I would like to elaborate on the differences in the lifestyles that i saw here and the lifestyle I had in India.
In India, we never said Hi or Hello to a person unless we knew or had any work to be done with him/her.
Here U say a hi or Hello to every stranger. The first thing that struck me was why should we do so.
I have seen some people who smile at u and say "hi.. how ru doing?" A nice response from a stranger. Am glad. I respond in an equally good way. But there are some who just smile for the sake of it and make their faces grin as they pass by. If you do so, you have to do it from your heart. Otherwise there is no need of a smile.
Dress sense:
The people here have good dressing sense. Not that people in India did not have.
The priority level is high here. But for us, it is definitely not high.
They are well groomed. We may not reach their standards.
Even men here are more beauty conscious. They visit parlours regularly than women :)
They spend more time and money on external appearance.
We spend more time on internal appearance and beauty.
We are rich by heart and poor in terms of money.
I sometimes feel that people here do not have quality time with family. Is earning only goal of human life?
Do we have to sacrifice family and relationships to earn? No. not at all!
Relationships are nurtured with love and affection which comes naturally with time.
If we do not provide the required time, it just decays.
They eat for the sake of eating. Not because they are hungry. They have forgotten all basic instincts of life. Such an artificial life!!
Oh my God!!! I have discovered so many truths of life..
My excavation for the hidden truth continues and I will definitely put my thoughts across in my future blogs.
Keep reading :)
There are some people who are just carried away by the pleasures available here. They no more value the relationships. God alone can save them!!
Saturday 29 September, 2007
Roads in america
wow!! what a system here man!!
This blog is for someone who has not seen america.
The roads are so well structured. I was happy to see the HebbalFlyover in Bangalore. But come and look at the roads and the traffic system here. There are thousands of such flyovers here.
Awesome. I just loved it. Signals are automated like in Bangalore.
Everyone follows lane rules. There is a separate lane for carpools on freeways. Freeways are nothing but the highways.
Pedestrians are given atmost priority.
There are signals for pedestrians too. To cross a road, a pedestrian would press a button in the desired direction. The traffic would be stopped. Even if the pedestrian has not crossed the road in the stipulated time, any vehicle will wait till the pedestrian crosses the road.
The laws here are very strict. We also have laws. The fact remains that most of them are not brought into practice. They remain in papers.
Most of the systems here are automated. This is the advantage of being a forward nation.
They have radar systems to detect violators. The fine levied is also a huge amount.
The advantage of making systems automated is that the processing gets quicker. But the disadvantage of it is there is no human interaction.
This blog is for someone who has not seen america.
The roads are so well structured. I was happy to see the HebbalFlyover in Bangalore. But come and look at the roads and the traffic system here. There are thousands of such flyovers here.
Awesome. I just loved it. Signals are automated like in Bangalore.
Everyone follows lane rules. There is a separate lane for carpools on freeways. Freeways are nothing but the highways.
Pedestrians are given atmost priority.
There are signals for pedestrians too. To cross a road, a pedestrian would press a button in the desired direction. The traffic would be stopped. Even if the pedestrian has not crossed the road in the stipulated time, any vehicle will wait till the pedestrian crosses the road.
The laws here are very strict. We also have laws. The fact remains that most of them are not brought into practice. They remain in papers.
Most of the systems here are automated. This is the advantage of being a forward nation.
They have radar systems to detect violators. The fine levied is also a huge amount.
The advantage of making systems automated is that the processing gets quicker. But the disadvantage of it is there is no human interaction.
A word to the Indians in foreign countries
I had been reading in text books in schools about our country being diverse. Unity in diversity et all. Then I thought ''what a bull shit man!!''
Now i realise the value of it. You will realise your country's value if you come to america.
Indeed I am still learning comparing the two cultures and lifestyles.
I just want to tell one truth to everyone about what I have seen here.
We Indians cross all barriers and adjust to everything. We adapt to an entirely different culture.
It is essential that we do this in order to manage oursleves in a different environment.
But while doing so, we are forgetting ourselves. Aren't we?
Do we still recognise ourselves as Indians? Do we have something left in ourselves to teach our future generations atleast what our parents and grand parents taught.
From the people who have settled here and raised their children, i noticed that they have not taught their children to respect their own culture and language.
Treat everyone equally. This was another non sense line I felt in our text books. But I realise that it has so much value here. The Indian origin children think they are inferior if they speak Indian language or if they speak in Indian accent. I was shocked to observe this difference. I was seriously hurt. Shattered!!! Took me sometime to recover from this shock.
I must say, Indian languages are pronounced in much better way than american or spanish or mexican. We speak so clearly. The purpose of language is to communicate. The clear u r the better u communicate. So what is the need of accent in your native language or mother tongue?
I had been to a Punjabi wedding here and I noticed that the people spoke too good desi punjabi. Even the children born and raised here. I appreciate that. But when it comes to english the scenario is totally different. English with full accent!!!
Whereas I have also seen some of my own country men with reverse scenario. They speak their native language with full of accent. Non sense!! rubbish!! What not!!
When u have been taught to pronounce the words clearly and when u have been doing it, y do u need to pronounce in a way that makes someone interpret in a different way? just for the sake of being stylish? I do not know!!!
Anyways my final word is that we are nothing less than anyone else. Have that faith in yourself and present youself as a true Indian. Teach and tell others about our country. I am sure nobody would deject you or treat you inferior if you have this self confidence.
Love your nation and feel proud of it..
Now i realise the value of it. You will realise your country's value if you come to america.
Indeed I am still learning comparing the two cultures and lifestyles.
I just want to tell one truth to everyone about what I have seen here.
We Indians cross all barriers and adjust to everything. We adapt to an entirely different culture.
It is essential that we do this in order to manage oursleves in a different environment.
But while doing so, we are forgetting ourselves. Aren't we?
Do we still recognise ourselves as Indians? Do we have something left in ourselves to teach our future generations atleast what our parents and grand parents taught.
From the people who have settled here and raised their children, i noticed that they have not taught their children to respect their own culture and language.
Treat everyone equally. This was another non sense line I felt in our text books. But I realise that it has so much value here. The Indian origin children think they are inferior if they speak Indian language or if they speak in Indian accent. I was shocked to observe this difference. I was seriously hurt. Shattered!!! Took me sometime to recover from this shock.
I must say, Indian languages are pronounced in much better way than american or spanish or mexican. We speak so clearly. The purpose of language is to communicate. The clear u r the better u communicate. So what is the need of accent in your native language or mother tongue?
I had been to a Punjabi wedding here and I noticed that the people spoke too good desi punjabi. Even the children born and raised here. I appreciate that. But when it comes to english the scenario is totally different. English with full accent!!!
Whereas I have also seen some of my own country men with reverse scenario. They speak their native language with full of accent. Non sense!! rubbish!! What not!!
