were getting ready for their daily routine.  While everyone got ready for work, I lazed around drinking fresh cow's milk, taking in the sights and sounds of the village. I saw a bird's nest after what seemed like an eternity.

The Blue Door

By mid morning, it was sweltering hot. I stayed indoors, reading an old copy of Reader's Digest and later, took an afternoon nap - a small luxury I cannot indulge in anymore in my daily life. 

We went for a short drive through numerous fields to see the international border between India & Pakistan. On our way there, we saw village folk lounging around on manjas playing cards to pass time. Now that is a sight one doesn't see very often. We drove right up to the border, which is about 7 kms from our house. Basically, a barbed wire fence with check points at regular intervals. I was told that a lot of alcohol smuggling took place back in the day, as it was expensive in Pakistan. Bahawalpur, the 12th largest city in Pakistan is located on the other side of the border. I could see the glow of its city lights at night. 

On the way to the border

In the evening, we went for a walk around the farm. It was very humid and I sweating profusely in spite of being in a cotton suit. I saw a couple of Nilgais grazing in the orchard which quickly ran away upon seeing us. Apparently, they are quite a nuisance here as they damage a lot of crop. During pre - partition days, they used to cross over to now, Pakistan where they were eaten as a delicacy. Now, they have nowhere to go and have been multiplying over the years.

While trying to take a picture in the cotton fields, my foot got stuck in quicksand. I managed to stumble out and then rinsed off the mud in one of the nalas (small canals). As the sun began to set, we made our way back to the house. The sound of the satsang at the next door Gurdwara was soothing.

At bedtime, I lay down under the blanket of stars. As much as I enjoyed that, it was comforting to know that tomorrow night I will be in my own bed in an AC room. 

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart". – Confucius