Shangri-La: Smiling Monk

Breakfast Time

I would like to dedicate this post to the smiling face Monk-Mr. Chetri. On our trip to Bhutan we had the opportunity to meet a Monk who invited us to stay at his place. All of us were impressed with the cool, calm and composed smiling face of the monk when was saw him sitting on stage, we never thought that we can get in touch with him and actually stay at his place. When Maaji asked him about cheapest place to stay in Thimphu, he invited us at his place, we agreed at the same instant. Very few people get this much luck to actually meet a Monk and there we were staying at his place.

Chetri Sir

We completed our Thimpu tour and reached at his place where we were welcomed by a beautiful girl and niece-Chandrika. We confirmed that its Sir’s place, she acknowledged and she also confirmed our identity by asking Sirs number, great skills. There was another lovely creature who welcomed us by barking-Pikacchu. I have never seen such a courteous doggy, before entering the place she was barking on us, but when she understood that we are friends, she became excited to meet everyone. She introduced herself by meeting everyone individually, she jumped on everyone one after another, spent some time and moved to other person. Last, but not the least we met Rockstar of the house and the son-Goku. He is a guitarist and an excellent cook; he cooked a delicious sabzi named Tashi.

Bhutan's Parliament view @ Night

There was a oneness in Chetri Sir’s place, he was such a good host that we felt like home in a foreign country. All the family members were intimate. I remember an instance where Bhampi, Maaji and Pahadi were cooking in kitchen while me, Sir, Goku and Chandrika were eating in the hall. Sir was telling us that we should eat less in night and suddenly Maaji put one more chapati in his plate, all started laughing. Bhutan is actually known as the Royal Bhutan and fortunately we were lucky to become Royal guests as we were staying right in front of the Parliament. All of us had good conversation with the best host, he explained us a lot of things, answered our bulk of queries. He even read our hands and provided info about us that was really incredibly true. Once dinner was over, Anna and others washed dishes and then all of us headed to sleep, although no one wanted to end the conversation, but it was getting late. 

The Gang

Morning, all of us got ready fast, had a photo session with Sir and then we were back on our track towards India.We had such a great time that can’t be explained in words, the only thing we regret was none of us had any pic with Lovely Pikachu.

Time is far too precious to be wasted unhappy, Be Happy.

Trip to Bhutan: Tiger’s Nest Hike

@ Tigers Nest

The 3^rd day of our trip to Bhutan was hiking on a mountain to reach Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Taktsang Monastery hangs on a cliff and stands above a beautiful forest of blue pine. The hike to reach the Monastery is tiring but when you reach there it’s like heaven and you feel like you are @ cloud 9. The monastery seems to appear and disappear in and out of the trees and the mists while trekking up. It is said that even cat is at peace on top.

Takhtsang Monastery playing hide and seek between Clouds

There were prayer flags all over the route to Monastery. These are blessings on the land, a way to sanctify a place in nature, and the higher we hike, the more prayer flags appear, until it seems, the entire sky is strung with long kites of red, green, yellow, blue, and white flags, the pattern repeated again and again, by the hundreds and thousands—a million fluttering prayer flags across the rocky path, and then across the open chasms of the Himalayas.

Cute

Entire Journey was full of ups and downs, first you go up and up and up and then down, then a bridge and then again up. Bridge is between two mountains and after crossing the bridge we have the Monastery.

The return journey is much faster, but equally dramatic. When we were coming down, there was a little bit of rainfall so we were slipping all the time. We had to maintain our pace and balance at the same time. We met lots of people on the way, there was a foreigner singing “Ye dosti hum nahi todenge” song. Then there was one who had her Bday and also the one with whom I took picture-the beautiful one.

Anna

After Monastery, there was another Monastery-a 7^th century one, normally it’s a lot to say about monasteries, but unfortunately there was nothing much about this one. But outside Monastery our Photographer had a conference call, which was something interesting. When we were coming out, we had a conversation with a family and our chatter box started his speech, the dialogue turned so interesting that it lasted for more than 30 mins and kept on going and going. Since half of our crew was waiting outside, so I interrupted the meeting, even then a guy was so moved that he escorted photographer to the car so that they can still talk on the way out. It’s really great thing about our photographer.