When u have been taught to pronounce the words clearly and when u have been doing it, y do u need to pronounce in a way that makes someone interpret in a different way? just for the sake of being stylish? I do not know!!!
Anyways my final word is that we are nothing less than anyone else. Have that faith in yourself and present youself as a true Indian. Teach and tell others about our country. I am sure nobody would deject you or treat you inferior if you have this self confidence.
Love your nation and feel proud of it..
Sunday 23 September, 2007
Long beach - Queen mary
hmm.. what a fantastic cruise.. ohh man!! I am blessed to see that.. This is what i felt after seeing the ship. U get to see the pics if u search in google. But the actual experience of walking on the wood floor is a splendid one..
If u get to the deck, the view is so niceeeeeeee.... i have no words to explain that. Such a tranquil sea on the sides. Hot afternoon. But u still feel the cool breeze. The sun here doesn't tan anyone I guess. Atleast I have not become dark in spite of walking so much here in the hot sun.
The Queen Mary is no more a cruise. It is just anchored. Its for visitors. Of course the access is restricted. The Ship has a lobby, main hotel and sub hotels. The main hotel is too vast. The music system is ultimate. The beats u get to listen is awesome. People dance so lively in the hotel dance floor.
The view on the other side of the ship towards the land is not so good. The water has too much of algae all around. The water is so greenish. The seashore is not even full of sand. The sand is probably removed and the sea shore is also full of concrete. In our country, we see so huge waves approaching us. The Pacific ocean is truely calm. Not like the Indian ocean or Bay of Bengal.
If u get to the deck, the view is so niceeeeeeee.... i have no words to explain that. Such a tranquil sea on the sides. Hot afternoon. But u still feel the cool breeze. The sun here doesn't tan anyone I guess. Atleast I have not become dark in spite of walking so much here in the hot sun.
The Queen Mary is no more a cruise. It is just anchored. Its for visitors. Of course the access is restricted. The Ship has a lobby, main hotel and sub hotels. The main hotel is too vast. The music system is ultimate. The beats u get to listen is awesome. People dance so lively in the hotel dance floor.
The view on the other side of the ship towards the land is not so good. The water has too much of algae all around. The water is so greenish. The seashore is not even full of sand. The sand is probably removed and the sea shore is also full of concrete. In our country, we see so huge waves approaching us. The Pacific ocean is truely calm. Not like the Indian ocean or Bay of Bengal.
In California..
Hmm.. how do I start off.. what shall i start off with?
Well.. here it goes. my first experiences in San dimas, California..
I landed here at in the noon on a hot sunday afternoon in the Los Angeles airport.
My colleagues were supposed to pick me up from the airport and drop me to the hotel i had booked. I had taken the route map from google maps to the hotel from the airport.
I must thank all my colleagues and my manager who had given me so much of information about the place i will be going to and how it is going to be et all..
I must say i was all prepared..
But i did not get to see my colleagues face in the airport after i came to the exit.
So i took 1 dollar notes from the exchange counter and took coins from the vending machine..
I called up my colleagues number.. Unfortunately, he did not pick. Then I called up my other colleague's home. Got to know tht he had already left. Thinking about what I should do if I do not find them there, I came almost to the exit door and found them. I was happy that I located them.
Then we got into a taxi and went to the hotel with the route map.
They asked me if i need something to eat then. I thanked them and said I had carried enough from home when i left.
Whats this?? I have nt told anything about my first impressions abt the place..
Ahhh!!! It was like Chennai. So hot and humid. To add to my woe, i had even worn a jacket.. black jacket !!! god!! save me.. As i sat in taxi, this place reminded me abt my Visa interview experience in Chennai. Los angeles was nothing less than Chennai.
The place i lived was peaceful enough. A nice cosy hotel. It has all amenities. In a single room we get to cook as well. It was a well furnished one.
Well.. here it goes. my first experiences in San dimas, California..
I landed here at in the noon on a hot sunday afternoon in the Los Angeles airport.
My colleagues were supposed to pick me up from the airport and drop me to the hotel i had booked. I had taken the route map from google maps to the hotel from the airport.
I must thank all my colleagues and my manager who had given me so much of information about the place i will be going to and how it is going to be et all..
I must say i was all prepared..
But i did not get to see my colleagues face in the airport after i came to the exit.
So i took 1 dollar notes from the exchange counter and took coins from the vending machine..
I called up my colleagues number.. Unfortunately, he did not pick. Then I called up my other colleague's home. Got to know tht he had already left. Thinking about what I should do if I do not find them there, I came almost to the exit door and found them. I was happy that I located them.
Then we got into a taxi and went to the hotel with the route map.
They asked me if i need something to eat then. I thanked them and said I had carried enough from home when i left.
Whats this?? I have nt told anything about my first impressions abt the place..
Ahhh!!! It was like Chennai. So hot and humid. To add to my woe, i had even worn a jacket.. black jacket !!! god!! save me.. As i sat in taxi, this place reminded me abt my Visa interview experience in Chennai. Los angeles was nothing less than Chennai.
The place i lived was peaceful enough. A nice cosy hotel. It has all amenities. In a single room we get to cook as well. It was a well furnished one.
Here starts my agony in the evening when i turn on my lappie. the power chord is incompatible with the plug point in america. Only american channels in the tv. did nt feel like watching. So what do I do. nothing eat and sleep.. that day i did only this. Next morn, I checked with the front desk(thats what they call hotel reception as) if any store opens at 6am and if i could get toothpaste. I had got only one big toothpaste from India and the checking authority in Singapore threw it away saying its nt allowed. It was allowed when i checked in India. :(
I got ready and left at 7:30 to venture in the closeby places. Found a mall that was abt a km away. I paid 3$ for the paste. felt so bad.. I am spending so much... :( :( :( But California is an expensive state. No other go. More taxes to add to this :(
All the while from the time i set my foot there, I started feeling am alone in this country though my colleagues had come to pick up.
Next day i went to Office. Felt a little ok after seeing some Indian faces.
Next search was for a power chord or pin converter as i had to use my lap top and take internet connection in hotel. There was a radio shack store nearby. Had wandered in front of radio shock so many times. But did nt knw that we get it there. Asked for it in ralphs( super mall where u get almost everything at discounted prices). They guided me to Office assistant which was closeby. They then guided me to radio shack store. Here i had to opt for a power cable or pin converter. Unfortunately, pin converter was more costlier than the chord. So i bought the chord.
So guys beware.. If you r travelling with your lap top, make sure u take the compatible power chord. A lesson learnt. :) :)
My flight to Los Angeles
This was my itenary.
Bangalore - Singapore Departure 11:30 pm. Arrival 6:30 am
Singapore - Tokyo Departure 9:45 am Arrival 5:30pm
Tokyo - Los Angeles Departure 6:30 pm Arrival 12:20 pm
All departure and arrival times are local times.
