Tuesday, September 19, 2006

18 hour bus ride through the night

We left Monday night on a sleeper bus to Manali in the foothills of the Himalayas. Elevation 2000 meters (6500 feet). We can see the white capped mountains already not far in the distance. I shared a sleeper with an Israeli guy around my age and we talked politics. He didn't agree 9/11 was an inside job and felt people who think that need to wake up-- that politics are complicated and they should have a more realistic understanding of what's going on. He was aware of some of the theories and some of the arguments but I didn't press the issue because I could tell it just wasn't going to be compatible with his worldview.

r, about smells. Most of the smells driving out of Delhi were... well, let's just say at one point the smells were so pervasive that I wasn't sure if I had an accident in the bus, or maybe Oded lying next to me. Every once in awhile, especially as we got farther away from the city, the smells of poop were punctuated by a totally new, very sweet, beautiful aroma that would just totally catch me off guard-- like, who knew some of the smells of India might be nice!

Here are more photos from Delhi I didn't have time to upload earlier.

Children in a school bus rickshaw. One blew Nori a kiss!
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High Society in rickshaw on the streets of Delhi.
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Arab missing his turban. A guy was trying to sell me the beard. I gave him 20 rupees anyway for the picture.
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So I haven't lost anything yet. It's nothing short of a small miracle. But we know it's only a matter of time. So we're gonna play a game. Whoever predicts the first thing I lose wins a gift for me to bring home.

The village of Manali is on a hill. One narrow, paved road goes through it. It's very cosy and homey. The village shacks are very picturesque and aesthetically pleasing. There are cows and goats in the little area around the shacks with the villagers going about their business.
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Last night I had so much energy and since I haven't exercized in awhile my legs are begging me for some running. I decided to run up some of the hill. I was surprised at my ability to run at a decent clip (not quite a sprint) up the hill before tiring. I was winded afterward but nothing major. But soon afterward I felt pretty run down and still feel that way this morning. Still need to take it easy-- first was the culture shock and the city air; now its altitude. There were children going down the hill on their little wooden made skateboards. I wanted to try it but we decided it might not be sturdy enough for me. My big screen camera has been so wonderful. The children and other locals love to look at the pictures and videos I take.

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We are staying in a little villa high on the hill. Reminds us a little of staying in a swiss chalet in the Alps. Certainly not bad accomodation for less than three bucks a person. I haven't taken a photo of it yet, sorry.

This is just down the hill from our chalet.
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A moth on the door jam: Pixagogo direct photo link

We're not in the Shire anymore... but who'd know?
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The snow peaked mountains of the Himalayas
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Rachel thought these puppies were cute unlike the mangy dogs of Dehli.
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Last night we ate at a Mexican restaurant. I'm not sure what these faces are for. I think it was probably something like "oh gawd, not another picture-- put the camera away already!"
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11 comments:

Daniel Schmolze said...

You're a good man for keeping this up. It's the only thing keeping me connected to the outside world as I sit here studying all day (three big exams coming up). You know what I did the other day? The other day I was cutting up a dead man's testicle and I thought of you in India and I was jealous.

Anonymous said...

"So, there I was cutting a dead man's testicle..." -- not yet a phrase in wide use, but it seems to have potential.

Hope the studying goes well, Dan. (Actually, I spose Jake's blog is a way round-about way to chat with Dan.)

Jake, thanks for all the pictures and comments. Seeing photos almost real time keeps us smiling about your journeys.

Anonymous said...

"So, there I was cutting a dead man's testicle..." -- not yet a phrase in wide use, but it seems to have potential.

Hope the studying goes well, Dan. (Actually, I spose Jake's blog is a way round-about way to chat with Dan.)

Jake, thanks for all the pictures and comments. Seeing photos almost real time keeps us smiling about your journeys.

Anonymous said...

"So, there I was cutting a dead man's testicle..." -- not yet a phrase in wide use, but it seems to have potential.

Hope the studying goes well, Dan. (Actually, I spose Jake's blog is a way round-about way to chat with Dan.)

Jake, thanks for all the pictures and comments. Seeing photos almost real time keeps us smiling about your journeys.

Anonymous said...

Oops. Sorry for the triple post. Our connection has been flakey and intermittant, and I impaitently pushed the button a few times.

Anonymous said...

Keep it up, jakie-ji. Your readers in the bland homeland are grateful for the news, views, and impressions. Love to you and the girls.
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Keep it up, jakie-ji. Your readers in the bland homeland are grateful for the news, views, and impressions. Love to you and the girls.
Sharon
PS Deval Patrick won the primary for Mass. Gov

Eva said...

hiday Jake,

Hopefully the scenic area can compensate the smell-thrills a little :-).
Nice pics, Nori seems to be totally one with local culture already, you should get yourself one of those sari's (or what's their name?)too :-).

As far as life goes back home, you missed Derek's performance at Helsinki yesterday! He was just p-e-r-f-e-c-t, you should have heard him! A natural rap-talent I would say, without a single moment of hesitation on stage!
One of the other co-workers took pictures, I'll forward some one of these days,k?

Keep up the good photo-work, keep us up to date and keep on smiling!

Blessbless
Eva

PS: any positive reactions of the children after receiving your presents? :-)

The Intrepid Dr. Root said...

Hey Dan, Hey guys! Yes, everything is going very well. We are going to hike up to hot springs today. Eva, I am sooo glad to hear that about Derek! I can't wait to see the photos! How did the Helsinki crowd receive him? Tell Derek I say hi and that I'm sorry I couldn't have been at his performance, but I'm very happy for him.

I haven't given the gifts to the children yet. I am waiting for Benares to do that. But the children really love the camera. It's so great to be able to share it with them and to see them light up.

Good luck with the exams Dan. It's nice to hear about your school life. I'm really glad you guys appreciate the blog. Although it can be annoying and frustrating upkeeping it it's also a lot of fun.

At this internet cafe they like to play The Gypsy Kings. Thought that was kinda cool. Ahh.. yes, life is good. Hope everyone is enjoying the season change. I will miss the crisp ushering in of the colors and smells of Autumn. I too am jealous!! Next update will prolly be on Saturday.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jason and Nori and Rachel, Don't be knowcking the blog. It is a really important piece of the trip. We love to keep up with you and hear and see what is happening.
Love,
Dad, John

Anonymous said...

chuckie cheez!
dude, looking sharp man! love that haircut, glad we decided to swashbuckle ya a bit before your departure.

seeing those pictures of "chalet town" definitely makes me want to come out and visit. friggin' awesome.

i'm here wagging my tail in new orleans. sweating like a chinese sewer rat. never been more mangy in my life.

things have cleaned up a lot, but still evidence of sheep sheering and blatant mountains of rubble here and there.

peace out bro,
ben