Magical world

I am finally in the magical world where Tibet meets India, McLeod Ganj, home of the Tibetan government in exile and His Holiness the Dalai Lama is in town! He isn't holding an open audience, unfortunately, but it's still an exciting place to be when he is here. I am staying near the Dalai Lama's complex in the Precious Umbrella Room and Tibetan incense is provided.

Yes, I have had yak butter tea, and I liked it.

Hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas is magical, even in the snow. We were surrounded by snow and massive rhododendron trees in bloom. Doing yoga on a veranda in the Himalayas during a hailing thunderstorm is also magical.

While in Heini, I almost abducted a baby goat. It followed me through 2 households and then snuck into my guesthouse through the gate. I carried it back home (yes, there are photos) but it turned around and  followed me again. The goats recognize a kindred spirit. Now I smell all goaty, but I like it.

I made the trip up to Heini without any Gravol but I could have used an Ativan! When driving the hair pin turns up into Himachal Pradesh it is best not to watch the road or it will scare the living guts right out of you. Down the sides of the cliffs there are overturned vehicles. At one point our tires slipped off the side a bit and we all took a collective gulp of air.

It's been pretty cold up here. In fact, yesterday a few of us went to a chai stall in Heini and it was so cold the owner invited us to drink our chai in his personal chambers and put on the dodgily wired heater for us. The people here are incredibly kind.

McLeod Ganj is the first place I feel like I could stay awhile.