Tokyo was not mentioned in the itenary. Was surprised when there was an additional stop.
The total journey time was about 20 hrs. I felt we were travelling against the time. U cross a day and a night but still the total time is 20 hrs. U reach a place which is behind u by almost half a day. U leave on sep 1st night and u reach there on sep 2nd noon. Strange.. Isn't it. but thats how it is. All dependent on rotation of earth and time at various places.
This was my first international flight experience. Singapore airlines. It is a First class flight. The service is too good. I liked it. But they feed u so much that you will definitely skip one time meal. So much of variety of drinks like juices(variety of juices again), coffee, tea, coke, wine, whisky, soda, iced tea etc...
What i did not like is you have to get down in every stop and check in again. I did not understand why the customers will be troubled like this. It is the same flight they will have to check in again everytime but from a different platform. May be they want to clean the flight.
The flight has a screen in front of every seat. They have programmed their systems so well that you can either select audio, video or games. In audio, u can listen to music or even radio stations. Each station plays a predefined list of songs. In video too u have a list of channels programmed to telecast movies in 5 languages - English, Chinese, Japanese, Tamil and Hindi.
I watched cheeni kum movie for about 2 hrs. As I was excited about my first travel, I did not get sleep for that much time. It was a late night flight. Later for the rest of the flight time, I slept. So much of sleep. hehehe.. do not call me Kumbakarna's sis. They used to wake me up to serve food. I donno how.. but I used to be hungry by the time they served the food. When I was in Bangalore, I must say i hardly used to eat there. But i used to sleep a lot there too. people used to envy me for this habbit of mine. I get nice sleep irrespective of the place I am in.
hmm.. reached Los angeles on time.. The runway in los Angeles is too long. Ohh man.. so long.. compared to Bangalore, Singapore and Tokyo airport run ways.
Finally i got out of the flight after 20 long hours of journey. kinda happy that i reached.
Bangalore - Singapore Departure 11:30 pm. Arrival 6:30 am
Singapore - Tokyo Departure 9:45 am Arrival 5:30pm
Tokyo - Los Angeles Departure 6:30 pm Arrival 12:20 pm
All departure and arrival times are local times.
Tokyo was not mentioned in the itenary. Was surprised when there was an additional stop.
The total journey time was about 20 hrs. I felt we were travelling against the time. U cross a day and a night but still the total time is 20 hrs. U reach a place which is behind u by almost half a day. U leave on sep 1st night and u reach there on sep 2nd noon. Strange.. Isn't it. but thats how it is. All dependent on rotation of earth and time at various places.
This was my first international flight experience. Singapore airlines. It is a First class flight. The service is too good. I liked it. But they feed u so much that you will definitely skip one time meal. So much of variety of drinks like juices(variety of juices again), coffee, tea, coke, wine, whisky, soda, iced tea etc...
What i did not like is you have to get down in every stop and check in again. I did not understand why the customers will be troubled like this. It is the same flight they will have to check in again everytime but from a different platform. May be they want to clean the flight.
The flight has a screen in front of every seat. They have programmed their systems so well that you can either select audio, video or games. In audio, u can listen to music or even radio stations. Each station plays a predefined list of songs. In video too u have a list of channels programmed to telecast movies in 5 languages - English, Chinese, Japanese, Tamil and Hindi.
I watched cheeni kum movie for about 2 hrs. As I was excited about my first travel, I did not get sleep for that much time. It was a late night flight. Later for the rest of the flight time, I slept. So much of sleep. hehehe.. do not call me Kumbakarna's sis. They used to wake me up to serve food. I donno how.. but I used to be hungry by the time they served the food. When I was in Bangalore, I must say i hardly used to eat there. But i used to sleep a lot there too. people used to envy me for this habbit of mine. I get nice sleep irrespective of the place I am in.
hmm.. reached Los angeles on time.. The runway in los Angeles is too long. Ohh man.. so long.. compared to Bangalore, Singapore and Tokyo airport run ways.
Finally i got out of the flight after 20 long hours of journey. kinda happy that i reached.
Delhi
We reached Delhi in the wee hours. Same ISBT. We had already booked a room in Delhi via shubha’s neighbour. SBI Guest house which was in Ramnagar. We got into 2 prepaid autos and searched that place. Luckily we could locate that place soon with the help of that Guest house keeper. We all went in and rested. There was only a double cot. I slept sitting on the chair while rest of them adjusted on the cot. First we wanted to go to saravana Bhavan in Karol Bagh and have some good food. But there was no Saravana Bhavan there. So went to another local hotel. Yummy food man!!!!!
Had food and then i thought I would buy something big. Didn’t do much of shopping I should say. Shubha bought some jewellery for her cousins. Pradeep bargained for her J. She also bought some pillow covers. Am not very sure. Suma bought entire set of pillows and covers. I only got 2 dress materials one for my sis and the other for me.
We finished shopping and Delhi was too hot for us. We drank soda, had kulfis and still hot and thirst was unbearable. The mango kulfi we had consisted of literal mango pieces. Was a tasty one. Then we left Karol Bagh by local electric train and came to Ramakrishna Ashram stop. Got down and walked from there to the lodge. Guess it was about a 3km walk in the hot climate. Exhausted, all of us slept again for a while. On our way back we had got water melon in HOPCOMS. Cut it in the evening and had it along with finger chips and chai. It was 6:15pm. That time we decided to go to Shoot Out at Lokhandwala movie at 6:30 show. Suma didn’t want to come. She was adamant on staying in hotel while we pushed her off with us. Theater name was Shobha which is said to be the oldest theatres in old delhi. We were skeptical about getting tickets. Luckily we got tickets. Then Pradeep got some coke and corn. We all went in and the movie started. Actually we had thought of going to PVR in Delhi. But it was late and decided to go to the close by theater. We watched the movie and came out of the theater at 9:45. None of us were hungry after the heavy meals and evening snacks. We went to the juice center on the way and had juice. I had mango juice which was very yummy. Then we went to the room and slept. We woke up at 9 next morning and ordered our breakfast. I took sandwich. Even suma ordered the same. Pradeep and Raj ordered Sandwich and omlet each. Shubha ordered another sandwich after her bath. All of us ate and got ready. We checked out at 10:30 and left to airport in a taxi. We reached airport by 11:30. Our flight was scheduled at 1:30. we had 2 hours of time. We were chatting for sometime and then decided that we would go through all the checks and rest inside as the hot climate was unbearable. We went inside and found to our surprise that we had to pay to get into the rest rooms. Then we got all our baggage tagged and waited for our flight boarding. That day flight was delayed by an hour. Then we got into flight and had some special sandwich in the flight along with juice. We reached Bangalore in the evening at 6:30. All of us except Suma whose dad had come to pick her took a taxi and they all dropped me and left.
The rest of the group landed in Bangalore airport after a week.