Maaji

The FIGHT

There is a known fact that every organization/team/group/company goes through 3 phase.

1.       Grouping

2.       Fight

3.       Regrouping

Our crew also passed through these phases, 1^st in train, we grouped together, and then in restaurant we had a really cool fight, thanks to Bhampi and Anna and kick to Pahadi. Then in last we regrouped. I think this much info is enough here. Will visit Thimphu in next Blog.

Trip to Bhutan: Conference Day 1

Kutte

We reached Paro College of Education late night @ 1 A.M. and started looking for hostel/guest house to stay. It was a completely different place, there was a gate, but it was open and that too without a security guard, strange right. Adding to strangeness, there was no human being to assist/help us. Instead we were welcomed by Dogs, I mean many dogs. Bhutan has lots of dogs; some people call this beautiful place as Country of Thunder Dragon……..at that time I called it Kutto ka Desh (No disrespect).Somehow we got a person, took his mobile and contacted our Mentor. It was as if God has sent that person, else it would be very difficult for us to get a place to stay at that time.

Hashi Mam

We moved on to the hotel, where everyone was staying, and then there were confusions of different stays for boys and girls. Finally all of us were allowed to stay in hotel. My crew was getting fresh, hand wash, face wash, everything, but I was just looking for few hours’ sleep. I mean who the hell cares about hygiene after 3 days traveling without any sleep? The room was too good with a nice bed and I was so exhausted that I slept within a minute.

I woke up early in morning so that we can reach on time in the conference. While others were getting ready, Me and Taran Sir moved to Venue. I checked in to our guest house with the help of two pretty ladies. I was looking confused, so they even escorted me back to Conference hall, nice hosting team. Meantime, rest of my crew members came and all of us joined the Inaugural Ceremony. There were

Praying

delegates from Bhutan, India, Nepal, Singapore, and Thailand. The hall was completely made of wood, (Bhutan has lots of wood), and it was different from any conference hall that I have ever seen. The Bhutanese started the ceremony with lot of good things; they worshiped their God. They prayed to bestow us with goodness and success of the Conference. Then there was a meditation session included in Inauguration. I have attended lots of different types of Conference but this was the first which started with a divine spiritual practice of Meditation. This proves that Bhutan is really something, a place where peace lives, a place where greenery is religion, a fairy tale kind of place.

Conference

Night, me and Bhampi started the thing for what we actually visited Bhutan, i.e. to roam around here and there. We moved towards marked and were amazed to see that there was not even a single traffic light on roads; all vehicles were moving at a moderate speed, no one was in hurry. Then we spotted a one more new adventurous specialty of Bhutan-Archery. We thought of trying it, but the Bow itself was very heavy and then its string was so tight that it wasn't possible for us to stretch it. Still what’s the big deal in just taking pics with it; we had few clicks with it and continued our journey towards Market. Paro's marked at 8 O Clock is a free market; you won’t find too many people, it’s completely silent, shops will be open, but nothing of much interest. We can say even the markets are at peace in Paro. If you are looking to purchase some souvenir, purchase it from Tigers Nest or from Thimphu.

Trip to Bhutan: Dhai Ghante

Bhai Bhai

Remembering to remember is Mindfulness.

I was all set to catch my connecting train from Patna to NJP, but the scary- North East express train had new adventure waiting for me. Its a typical UP, Bihari train, its sleeper is like general coach with people falling here and there. I was welcomed by my friends in a confusing situation, they were happy to receive me on one and had sad situations of berth and Conference on the other. Our crew also had one less berth (thanks to Bhampi), somehow we managed to sleep for 2-3 hours. Since our train was running late, so it was difficult for us to clear border on time and in that case, we would reach the conference one day late. So we had a lot in our mind, one less berth, tension on loosing Conf in a heavy train with no water and charging points. All were tensed, but I was enjoying it, as to me Journey was important and not the destination. 

