We have been waking up early here. The sun usually rises about 5AM and we are up about 5:30 or 6 (to the sound of the farmers driving their cows in the fields, in Palampur) and we will just hang out until breakfast at 7:30. Yesterday we arose and I asked Suresh Bai if I could help make Chai. In his usual stone-faced (but happy) way he showed me how to make it. It took about 45 seconds for him. He put some fresh ground Chai leaves into a pot of water, added some cardammom, sugar, long cloves, black pepper, and fresh ginger root (beaten to a pulp). Boil and strain - Chai tea is ready. After this we sat for about an hour and a half to listen to the lecture of a brilliant retired professor of comparative political history on the over 5,000 year history of India, its people, and its incredible diversity. This really puts the culture and contradictory nature of the Indian people in perspective, but is too much to go into now. After this we piled into vans and headed to the airport for our flight to Dharamshala (followed by the hour car ride to Palampur).
When we arrived we were greeted by the CCS drivers, a delightful Sikh named Vicky and another tiny man named Pinku (whom they call "Okay"). The 'National Highway' that we took was interesting. By 'National Highway' they mean a two-lane paved road (riddled with potholes and fauna of all sorts) which makes its way into an even smaller one-lane paved road around Palampur. Car sickness in the back seat of a car is one thing, but sitting in the back facing another student was almost enough to make me lose my meager lunch. Thankfully I didn't. I find it pretty incredible that all animals here know exactly what a car horn means, and do not hesitate to jump up from their sunning spot in the middle of the road before getting run over. Large bull cows are the expection to the rule. The best thing about the drive here? The road signs. Two of my favorites read "Better Late Than Never" (referring dually to the dangerous road and the Indian idea of not really using clocks to tell time as they are always late) and the best... "If Married, Divorce at Speed". This was an actual government-sanctioned road sign.
When we arrived at our homebase we were all amazed at how ideal it is. The facilities are modest by American standards (as most are) but extremely nice for India. We are in about an acre worth of outdoor seating areas, a field of grass on which to play cricket, badmiton, and soccer, and a nice covered area where we eat, watch cricket (an obsession in India, but especially now with the 20Twenty World Cup coming up in a month) and play Carrum. They staff here plays Carrum every night and the matches are always tight, highly disputed, and much publicised. You cannot pull the board out and start playing without every man on the staff coming to watch and give advice, as well as a good deal of grief on every shot.
When we arrived we were greeted by the CCS drivers, a delightful Sikh named Vicky and another tiny man named Pinku (whom they call "Okay"). The 'National Highway' that we took was interesting. By 'National Highway' they mean a two-lane paved road (riddled with potholes and fauna of all sorts) which makes its way into an even smaller one-lane paved road around Palampur. Car sickness in the back seat of a car is one thing, but sitting in the back facing another student was almost enough to make me lose my meager lunch. Thankfully I didn't. I find it pretty incredible that all animals here know exactly what a car horn means, and do not hesitate to jump up from their sunning spot in the middle of the road before getting run over. Large bull cows are the expection to the rule. The best thing about the drive here? The road signs. Two of my favorites read "Better Late Than Never" (referring dually to the dangerous road and the Indian idea of not really using clocks to tell time as they are always late) and the best... "If Married, Divorce at Speed". This was an actual government-sanctioned road sign.
When we arrived at our homebase we were all amazed at how ideal it is. The facilities are modest by American standards (as most are) but extremely nice for India. We are in about an acre worth of outdoor seating areas, a field of grass on which to play cricket, badmiton, and soccer, and a nice covered area where we eat, watch cricket (an obsession in India, but especially now with the 20Twenty World Cup coming up in a month) and play Carrum. They staff here plays Carrum every night and the matches are always tight, highly disputed, and much publicised. You cannot pull the board out and start playing without every man on the staff coming to watch and give advice, as well as a good deal of grief on every shot.
The best part about Palampur so far? It has to be a tie between the incredibly hospitable and fun staff (we may as well be best friends already) and the fact that every morning I step out my door to the sight of the snow-capped Himalayas looking over the Kangra Valley. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Delhi, this is a much-needed respite. This is a place that is known to the locals for its beaty and the curative properties of the pine-scented air. Pictures are sure to come, but I have to sign out here before I miss my breakfast and chai (it is almost 7am). More to come tomorrow.
Lovely blog post. Palampur is a small and scenic hill station in Kangra Valley that is just ideal for that cool summer breaks or cozy winter retreat. Check out these hotels in Palampur for travellers accommodation.
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