A long dream, to trek the Himalayas and experience the so called heaven on earth was all over. We had got more than what we expected of it. It will remain in all our memories that we set foot on the Himalayas and did try to conquer it.
Long live the Himalayas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Had food and then i thought I would buy something big. Didn’t do much of shopping I should say. Shubha bought some jewellery for her cousins. Pradeep bargained for her J. She also bought some pillow covers. Am not very sure. Suma bought entire set of pillows and covers. I only got 2 dress materials one for my sis and the other for me.
We finished shopping and Delhi was too hot for us. We drank soda, had kulfis and still hot and thirst was unbearable. The mango kulfi we had consisted of literal mango pieces. Was a tasty one. Then we left Karol Bagh by local electric train and came to Ramakrishna Ashram stop. Got down and walked from there to the lodge. Guess it was about a 3km walk in the hot climate. Exhausted, all of us slept again for a while. On our way back we had got water melon in HOPCOMS. Cut it in the evening and had it along with finger chips and chai. It was 6:15pm. That time we decided to go to Shoot Out at Lokhandwala movie at 6:30 show. Suma didn’t want to come. She was adamant on staying in hotel while we pushed her off with us. Theater name was Shobha which is said to be the oldest theatres in old delhi. We were skeptical about getting tickets. Luckily we got tickets. Then Pradeep got some coke and corn. We all went in and the movie started. Actually we had thought of going to PVR in Delhi. But it was late and decided to go to the close by theater. We watched the movie and came out of the theater at 9:45. None of us were hungry after the heavy meals and evening snacks. We went to the juice center on the way and had juice. I had mango juice which was very yummy. Then we went to the room and slept. We woke up at 9 next morning and ordered our breakfast. I took sandwich. Even suma ordered the same. Pradeep and Raj ordered Sandwich and omlet each. Shubha ordered another sandwich after her bath. All of us ate and got ready. We checked out at 10:30 and left to airport in a taxi. We reached airport by 11:30. Our flight was scheduled at 1:30. we had 2 hours of time. We were chatting for sometime and then decided that we would go through all the checks and rest inside as the hot climate was unbearable. We went inside and found to our surprise that we had to pay to get into the rest rooms. Then we got all our baggage tagged and waited for our flight boarding. That day flight was delayed by an hour. Then we got into flight and had some special sandwich in the flight along with juice. We reached Bangalore in the evening at 6:30. All of us except Suma whose dad had come to pick her took a taxi and they all dropped me and left.
The rest of the group landed in Bangalore airport after a week.
A long dream, to trek the Himalayas and experience the so called heaven on earth was all over. We had got more than what we expected of it. It will remain in all our memories that we set foot on the Himalayas and did try to conquer it.
Long live the Himalayas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rafting in the Ganges, Hrishikesh
We just got up, had tea and breakfast. Took clothes in a polythene and went to rafting. We took an auto to reach the rafting office. All of us could fit into a single auto. The autos were huge unlike Bangalore autos. Reported there and signed a form. It was 12 by the time we started our rafting. We were given instructions from Bhim Singh. Vikram was instructing another group of our friends. We were given life jackets and helmets. Pradeep and another guy (Not from our group) were the front roarers. The roarers in the front should be strong enough. I was in the middle. Shubha was behind me. Behind her was our instructor Bhim singh. We were rowing for sometime and then were given rest for a min in between. It was an exhilarating experience. That was a 27kn rafting stretch. Midway we halted in an island for break. We were supplied coke, yummy Lays chips. We ate stomach full. Then reached a point where we could jump from a cliff. Pradeep and Raj jumped twice. Suma wanted Pradeep to accompany her. She was scared. So she wanted him to jump with her. The first time they tried, only Pradeep jumped J She wanted him to hold her hand when they jumped. Pradeep just counted 1 2 3 and jumped. She was held back J. Next time they jumped together. The moment she was in water,s he got panic. Her helmet was away. Pradeep was progressing to get the helmet. She was lost. She was just pulling him towards her. He was resisting telling her he would get her helmet. She did not realize he was telling her something. She continued pulling him. Then he left her hand, swam towards the helmet and got it. We had Manju’s cam to capture the photos. Manju was also scared. He didn’t try though he had climbed the cliff. Priya, Vishy, Me, Shubha and chandra didn’t try at all. We were just afraid that we didn’t know swimming. Shubha was chanting some mantras and taking dip in the ganges. The water here was not clear. It was greenish in colour. Filled with algae. There was a stream by the side of the cliff where she filled a bottle of ganges to take home the holy water. Then we all rowed till Lakshman jhula. Vehicle was ready by then. We lifted the boat, removed all the air in it. Packed the life jackets for them and left to the office. We could serve ourselves coffee/tea in the office. We were also allowed to browse for a while. Here is where Chandra had a chat with gilli. He broadcasted the news on our behalf J
We all browsed for a while while Priya and Vishy were enquiring about accommodation from their Club Mahindra membership benefits if they have any. They had plans of going to Jim Corbett National Park. Then we all went to a nearby Gujarathi hotel and had food. It was 6pm by the time we left that place and went to our lodge. We rested for a while.
We were departing from there. Our group had split. Chandra, Manju, Priya and Vishy were going to National Park. Then they had planned to meet the other group which we heard had also returned as the snow fall was heavy and the weather had worsened. Suma and Raj had got home sick. They wanted to travel home ASAP. Me and Pradeep were ok with anything. We thought of going along with these home sick people J As always(Most of the times) Shu never decides. She abides by Pradeep’s decision when she is along with him.. He is her Balagai banta.
On our way to Uttarkashi, we had preponed our flights. Pradeep had called up the customer care and done this job for us. Raj and suma were desperate to get home. They were dreaming of resting and eating at home. They were sick of aaloo like everyone else. But a little more than us.
We went out to have chat and book the bus tickets. Pradeep was taking us telling its close. Priya then left hopes and said she will go back and take rest. Only me, Suma, Pradeep and Shubha went n had chat. We didn’t book the tickets as it was costly. Then we thought of going by Uttaranchal Transport Corporation and came back to room by 9 and left by 9:30 waving off to our dear friends Chandra, Vishy, Priya and Manju. We got a 10:30 pm Bus to Delhi. That was a normal bus. We wanted to get into Deluxe or semi Deluxe bus. Didn’t have any at that time.
We all browsed for a while while Priya and Vishy were enquiring about accommodation from their Club Mahindra membership benefits if they have any. They had plans of going to Jim Corbett National Park. Then we all went to a nearby Gujarathi hotel and had food. It was 6pm by the time we left that place and went to our lodge. We rested for a while.
We were departing from there. Our group had split. Chandra, Manju, Priya and Vishy were going to National Park. Then they had planned to meet the other group which we heard had also returned as the snow fall was heavy and the weather had worsened. Suma and Raj had got home sick. They wanted to travel home ASAP. Me and Pradeep were ok with anything. We thought of going along with these home sick people J As always(Most of the times) Shu never decides. She abides by Pradeep’s decision when she is along with him.. He is her Balagai banta.