As Always, Style Me

From morning we started inquiring about the time to reach New Jalpaiguri. Whenever we asked anyone they used to say, its gonna take Dhai Ghante (2 and half hours) which almost took 5 hours to complete. When we completed the so called dhai ghante and reached NJP, we moved from there as soon as we can so that we may reach venue in time. Here comes the role of Military girl, as we were coming out of station, she caught 2 military personnel and started making Military arrangements for us to reach Jaigaon (Border station), she talked in such a strict way, as if she was their commanding Officer and ordering them to book a cab as soon as they can. We were again on the move. We still had a chance to make up to border and complete immigration formalities on time as their was an official letter sent for 6 of us by our mentor Hashi mam. On reaching Jaigaon we divided our team and started searching for forms and formalities to be completed.

Close UP

NOTE: Immigration forms are available on the side of the border gate (a gate with dragons) in a book 

shop, you have to fill the form, staple your photo (don’t stick), attach a photocopy of Govt. ID proof 

(Voter ID, Passport will work) and enter in Phuntsholing (border city on Bhutan’s side), go to 

immigration office, they will take down details and your photo. They will verify details from original 

cards and provide you the paper permit. Office closes at 4:30 P.M. 

As there was an official request placed for us, officials allowed us to complete formalities at 4:30 also. 

Again we divided our team, one team was looking for a cab from Phuntholing to Paro, another was getting money exchanged, and third was looking at the luggage. Although exchange is almost equal and not required, still I insists to use the local money wherever you are, it helps in markets and public services. We had our dinner in pure veg restaurant as we didn't had anything from a day, but that made us a little bit late to start and reach Paro in time. 

Gore Chehre pe kaala chashma

When we started the journey, Anna was sitting at front seat, but he was feeling sleepy so driver made him go back and obviously I had to take care of the front seat. Although, I also didn't slept much in last 2 days, but I was the only one. In addition to all of these, our driver wasn't experienced to drive in night, so he was also feeling sleepy after some time. 

Kya Kehne

It was a really scary situation, all in mood of sleep, we were driving in mountainous region, one side mountain, other side valley, and to spice all this, road was completely covered with clouds. We didn't had visibility of even 10 meters. Frankly speaking, I was scared to death at one point. Driver was able to cover the foggy track without feeling sleepy but as the night was moving on, he was feeling more and more sleepy, I kept on asking him some Qs about Bhutan, so that he doesn't feel sleepy. There was a time, when I was hell tired and exhausted of Qs, so I started asking him things that I already knew. Even I told him to stop at some place and take rest if he wishes to, else let me drive. That was a tough situation. 

In all such adverse situations, we reached Paro. 

Trip to Bhutan: A Tribute

Dear Readers,

If you are Happy, I am Happy.

This is the 3^rd Blog related to my visit to Bhutan. Please read the last 2 blogs to have an idea about my visit. This blog is dedicated to the 5 Pandavas, who made me feel like I was in heaven for 5 days.

I have been blessed over the years with many wonderful people in my life. This is my tribute to the Pandavas who, from the moment I met, had a positive and beautiful impact on my life. I would describe each character in detail later, but before that I would like to thank Pandavas for joining me. I look back now and remember a scene when 3 (Pahadi, Anna and me) of us were fighting that we should attend the conference or no, now I feel good that we attended it. There were many issues that were stopping us from joining, only one reason was enough to join and if Pahadi thinks little bit, she would understand that she was that reason. Then we got a bumper prize, when Maaji agreed. Four Musketeers were set for another cross country run. Then there were surprises when our photographer and Military jumped in. Now it was a complete family unit stuffed with all 3 colors of India. There was a time when our family had disturbances, irritations, frustrations or sometimes gets angry, but I think all the ups and downs are part of our lives. The good time just ran by like a wave of air and retaining the memories of the golden time spent together. I hope this much copy paste would have expressed my feelings. With this Blog, I wanna personally thank all of you for making the journey a memorable event. Love you.

Remembrance is a better compliment than love; people never expect tons of love, but only a milligram of remembrance. Keep Remembering each other.

Running in Kathmandu

Country: Nepal

City: Kathmandu

Crew: Pahadi, Anna, Maag

Boudanath Stupa and Yellow Color

Our Last day in Nepal spent in running on the streets of Kathmandu, we had to cover complete city in a single day of course only Superman can do that without a private cab, in our case, we chose Local conveyance. Note: if you have a single day and you plan to roam complete city, it’s always better to go for private cabs/cars because it’s a big city and to go from one site to another takes a long time via local. Initially we planned to cover whole city, but as the clock was ticking, we had to wrap it up after visiting 3^rd site.

