Time flies when you're having fun!

I already think 2013 is going way too fast. To distract myself from the thought of having to be back at work on Monday I thought I'd try a final post from India.

I've just finished packing and had a long hot shower and sitting in a hotel room in Jaipur watching Amilie (one of my all time favorite movies) that happens to be on tv.

Anyway the last week or so has been RnR for the team. McLeod Ganj was awesome and such a cosy spot. It snowed while we were there and the boys had fun starting snow fights with a few locals. I think it was their first snow fall of the season because the whole city was buzzing with people out in the street enjoying it. We checked out the Delhi Lama's complex and the Tibetian museum, although shopping was by far the most poppular activity over the few days we were there. One cool thing we did as a group was a cooking class where we learnt to make momos (Tibetan dumplings) and I can't wait to try them at home!

We then travelled on a bus overnight on Sunday back down to Delhi before meeting a private bus to take us to Agra. It was a lot of travel and weariness set in which was a bit of a theme, for me at least, as we went on. We checked out the Taj Mahal that evening and watched the sun set. The next day we went to the Red Fort and the forgotten city on the way to Jaipur. Sadly the team structure and organisation was loosing its way a bit and it was painfully slow to sort simple things like a plan for each day and where to stay and eat. Once again interest in trying to shop trumped any real effort to look around and learn about this part of the country. But it's fair to say that there was generally something for everyone and probably worthwhile. I just think I would have done things differently if it were up to me.

A particular highlight for me yesterday was while waiting for the boys to meet us back at the bus after an afternoon strolling the pink city bazaars. Pete (the expedition leader) and I spotted a barber set up with a chair and mirrors etc in a little park under a tree and we decided to get a shave with a switchblade. I seriously wish I could do that every time I need to shave as it was awesomely relaxing, especially being outside in the shade of a tree!

This morning we jumped back on our bus and headed back here to Delhi. About a 7 hour bus trip in the end as traffic and road conditions slowed us down lots. But due to the early start to catch the flights we are forced to stat close to the airport where all the hotels are of a really good standard so it's a nice way to finish the trip (we were doing things on a bit of a tight budget everywhere else, although the boys did well to find a couple of nice places along the way).

Anyway missing the movie. So will sign off here for now. Back in NZ on Saturday afternoon. Wowzer!

It's the simple things in life

Ah, a bed, shower and toilet. It's good to be back to modern life. So the trek phase of our trip is complete and we're now hanging out in the spiritual and exiled political home of Tibet- Mcleod Ganj- for a few nights.

The trek was great albeit probably somewhat easier than expected. We had a bit of everything: camping on snow, walking up and down steep rocky/dirt/grass/snow paths and windy roads. The weather was very fair to us with the only bit of rain on the rest day. The start and the end were the toughest parts and I think we felt a bit under-challenged in the middle where we were typically only going about 10 km each day, arriving at each campsite fairly early in the afternoon.

We fell into the routine easily- set up tents, explore, snack/late lunch, keep warm, dinner, bed, wake up, pack up, breakfast, walk, repeat. The guide and porters were great and having ponies/donkeys to carry our big packs made it a lot easier. Food was fantastic too, although not all of the boys would agree with that and very quickly they were talking about food they missed from home and what they'll eat at the airport (meat being high up the list). Aside from a couple of instances where tensions boiled over and got the better of a few of the boys, everyone seemed to enjoy it and we got to see some amazing scenery and can now say we've treked the Himalayas!

It is great to have had a shower after 10 days (probably the longest I've ever been without one in my life!). And not having to dig a hole for pooping anymore seems like luxury. Mcleod Ganj is cool and I'm looking forward to starting our rest and relaxation phase here before heading down to Agra. It's raining this morning and the boys decided last night that this first day here is going to be more or less doing our own things so might just find me a warm spot to have some chai and read for a while.

Thanks for the messages etc. It's cool to know this does get a read or two. I'll try tidy it up and stick pictures etc when I get home.

Project completed

Please excuse any typos etc as posting this from my phone.

We have just completed the project phase of our trip in which we painted three classrooms of a school about 25km out of Manali. We're now back in Manali preparing for our trek which we start tomorrow.

The school was a two story concrete building and a previous World Challenge group had painted the lower level rooms. We slept (all 12 of us) on the floor in one of these rooms which needless to say was a smelly challenge in itself. I kept thinking of my time in Rwanda and making comparisons with that experience. I think I've settled on characterising this project as more satisfying in the sense of achieving something very tangible. But Rwanda was more rewarding in the interactions and friendships made. Except for a couple of cricket games, we did not get to meet too many local kids. But the boys did well and although it was a little hard motivating them on cold mornings, I think we did a good job. Of course we are only amateur painters and so the job isn't the best ever, plus the boys would tend to cut corners and not really finish a job they started which left more than a few touch ups to be done. But the principal was very happy and the rooms were definitely more lighter and friendly.

On the way back to Manali we stopped at a village called Nagar and walked up to a castle there for lunch. It was cool but the group decision was to move on and we didn't really explore it as much as I would have liked.

We start our trek tomorrow and we're told that there is some snow over the first pass and so we're making sure everyone has warm enough gear, taking advantage of the awesome local stores with hand made shoals, gloves etc. I'm quite excited about this part of the trip although a little nervous too as I'm not really as fit as I ought to be.

The boys spent this morning planning out rest and relaxation phase for after our trek. We will be heading to both Agra and Jarpour which will be awesome. Most of the others are going crazy with their cameras so I haven't bothered to even take mine out as I'll just get a collection of the best ones. In particular the teacher from Aussie (Tom) is a semi-pro photographer and has taken some incredible snaps. So stay posted.

My lunch has just arrived. A grilled vege sandwhich. The most western thing I've had so far. Not so much because I wanted it but this place with the free WiFi I found is expensive and this is the cheapest thing on the menu. I have truely loved the local food! I make sure I try as many new things as possible. Some of the boys are a bit over it though haha.

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!