On our way to Uttarkashi, we had preponed our flights. Pradeep had called up the customer care and done this job for us. Raj and suma were desperate to get home. They were dreaming of resting and eating at home. They were sick of aaloo like everyone else. But a little more than us.
We went out to have chat and book the bus tickets. Pradeep was taking us telling its close. Priya then left hopes and said she will go back and take rest. Only me, Suma, Pradeep and Shubha went n had chat. We didn’t book the tickets as it was costly. Then we thought of going by Uttaranchal Transport Corporation and came back to room by 9 and left by 9:30 waving off to our dear friends Chandra, Vishy, Priya and Manju. We got a 10:30 pm Bus to Delhi. That was a normal bus. We wanted to get into Deluxe or semi Deluxe bus. Didn’t have any at that time.
Back in Uttarkashi
We reached Uttarkashi at 10pm. Late In the night. Chandra, Manju and Raj went in search of a lodge. Rest of us unloaded the luggage. This is when we didn’t check properly and I lost my sleeping bag. Realised it a little later. We were in front of Bhandari Lodge waiting to hear from those who had set out in search of rooms. Didn’t get accommodation in Bhandari lodge the one in which we had stayed earlier. Couldn’t get a single lodge for all of us. Got in separate ones which were close by. We got a big room in one lodge with 6 beds in Lodge Amba and 3 beds in other lodge. Raj, Manju and Chandra stayed in the other one. We dropped our luggage and went out for dinner. Had dinner and came back to sleep. Jus then when we reached the lodge suma was pestering me for her things. Actually I had packed her things. She didn know where I had kept her things. I got angry and jus slept off. Didn’t utter a word and did not even turn. Pradeep was teasing me. Shu asked Pradeep for her things as he had packed hers. He was saying “naanu ninge enu kodalla hogo lo” expecting me to laugh and calm down. I did laugh to myself but did not reveal it to anyone. Next morning, we had planned differently.
Early morning we heard prayers enchanted loudly in the temple. There were speakers on the street. Lodge was close to the temple. Shu got up early and had gone out to balcony. She was reciting hanuman challis. I heard all that. Surprised Shu??
After we all got ready, I heard from suma that she had borrowed some things from shu as she was not able to search her things. In the morning, I gave her things. We re arranged our luggage as I got my bag back from Chandra.
We left to Hrishikesh from there by about 4pm. All except Shubha had got up late and so late in getting ready. We had lunch at once and the time was 3pm. Booked a vehicle. Met our porters near Bhandari Lodge. They had also landed there the previous night. Our sleeping bags and some luggage were with them. Returned the rucksack and sleeping bag which we had rented for Shubha. Thanked all the porters formally J Reached Hrishikesh again in the night. We paid the driver thousand bucks in excess. Didn’t know that Vishy had paid for the diesel en route. Only Vishy and Pradeep knew L We got into a yatrinivas lodge. It was spacious. Big one with 10 beds. Enough for us. All of them except me went out to have food. Some didn have anything. Came back and ordered in the lodge. I ordered a sweet Lassi. We had food and slept.
Next morning that is the 28th of May we went for rafting in Hrishikesh.
Early morning we heard prayers enchanted loudly in the temple. There were speakers on the street. Lodge was close to the temple. Shu got up early and had gone out to balcony. She was reciting hanuman challis. I heard all that. Surprised Shu??
After we all got ready, I heard from suma that she had borrowed some things from shu as she was not able to search her things. In the morning, I gave her things. We re arranged our luggage as I got my bag back from Chandra.
We left to Hrishikesh from there by about 4pm. All except Shubha had got up late and so late in getting ready. We had lunch at once and the time was 3pm. Booked a vehicle. Met our porters near Bhandari Lodge. They had also landed there the previous night. Our sleeping bags and some luggage were with them. Returned the rucksack and sleeping bag which we had rented for Shubha. Thanked all the porters formally J Reached Hrishikesh again in the night. We paid the driver thousand bucks in excess. Didn’t know that Vishy had paid for the diesel en route. Only Vishy and Pradeep knew L We got into a yatrinivas lodge. It was spacious. Big one with 10 beds. Enough for us. All of them except me went out to have food. Some didn have anything. Came back and ordered in the lodge. I ordered a sweet Lassi. We had food and slept.
Next morning that is the 28th of May we went for rafting in Hrishikesh.
Gaumukh – Gangotri
I can say it was a single shot trek downhill… We continuously came down till we reached Gangotri. It took us about half a day to get down to Gangotri. Me, Pradeep, Shubha and Vishy had stopped for breakfast at Chirbasa while Raj, Suma and Chandra had gone ahead of us to reach early and book a vehicle for our onward journey.
We ordered a light breakfast. 2 plates of maggie for three of us. Vishy had ordered his plate of Maggie.. We were delighted to see the fruity there. It was like heaven for us after so many days of thick roti and aaloo.. Me, Shubha and Pradeep brushed our teeth. Then me and shubha drank fruity completely. But spared a sip each for Vishy and Pradeep. Vishy was glad to get gold flake cigar too J Raj!! U Missed it man!!!! Vishy started smoking. I requested him to move away from me and smoke. So he got up and started moving ahead. He said “I will be going slowly. U guys finish off and catch up.” He had sprained his knee. Getting down was tough for him with the Woodland shoe.
Pradeep’s lazy as always.. but I must say he’s very disciplined when it comes to packing and unpacking J
We ate Maggie, packed his bag and left from there. As we walked we met some yatris who were going to Gaumukh. They were screaming “ganga mayya ki jai”. They expected me to shout back the same slogan. But I did not even utter a word and jus looked at them. We also met some foreigners who smiled at me and said a “Hi”. In turn I smiled at them. But didn say a hi to them.
After some 20 min we reached a small bridge which was made of logs of wood. There was Vishy waiting for us. Wonder why he was waiting there and nt elsewhere? He’s scared of bridges no matter how small they are. There was Shubha who was equally scared like Vishy. I took Vishy’s hand in mine and helped him cross the bridge. Pradeep held Shubha’s. The stream was not so wide. I filled my small bottle with the stream water which was a tributary of ganges. Pradeep was behind my gangajal since then. He was eyeing on my jacket pocket in which that bottle had fit in. Though he was nt tired he used to ask me for water. On our way we found another basti where Vishy bought water and drank complete 1 ltr of water. Shu and pradee were slow. Me and Vishy moved ahead. I was with Vishy as he needed someone when he crossed bridges and there were some more in store for us on our way to Gangotri. Vishy was thirsty and needed water. Finally I gave it off.. I gave him what I had and filled it in the next stream. The same water I have given it to my mom and aunts as the precious “GANGAJAL”. May be even the Ganges in Gangotri or other sacred places will not be so pure. This water is so clean and clear like crystal. We were walking at regular pace while Vishy was getting more frustrated cos of the sprain in his knee. I know how he struggled to get down a small step. He’sa silent guy. While Priya is chatter box. But this time when I started off with Vishy, I had made him speak. Not speak.. narrate stories. He narrated some incidents of his hostel life, career and married life. Finally we reached Gangotri. It was a Sunday and huge crowd on the banks of Ganges in Gangotri. We came down to the same hotel. Found Suma, raj and Chandru there. They were resting there. They had waited sometime for us and ordered their food. We joined and ordered our food too. I ordered a masala dosa and Vishy took a plate of meals.
