Night Bus to Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj October 14-15, 2011

The night bus from Rishikesh left at 4 pm for the 14-16 hour trip, the time is not fixed, to McLeodganj on the western side of India, not far from the Pakistan border. I slipped into a seat that was so close to the one in front of me that my knees touched it.  As it made its way north, the monkeys from the thick forest on either side lined the road like beggars beside temple grounds.  The road wound its way up the mountain and as we approached Dehradun, monkeys gave way to vendors selling plastic blow-up toys and vegetables.  We picked up the last load of passengers there and started across the northern mountains toward our destination.  After making a stop for dinner at a roadside cafe, the lights dimmed and I attempted to sleep as the night air chilled and the now unecessary air conditioning was cut off.  I  will only say that it was a restless night without much sleep.

View from HH the Dalai Lama's Compound

The home of H.H. the Dalai Lama, lies on top of the mountain just north of Dharamsala in McLeodganj, the adjoining town.  For all intents and purposes, this is a Tibetan community.  There are approximately 7,000 of them in residence here, many of whom migrated from Tibet.  I saw on Tibet TV this morning that 2 monks 17 & 19 yrs. old had immolated in Tibet in an effort to bring to the attention of the world the conditions under which they live in Tibet - now a nun has done the same!  I will register tomorrow for the Dalai Lama's teachings that will take place next week.  I am so looking forward to it.




My $11. Room @ Hotel Mount View

 I now sit in a restaurant overlooking the main chowk (square) watching the many tourists from all corners of the world - young & old couples, backpackers, Indians, Chinese, Asians, Europeans and more.  There are a lot of people in town, locals and tourists alike.  It's cold when the sun goes down and in the upper 60's during the day, but I packed for the weather.  Did I mention there are no heaters in the hotel rooms?  You just have to take a hot shower mid-afternoon while it is warm enough!