My big steel toed boots up against the metal barrier holding my legs in place, as I’m curled up against my seat of the bus. The curse of being taller than the average indian is certainly felt on its transportation systems. As we arrive in Kangra, I’ve spent five hours half kept half awake due to freezing breeze let in by self opening window next to me. I’m woken up and having to close it every five minutes. Yet, when we finally arrive early Saturday morning in our Himachal destination, I’m very happy to be in one of India’s most mountainous states, to celebrate Diwali, festival of light, celebration of good over evil.
On top of the normality’s beginning on the Monday school week, children and teachers alike were buzzing with excitement for the following week of holiday. Translate no school! The campus is rife with gossip. As such, before I could whisper my plans for the following week to too many people, many of the teachers already knew. Students and teachers alike were asking me why I choose to go with certain teachers and not to this place or other. Nonetheless I ignored most of the chatter and made sure to focus on finishing the school week well. I ready to say it was a success.
After catching some rest in a home among the rice fields near Kangra, I went with Munesh and his family on a hike to a lonesome and very peaceful temple. For the first time in India I found a temple devoid of people without negligence in its care. Among the forests on the hilltop, it felt like a very serene and natural setting. It also offered limitless photo potential.
After a relaxed night and good rest, this morning we took off to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj for the waterfalls and the markets. While in India I’ve been drinking a ridiculous amount of chai, mostly because of its ready availability. Even after a couple kilometers hike to the waterfall, a number of small tea shops were waiting to serve.
Tonight we celebrated Diwali properly at the home, full of prayers to the gods, lighting candles and oil lamps made from clay, and of course, loads of firecrackers! Unlike California, here it is still allowed to go completely wild and buy as many fireworks and noise makers as you want. These activities were followed by a delicious dinner and drinks. Another fine week behind the back, and tomorrow I have another exciting occasion: my first Indian marriage. I’ll be taking photos! This coming week will be a very exciting one as my journey continues!