We ate and cleared the bills and set out in search of Vehicle to go to Uttarkashi. There were no vehicles. Price was high so as the Demand. We had paid 2000 when we got there. This time we had to pay 2200. Me, suma and Shu wanted to buy kumkum and the cans for water. We set out to buy those things. Got them by the time we hired a vehicle to get to Uttarkashi. Said a bye bye to the porters. Gave them enough money for food and to hire another vehice and reach the same place.
We ordered a light breakfast. 2 plates of maggie for three of us. Vishy had ordered his plate of Maggie.. We were delighted to see the fruity there. It was like heaven for us after so many days of thick roti and aaloo.. Me, Shubha and Pradeep brushed our teeth. Then me and shubha drank fruity completely. But spared a sip each for Vishy and Pradeep. Vishy was glad to get gold flake cigar too J Raj!! U Missed it man!!!! Vishy started smoking. I requested him to move away from me and smoke. So he got up and started moving ahead. He said “I will be going slowly. U guys finish off and catch up.” He had sprained his knee. Getting down was tough for him with the Woodland shoe.
Pradeep’s lazy as always.. but I must say he’s very disciplined when it comes to packing and unpacking J
We ate Maggie, packed his bag and left from there. As we walked we met some yatris who were going to Gaumukh. They were screaming “ganga mayya ki jai”. They expected me to shout back the same slogan. But I did not even utter a word and jus looked at them. We also met some foreigners who smiled at me and said a “Hi”. In turn I smiled at them. But didn say a hi to them.
After some 20 min we reached a small bridge which was made of logs of wood. There was Vishy waiting for us. Wonder why he was waiting there and nt elsewhere? He’s scared of bridges no matter how small they are. There was Shubha who was equally scared like Vishy. I took Vishy’s hand in mine and helped him cross the bridge. Pradeep held Shubha’s. The stream was not so wide. I filled my small bottle with the stream water which was a tributary of ganges. Pradeep was behind my gangajal since then. He was eyeing on my jacket pocket in which that bottle had fit in. Though he was nt tired he used to ask me for water. On our way we found another basti where Vishy bought water and drank complete 1 ltr of water. Shu and pradee were slow. Me and Vishy moved ahead. I was with Vishy as he needed someone when he crossed bridges and there were some more in store for us on our way to Gangotri. Vishy was thirsty and needed water. Finally I gave it off.. I gave him what I had and filled it in the next stream. The same water I have given it to my mom and aunts as the precious “GANGAJAL”. May be even the Ganges in Gangotri or other sacred places will not be so pure. This water is so clean and clear like crystal. We were walking at regular pace while Vishy was getting more frustrated cos of the sprain in his knee. I know how he struggled to get down a small step. He’sa silent guy. While Priya is chatter box. But this time when I started off with Vishy, I had made him speak. Not speak.. narrate stories. He narrated some incidents of his hostel life, career and married life. Finally we reached Gangotri. It was a Sunday and huge crowd on the banks of Ganges in Gangotri. We came down to the same hotel. Found Suma, raj and Chandru there. They were resting there. They had waited sometime for us and ordered their food. We joined and ordered our food too. I ordered a masala dosa and Vishy took a plate of meals.
We ate and cleared the bills and set out in search of Vehicle to go to Uttarkashi. There were no vehicles. Price was high so as the Demand. We had paid 2000 when we got there. This time we had to pay 2200. Me, suma and Shu wanted to buy kumkum and the cans for water. We set out to buy those things. Got them by the time we hired a vehicle to get to Uttarkashi. Said a bye bye to the porters. Gave them enough money for food and to hire another vehice and reach the same place.
Friday 21 September, 2007
Gaumukh – Nandanvan
It was abt 11am by the time we left Gaumukh. We met our guide and told him that we were informed by the guards there that we should be accompanied by the guide as there are chances of us wandering without knowing the actual route.
He came along with our group for a while. Me, Chitra, Manju, raj, suma and CK were together and Priya, Vishy, chandru, Loki, Pada, Pratibha, Pradeep and Shubha in another group behind us. Our Meshtru (alias CSP) was way ahead of us. We could not even see him at a distance.
The route was not so easy. Not so easy???? Yes. It was not so easy. The terrain was so bad.. What do I mean by that? I mean the soil and the small rocks or stones that we step on was so lose that there are chances of us falling anytime. To add to this, there were boulders falling from the top. Luckily, Manju and Chitra missed one. Before this Manju had jus stepped on a big rock thinking that he'll be able to manage crossing it. He jus made it. but the rock fell from there jus after he took out his step. I was jus behind him. Good that i was standing on a different rock and waited till him cross. Had I stepped on the same before he crossed, I ain't have been here. The soil and the rocks are all lose cos they are over the glaciers which are underneath and keep melting. Though you see the sun, the breeze that blows is so chill. We cannot stop for more than 2 min though we are panting and exhausted to the core. The Guide kept us going saying the goal is not too far. It is jus that big rock u r seeing. We initially thought of another one that was visible to us. But that kept us going.
After a while, suma was so exhausted (Though she had not carried rucksack from the beginning of the trek) that she said to 5 (Manju, Chitra, raj, Ck and me) of us with her “I cannot go ahead. It’s difficult for me to breath. I am exhausted. Please understand me. I cannot. Send a porter along with me. I’ll go back to Gangotri and stay there till you all come back”. It was almost lunch time by then. We were trying to convince her that if she could make It to Nandanvan today then may be some more would be exhausted and join her on her way back. Also that without informing CSP she could not go back. We could not even see him at a dist to stop him and inform. The rest of them behind us joined as we stopped for lunch. We were bored of eating the same aaloo curry and rotis by then. Finally, they also convinced her.
We moved ahead and had to trace our route based on the footsteps of the ppl who would have gone ahead (meaning jus an hr or so before) of us. Sometimes at a distance of abt 1 km or two we could see the small stones piled one above the other indicating the route. At times tracing the foot step was also difficult cos the wind that blew would have erased the footprints. I was bad at tracing. So me and Suma had left it to the guys Raj and CK to find the trail.