First we saw Pashupatinath Mandir, next we moved to Boudanath. It’s the biggest stupa of Nepal which stands on 3 tired platforms raised over crossed rectangles in order to bring yantra form. 2 interesting incidents happened here, 1^st: Stupa was all white in color and the authorities were pouring yellow colored paint on it, so we fools were mocking on it saying that “stupa has been here from thousands of years and now authorities found time to color it”. But later we found out that they are not just throwing color on it, they are making a lotus shaped painting on it and it’s a practice. It is interesting even if we don’t know something; we can laugh on it, fools. 2^nd: when we were clicking, one old lady called Maag and said something due to which she had to change and stitch her dress, it is better not to go into details on this point. It was another funny instance that took place in Boudanath.

Narayanthan

Next we moved to Changu Narayan (Narayanthan) located on a magnificent hill top commanding a fantastic view of Kathmandu valley. This temple of Lord Vishnu is full of art works in metal and wood, finest example of Nepalese Architecture. This is the place where we understood that all along the journey we were just running from one place to another (due to time constraints) and hence we slowed down here and enjoyed the place. At this time we also learned that last bus to border leaves at around 6 PM (later we knew that it was not the fact, you can even catch bus last by 8-9) so we dropped other spots since it was already 4 o clock and again started running to our hotel in a local bus. There were 3 locals sitting behind us and they only knew English so I was continuously talking with them about the routes, time and about them, kind of flirty, but fun, they were also enjoying. Then I asked Maag to take pics of us.

Then we reached hotel, collected bags and moved to bus station, as soon as we stepped down there, one bus was leaving so we boarded the bus. Later we found out that the bus started before time so other bus drivers didn’t allowed any passengers to board it and hence bus returned station, after an hour or so again started from there.

This journey took the same time (12 hours) to reach border, where our bags, identity cards were checked properly. When we moved to another country Nepal, nothing was checked but when we came back to our own country everything was checked, funny isn't it. Then we had the most favorite snack of India: Samosa as our lunch and headed back to railway station: Gorakhpur.

View of Kathmandu Valley from Narayanthan

We had some time before boarding our train so we thought of visiting Geeta Press or Gorakhpur Mandir, but both were far away from station and there was a possibility of high traffic while returning  so we dropped our plan and relaxed on station only.
Since sleeper coach waiting rooms didn't had proper bathrooms, we paid some money to care takers and entered into AC coach rooms for proper bath. After all this adventure Maag was hell tired, fall sick and slept there for 30-45 minutes, but even this little time was enough to get her strength back.

We boarded our train and headed back towards our routine, I had some private chat with Pahadi about the ups and downs of my life, since she was the only one who can understand it. Anna felt bit jealous due to this and same was seen in whole trip, Maag always seemed to be in her own space. I, Pahadi and Maag stepped down at Bhopal, while Anna continued in same train towards Mumbai. There was a cab waiting for us in Bhopal which was sent by Dad, all boarded it and then finally returned our homes.
Overall it was a nice trip with lots of ups and downs, adventures, secrets and fights. I am never gonna forget this trip and its true that for Naturally Nepal, Once is not enough.

Shri Pashupatinath Mandir-God and Death at the same place

Country: Nepal

City: Kathmandu

Crew: Anna,Maag, Kuntal and Pahadi

Entrance of Pashupatinath Temple

Our last day in Nepal was planned to roam around in Kathmandu, but first things first was to visit Pasupatinath Mandir. Once you enter the temple, you will get caught in its vortex, it is totally a different world inside it. Here the Shivling is panchmukhi meaning 5 faces of God in the same structure, but we could see only 4 gates to enter and worship, so we asked the security person standing at the gate about the catch of last one. He said “it’s present at the top but invisible”. Pashupati actually means “The Lord of all pashus which are living as well as non living beings”.

