Dharamasala

The 10 hour bumpy local bus ride here has been worth it. I am in McCleod Ganj (near Dharamasala) and the atmosphere here is quite buzzy and pleasant. There are predominanatly Tibetan people/monks (who are just LOVELY), here as a result of Tibetans in Exhile in I think it was 49' but haven't done my homework yet(will find out soon all history no doubt). Looked out for the Dalai Lama, but he is in the Czeque Repub. at mo, so don't think will bump into him unless he gets back before I leave! There are many street venders selling amazing jewellery, shops with gorgeous clothes I feel like I could spend all my money here (but then would have to come home early!). There are also so many things/courses you can spend your time doing here, meditation, yoga, massage, cookery, painting, trekking... Climate is milder than Manali which is a pleasant surprise. I have also been reuninted for a couple of days with Mayaan(the girl I spent 10 days in Parvatti Valley with) which has been such a pleasant surprise as we get on so well and also another really lovely gal called Aurora who I met in Vashisht. Its nice to see familiar faces! I am going to do a meditation on the 2nd in Tushita a bit further up from here for ten days, and am looking forward to it. You stay where it is held and follow a routine of getting up early, meditation, yoga and from having spoken to others who have done this retreat, its a great way to attain a sense of peace and mellow the mind chatter...