Every step ahead seemed like a nightmare to us. We had to cross a glacier that was so wide. The soil over which kept on falling every min. Ck was ahead of me and Raj. Chandra who overtook us meanwhile was waiving his hand showing us the route that we had to take. He had actually raced us to find Meshtru in vain. Raj while crossing the glacier fell. But that was a shallow place. I could in no way hold him along with his bag and pull him up. CK who was a silent spectator till then pulled him above. The route after this was making us even more desperate. Steep!! More altitude in few steps. We had to stop almost after every two steps. We were all exhausted by the time we could actually see our destined place the so-called Nandanvan. All of us had literally dragged ourselves to reach this place. When our group was almost close to the destination, we could see some porters coming to our help. CSP had sent them after reaching the tent. Our Guide held Suma’s hand and took her through. When they held her by hand, she was able to walk to their pace. Neither I could make it nor did I hold hand. Chitra was even more exhausted though she carried no luggage.
Ahh!! Thanked God that we reached the destination. It was 7pm this day also. It was getting more colder from 4pm though we were not close to any river.
Nandanvan!! Ahh!! The name says it all.. U have got it wrong. No trees. Only some bushes and small grasses like patches spread across the landscape. Not too much though.
Disappointed!!! We got into the tent. CSP had made things ready for us. We had some tea. Priya and Vishy joined us. None of us were warm. It started snowing badly making the situation worse for those who were still trekking. All of them reached by 8pm. We all had dinner and rested that night.
It was only three of us that night in the tent as Prathibha had gone to another tent for ankle massage. She had got her ankle twisted during the ascent that day. While sleeping, Suma was telling me also not to go ahead and ascend as it would be difficult for me. She was re-iterating that fact every now and then. Was telling her not to worry as Shubha was always there to accompany her descend down the terrain till Gangotri even if I didn’t join her. She was little skeptical abt me joining her. That’s the reason y she kept on telling me not to go ahead. I told her that we would decide after speaking to the rest of them in the group.
Next morning we woke up to see ourselves in a pool of snow. All around and on the tent… The tiny plants and the grasses were all covered with snow. Though we could see sun, it took lot of time for the snow to melt. All of us got up, had tea and I had packed my bag before I went to speak to the rest of them. After we spoke, we decided that some of us will get back as it was not safe to take life risks moving ahead.
People who decided to go ahead: Chitra, Prathibha, CSP, Chandra, Loki, Raj, CK and Pada
People who decided to stay back and descend: Suma, Kusuma, Manju, Pradeep, Priya and Vishy.
We decided that we’ll stay there that day in Nandanvan waiting for the porter who had gone to drop the rest of them.
Those who stayed back were chatting in the tent. Pradeep and Vishy helped the cook prepare pulav as we were desperate to have something tastier than roti and aaloo curry.
At 1 0’clock we were served pulav which was delicious. Everyone had stomach full and slept in the noon. By 3:30 suma woke up and opened the tent curtain. I asked her as to what happened. We saw Chandra and Raj. They had returned. They had come running to reach this tent. They had taken routes apart from trail. They also had this delicious Pulav and rested along with us that day. The porter Anil bhai had come back by evening.
That evening it snowed even more when compared to the previous day. It had started snowing very early. Next morning when we woke up, we were in a bed of snow. It was about over a feet snow. We waited till the snow melt. It was 10am and still the snow had nt melted completely. We then pushed from there descending the hill. We had requested one of the porters to accompany us through out as we felt we’d miss the trail. One of the porters was holding vishy’s hand helping him descend. He had sprained his knee. All the six porters accompanied us through the descend.
The trail that we took seemed entirely different from what we had taken to ascend. May be this was easy one to descend. Had the porters accompanied us while ascending, wish we could have found a simple route. We saw some mountain goats. The only living creatures apart from human beings and the crow we saw. We had to wait for them to cross the mountain that they were climbing as the stones kept falling cos of their movement. We waited for sometime, had some dry grapes to quench our thirst. Then we left from there and started walking towards Gaumukh. That day it started snowing at 12 again.
It was abt 3pm by the time we reached Gaumukh. There was only one dhaba there. We went in and ordered magi and tea. Had them and rested for a while. As there was heavy snowfall, thoughts crossed our mind to stay there that night. But the glacier was too close. It was not easy. But by 4 o’clk weather changed. The weather changes so drastically there that we had not even imagined about it. Snowfall stopped with sun out. So we started our descend towards bhojbasa. It was just 4km and we made it in an hr. by 5:15 we were in bhojbasa. We had decided that we’ll not have any more aaloo and rotis. These dishes had killed our taste buds. So we had told the porters not to set up tents for us and that we would like to stay in the dhaba there paying them for the nights stay as we would get bed and razai for that night. We all got into the middle one amongst the 5 dhabas thinking it will be enough warm there. It was sort of ok. We had a cup of tea and started chatting. I had slightest of head ache and I preferred sleeping. So I fell asleep. Rest of them were all chatting by then a localite in the dhaba started singing their local songs. Could hear to them when I woke up. It was still snowing. The shopkeeper had closed the tarpaulin shutter so that we will feel the warmth. We had ordered our dinner there that night telling him not to make use of even single aaloo in the sabji or curry he makes. He got a cabbage and made a sabji out of it. The roti was so tasty here. Typical desi food. Absolutely thin hot rotis. Ahh!! So delicious. We were also served hot rice with some green gram curry that he made. Had little less salt. But that was yummy to us that day as we were desperate to have something other than aaloo..
He came along with our group for a while. Me, Chitra, Manju, raj, suma and CK were together and Priya, Vishy, chandru, Loki, Pada, Pratibha, Pradeep and Shubha in another group behind us. Our Meshtru (alias CSP) was way ahead of us. We could not even see him at a distance.
The route was not so easy. Not so easy???? Yes. It was not so easy. The terrain was so bad.. What do I mean by that? I mean the soil and the small rocks or stones that we step on was so lose that there are chances of us falling anytime. To add to this, there were boulders falling from the top. Luckily, Manju and Chitra missed one. Before this Manju had jus stepped on a big rock thinking that he'll be able to manage crossing it. He jus made it. but the rock fell from there jus after he took out his step. I was jus behind him. Good that i was standing on a different rock and waited till him cross. Had I stepped on the same before he crossed, I ain't have been here. The soil and the rocks are all lose cos they are over the glaciers which are underneath and keep melting. Though you see the sun, the breeze that blows is so chill. We cannot stop for more than 2 min though we are panting and exhausted to the core. The Guide kept us going saying the goal is not too far. It is jus that big rock u r seeing. We initially thought of another one that was visible to us. But that kept us going.
