The bus strained, the air thinned, the clouds parted and we arrived in McLeod Ganj...


Since our last update we have been seemingly on the move for weeks, overnighting it again on the train from Varanassi to Agra (Taj Mahal) and then again on to Amritsar (Golden Temple). There was the mysterious exploding beer glass in Agra, we found some great food in Amritsar and I got to try out a turban again.

Leaving Amritsar, we headed up into the hills, first by train, then by bus into Dharmlasala, and up into the little town of McLeod Ganj. 'Little Lhasa', as it's known to it's friends, has the feel of a relaxed little city due to the mix of people from Tibet, northern India, and of course backpackerville. (This place is home to His Holyness the Dalai Lama and many other Tibettans.)

Unfortunately, we arrived the day His Holyness left for Mumbai, so there's no chance of an audience. Regardless, this place is a gem - the views are stunning, the air invigorating (so clean, fresh, and cool!), and the food tasty and filling. There's even an Internet cafe that will let me use my laptop!

All in, we're having a great time winding down from the stresses of travelling from city to city, recharging the batteries for the next challenge; Rajastan!

The plan is Train on Mon 17th from Panthankot to Jodhpur.

In the meantime, we've finally sorted our flight home:
1st November!
This gives us time for a week in Goa, and enough time before Chrimbo for me to find our new floating home!!

Final piccies from Thailand are now uploaded, and everything we've done so far in India (minus picture titles as yet).

Taraa for now,
P