Stepping off the edge

We left our hotel in McLeod Ganj and drove up the windy dirt roads to see spectacular vistas of the Himalaya Mountains.

High up in the mountains is a world famous yoga and meditation Ashram or retreat centre. It was founded by the yogi Shri Mataji who was well known internationally.

We returned to McLeod Ganj and visited the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has lived in exile here since 1959. He was in town but didn’t have time for a visit with us! 😉

We’ve had people ask us “can we have a photo?” We thought they were asking us to take one of them. But no, they want a photo of us with them! We’ve usually said no, but today I agreed as it was this boy’s 12th birthday.

We walked around the town and checked out local vendors. This woman made all the jewelry you see here. She offered to make a necklace larger for me by burning the threads together.

We had Masala Chai with a young man who showed us silk Kashmir rugs that were absolutely stunning.

We enjoyed the experience of speaking with people in restaurants and shops. Many speak good English as it is taught in primary school.

Paul and I hiked up to the waterfall, not much water this time of year, but nevertheless a fun little jaunt! Stands selling snacks and tea along the way and of course lots of people taking selfies!

After dinner we went in a shop and came out a few minutes later to see these mules in the street.

The next morning they’re packed up ready to go! And so are we, off to the Punjab.