After a while, suma was so exhausted (Though she had not carried rucksack from the beginning of the trek) that she said to 5 (Manju, Chitra, raj, Ck and me) of us with her “I cannot go ahead. It’s difficult for me to breath. I am exhausted. Please understand me. I cannot. Send a porter along with me. I’ll go back to Gangotri and stay there till you all come back”. It was almost lunch time by then. We were trying to convince her that if she could make It to Nandanvan today then may be some more would be exhausted and join her on her way back. Also that without informing CSP she could not go back. We could not even see him at a dist to stop him and inform. The rest of them behind us joined as we stopped for lunch. We were bored of eating the same aaloo curry and rotis by then. Finally, they also convinced her.
We moved ahead and had to trace our route based on the footsteps of the ppl who would have gone ahead (meaning jus an hr or so before) of us. Sometimes at a distance of abt 1 km or two we could see the small stones piled one above the other indicating the route. At times tracing the foot step was also difficult cos the wind that blew would have erased the footprints. I was bad at tracing. So me and Suma had left it to the guys Raj and CK to find the trail.
Every step ahead seemed like a nightmare to us. We had to cross a glacier that was so wide. The soil over which kept on falling every min. Ck was ahead of me and Raj. Chandra who overtook us meanwhile was waiving his hand showing us the route that we had to take. He had actually raced us to find Meshtru in vain. Raj while crossing the glacier fell. But that was a shallow place. I could in no way hold him along with his bag and pull him up. CK who was a silent spectator till then pulled him above. The route after this was making us even more desperate. Steep!! More altitude in few steps. We had to stop almost after every two steps. We were all exhausted by the time we could actually see our destined place the so-called Nandanvan. All of us had literally dragged ourselves to reach this place. When our group was almost close to the destination, we could see some porters coming to our help. CSP had sent them after reaching the tent. Our Guide held Suma’s hand and took her through. When they held her by hand, she was able to walk to their pace. Neither I could make it nor did I hold hand. Chitra was even more exhausted though she carried no luggage.
Ahh!! Thanked God that we reached the destination. It was 7pm this day also. It was getting more colder from 4pm though we were not close to any river.
Nandanvan!! Ahh!! The name says it all.. U have got it wrong. No trees. Only some bushes and small grasses like patches spread across the landscape. Not too much though.
Disappointed!!! We got into the tent. CSP had made things ready for us. We had some tea. Priya and Vishy joined us. None of us were warm. It started snowing badly making the situation worse for those who were still trekking. All of them reached by 8pm. We all had dinner and rested that night.
It was only three of us that night in the tent as Prathibha had gone to another tent for ankle massage. She had got her ankle twisted during the ascent that day. While sleeping, Suma was telling me also not to go ahead and ascend as it would be difficult for me. She was re-iterating that fact every now and then. Was telling her not to worry as Shubha was always there to accompany her descend down the terrain till Gangotri even if I didn’t join her. She was little skeptical abt me joining her. That’s the reason y she kept on telling me not to go ahead. I told her that we would decide after speaking to the rest of them in the group.
Next morning we woke up to see ourselves in a pool of snow. All around and on the tent… The tiny plants and the grasses were all covered with snow. Though we could see sun, it took lot of time for the snow to melt. All of us got up, had tea and I had packed my bag before I went to speak to the rest of them. After we spoke, we decided that some of us will get back as it was not safe to take life risks moving ahead.
People who decided to go ahead: Chitra, Prathibha, CSP, Chandra, Loki, Raj, CK and Pada
People who decided to stay back and descend: Suma, Kusuma, Manju, Pradeep, Priya and Vishy.
We decided that we’ll stay there that day in Nandanvan waiting for the porter who had gone to drop the rest of them.
Those who stayed back were chatting in the tent. Pradeep and Vishy helped the cook prepare pulav as we were desperate to have something tastier than roti and aaloo curry.
At 1 0’clock we were served pulav which was delicious. Everyone had stomach full and slept in the noon. By 3:30 suma woke up and opened the tent curtain. I asked her as to what happened. We saw Chandra and Raj. They had returned. They had come running to reach this tent. They had taken routes apart from trail. They also had this delicious Pulav and rested along with us that day. The porter Anil bhai had come back by evening.
That evening it snowed even more when compared to the previous day. It had started snowing very early. Next morning when we woke up, we were in a bed of snow. It was about over a feet snow. We waited till the snow melt. It was 10am and still the snow had nt melted completely. We then pushed from there descending the hill. We had requested one of the porters to accompany us through out as we felt we’d miss the trail. One of the porters was holding vishy’s hand helping him descend. He had sprained his knee. All the six porters accompanied us through the descend.
The trail that we took seemed entirely different from what we had taken to ascend. May be this was easy one to descend. Had the porters accompanied us while ascending, wish we could have found a simple route. We saw some mountain goats. The only living creatures apart from human beings and the crow we saw. We had to wait for them to cross the mountain that they were climbing as the stones kept falling cos of their movement. We waited for sometime, had some dry grapes to quench our thirst. Then we left from there and started walking towards Gaumukh. That day it started snowing at 12 again.
It was abt 3pm by the time we reached Gaumukh. There was only one dhaba there. We went in and ordered magi and tea. Had them and rested for a while. As there was heavy snowfall, thoughts crossed our mind to stay there that night. But the glacier was too close. It was not easy. But by 4 o’clk weather changed. The weather changes so drastically there that we had not even imagined about it. Snowfall stopped with sun out. So we started our descend towards bhojbasa. It was just 4km and we made it in an hr. by 5:15 we were in bhojbasa. We had decided that we’ll not have any more aaloo and rotis. These dishes had killed our taste buds. So we had told the porters not to set up tents for us and that we would like to stay in the dhaba there paying them for the nights stay as we would get bed and razai for that night. We all got into the middle one amongst the 5 dhabas thinking it will be enough warm there. It was sort of ok. We had a cup of tea and started chatting. I had slightest of head ache and I preferred sleeping. So I fell asleep. Rest of them were all chatting by then a localite in the dhaba started singing their local songs. Could hear to them when I woke up. It was still snowing. The shopkeeper had closed the tarpaulin shutter so that we will feel the warmth. We had ordered our dinner there that night telling him not to make use of even single aaloo in the sabji or curry he makes. He got a cabbage and made a sabji out of it. The roti was so tasty here. Typical desi food. Absolutely thin hot rotis. Ahh!! So delicious. We were also served hot rice with some green gram curry that he made. Had little less salt. But that was yummy to us that day as we were desperate to have something other than aaloo..
Gaumukh being named so
The myth behind Gaumukh being named so:
The water came out of the mouth of a Cow and hence the name Gaumukh.
Gaumukh is at an altitude of 4000m above sea level. It seems that the glaciers are moving beyond Gangotri year by year. This is the version of the localites there. They say that Gaumukh was much closer to Gangotri than what it is now. The glaciers are melting day by day making the place farther than what it seems to be.If we move to the left taking that trail, we would reach Nandanvan. If we move to the right, we would go to Tapovan.
The terrain till Gaumukh was easy enough though at times we had to pant and rest for longer time. The terrain after this and the exp after this is the real exciting one.
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