Baba in Pose

As we moved further maag went into dhyan (she meditated for some time) and rest of us were roaming around here and there. I saw a person giving tilak-chandan in a leaf, so me and anna also took it and applied on our forehead, this was the first time I have seen tilak being given in a leaf.  Some people were chanting bhajans in a corner and obviously Pahadi was attracted to her passion-music. Sound of bhajan was mixed with the environment in such a way that its part of whole shanti (peace) prevailing in the temple. When I looked at the backside of temple, there was a river (Bagmati) passing, in addition to that I can see that it was a cremation place with few bodies in process. Also there was a person with oxygen pump in a corner, he was there as if it was confirmed that he is not gonna make it and has to be here. It’s the only temple where I witnessed Gods image at one end and death at the other.   

Inside the Temple

I was frightened by the look of that place so I told my crew members that we should move out now, but I was not the only explorer out there, Maag wanted to see what’s there at the backside, so we all moved there and rest of my crew members saw what I was afraid of. It was the first time Pahadi had seen a dead body and she was always afraid of the thought of looking at a body. So for her it was a nightmare come true and photographer Maag wanted to take pics here also and she was standing right beside a body, I tried not to take body in the picture. 

Bagmati River: Backside of Temple

It is said that there is aura present around everything / person, and if our aura conflicts with others, it signals that we should move out of the place as soon as possible. It was happening same for me, I was feeling to move out of that environment as if there was something which was telling to move out from there.

Chennai to China

If you are following me, you will know that I am working in India-Chennai in an MNC and right now I am writing about my trip to Nepal for an International GERA Conference. It was already completed in my last post and in this post I am gonna describe the journey from Nepal to China Border. We didn’t had all the time in the world to roam complete Nepal but whatever time was left with us, we planned to utilize it to the fullest. We heard that the route to China border is like Laddakh, so we hired a car and started our journey; for me it was like a journey from Chennai to China. I must say this was the awesomest part of our Nepal trip.

Waterfalls on our way

Thinking about the trip, images of Himalayan Mountains, simple people, exotic locales come to mind. Trip was all this and more. Words can’t do justice to the beauty of the land and you have to hike through its hills and valleys to witness its beauty and the majesty of its people especially girls. It was a beauty beyond description barren Rocky Mountains had an exquisite beauty of their own the shattered looking landscapes splashed with small but brilliant patches of green and black. Pahadi stepped out and collected some black rocks for research.

There were quite a number of water-falls on this Road. They seem like falling from the heaven. It’s a place where the road plays hide & seek all along. You have to be careful while driving in these roads. There was a time when I thought that this is it, we can’t go further from here, our car was stuck and driver was working hard to get it through, even then I was cherishing the moment thinking that we have made so far and whatever we have covered was none less than than an achievement. What can I say the journey was important not the destination. There was music flowing in our ship all the time courtesy: Pahadi. We also observed a trend as we were moving towards China in people’s physique.

Our car stuck on road

Finally we reached Nepal:China border, it is actually a bridge known as friendship bridge between the 2 countries. It was a cool border if you can think in a different way. There were more than 4 border policeman posted from the China’s side and only one from Nepali that too was having fun with us and talking all the time. There were 2 guards at Chinese side who were standing straight in attention position for more than 15 minutes so I asked Nepali guard, why he is in the same condition, he informed me that they have a duty of 2 hours, they will be standing like this way not even blinking eyes, this is called as discipline.

Friendship Bridge between Nepal and China

We could not take the pictures of the main entrance of China-border as the Chinese police posted there, prevented us from doing so. Hence for you, I have googled and found some old pics of the bridge for you. We were standing right at the red line: the border line between the 2, so we were in both countries at the same time that was a moment. Then we had some Chinese dishes in a restaurant nearby and headed for a hot spring: Tatopani, which is a major tourist attraction. People come here from far & wide to take a bath to cure their skin ailments, etc. After all this fun we reached Kathmandu, had dinner and stayed in a hotel near Pashupatinath Mandir.

Overall, it was a good experience for us. Only if we had the same facility as Nepalis enjoy (one day free permit to visit the bordering Chinese town) but for us Indians, Visa is a must. So we returned, overwhelmed with the nature's beauty.

Link for Friendship Bridge-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Nepal_Friendship_Bridge