Days 1 and 2 of the Supposedly-EBC-Trek

Source: lag66
The airport scene yesterday was worse. People were already sleeping on the floor.

A few weeks ago in India, I met some people who were initially planning to go to Nepal, some to do the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek. But news on the bad weather in Lukla (take-off point for the trek) have lead them to just stay put in India.

Almost a week ago, during our first dinner (pork chop Pinoy-style!!) in Kathmandu, the wonderful crew there kept on wishing us 'Good luck!'. And on our supposedly last night in Kathmandu pre-trek, their goodbyes were replaced with 'Hope we don't see you tomorrow!'. Same as with the hotel owners and staff.

Varanasi is India's Love-Hate Relationship

Flower Candle in the Ganges River

‘They say that traveling through India is a love-hate relationship. Dharamsala, Amritsar, and Agra were more love than hate. But here in Varanasi, it surely feels like love-hate. As much as I'd rather stay in the whole day. The ghats, the curious stares, the bathing people, the cows, the river - seem to be calling out to me to go out and take a walk again this afternoon. India! :)’ 

Remember when I said that I feel so at home in India? Well, it’s probably because I’ve never been to Varanasi! 

Varanasi : Life and Death

Today I walk alone with a goal to go the other end of the Varanasi river side. I passed by another burning ceremony. I didn't stay long not as much as yesterday. And just a few meters from it, I found a relatively deserted and peaceful place.

I bring out my book and my notebook. And I start writing about what I've been feeling ever since I saw the burning ceremony yesterday.

Four Weeks into the Big Trip and Feeling ‘At Home'

The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

Nearing a month into the Big Trip now. We went to see the Fatehpur Sikri yesterday, a one-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Agra.

While in the bus I somehow felt ‘at home’.

Romantic Taj Mahal Working Its Magic

It was around quarter to nine in the morning. The Taj Mahal is packed with tourists. I couldn’t capture its beauty the way I wanted to since it was still foggy, and it looked like it wasn’t going to improve any time soon. I still have more than an hour left before I meet my friend outside the complex. I decided to find a bench where I can sit down and just appreciate its beauty. I always try to sit down in a place, church, temple, or mosque I go into, and not just take photos. I believe that all these grand and sacred structures deserve to be appreciated and respected.

Travel Love (Photo) : Heart Balloons

There’s poverty almost everywhere in India, but there’s also life. You see so many homeless people and street children. But for some weird and unexplainable reason, they seem contented. I initially thought of relating it to their religion or their culture. But I see no point in such, even in pity.

Dharamsala : A Spontaneous Afternoon Up in the Mountains

It was our last day in Dharamsala before heading down to Amritsar for Diwali. I was supposed to go paragliding since it was so cheap at only INR 2500 for 30-45 minutes. However, the cost did not yet include the roundtrip taxi ride which will cost me another INR 1800. Which made the whole activity quite expensive. So I decided to do some easy hiking/trekking. Eventually I was able to convince my friend to join me.

The plan was to see the sacred Dal Lake and the Tibetan Naddi Village. That was the initial plan. But when you do something spontaneous - wonderful and amazing surprises come along your way.

Dharamsala : Humbled by the Tibetans in Exile

I've only been in Dharamsala for less than a day. Given that this was just a spontaneous and accidental trip, I really wasn't that familiar with the place. I had completely forgotten that its population is partially composed of Tibetans in exile, and is the home of the Dalai Lama. And after hearing their story and witnessing their warmth, strength, and peacefulness, it pains me. And I found myself crying. It pains me that they can't live in their own country. A simple no-need-to-elaborate- reason.