6th May, 2015

We went trekking yesterday. The day before yesterday's was more of a walk. Yesterday's however, was a proper trek. We were dropped at a particular place from where a guide took us through a forested hill. The mountain air wasn't very cold. But then, I am not a good judge of temperature as I prefer the cold. Winter is my favourite season.

As we trekked through the forest, over streams, up gentle slopes, and down steep ones, the guide pointed out various types of birds whose hues were beyond the imagination of cramped urban minds. Every tree sported a different shade of green. Seeing all the moss that coated their barks, I was reminded of the stories I had read, where children went on adventures and slept in caves on beds of moss and heather. Bonu collected leaves varying in shapes and sizes. We went up to the "Zero Point" viewing tower and had our breaths taken away by the captivating beauty of the valley below.

Today, however, our trek was of a different nature. There is this man who works at Khali Estate, who is very friendly towards Bonu. Perhaps it is because he has a son and a daughter who are only slightly younger than her. He seems to be the most carefree amongst everyone as he sings to his heart's content whenever he wishes. So, when he discovered that the trail we wished to follow led into the forest and towards his house, he insisted we visit his family home. When we realized how proud he was of his home and might feel slighted if we ignored his invite, we decided to go. The same guide who led us yesterday, accompanied us today as well. It was a difficult path and I was surprised to see the local people walk with such ease as though they were on a leisurely stroll in a large garden, where, to the left, the Earth gave away to a shear drop! We spotted a leopard paw-print that scared the hell out of me, though I refused to admit it. I managed to console myself with the thought that the morning was warm and these big cats prefer the night and cold.

When we reached the man's house, we were very warmly greeted. His children were playing cricket with a flat wooden board and a plastic ball, and the adults were smiling a lot. It was such an eye-opener, seeing these little children so delightfully happy with whatever little they had while we, the pampered brats of the city are so unsatisfied with everything, despite living in the lap of luxury.

7th May, 2015

Today we went to the Golu Devi Temple. Hearing the name, I assumed that it was a very grand temple. But perched at a height, accessible to worshippers by a long flight of stairs, its gate didn't look like much. Then again, looks can be deceiving. Upon entering the temple, despite there being many tourists, locals, and monkeys, one cannot deny the peace one feels there.

The most fascinating part of this temple was the tunnel of bells. It wasn't exactly a tunnel, but made to look so by the thousands of bells that hung there. Mamma told us that whenever someone's wish to God is granted, he or she will come here and tie up a bell as a 'thank you' token. A little further ahead of the tunnel of bells, is an entire wall on which those who put up the bells, tied little notes, expressing their gratitude to their god. This tradition struck me as extremely fascinating! I presumed that in the wisdom of the days gone by, this seemingly meaningless tradition, had a very special and scientific explanation!

On the car trip back, we picked up a few children who were on their way back from school, hoping to hitch a ride back home. I was curious to know whether they did this every day. Apparently, their school is far away from their house and since their parents are either tending to their fields or at work somewhere, no one can pick them up. They either hitch a ride in the vehicle of a kind tourist, or walk all the way home. Once home, they eat whatever they have and are alone  until their parents return. Sometimes, babies who are too young to be sent to school, or taken with their mothers to work, are left in the house, only to be carried off by leopards. I wonder at the tough life they lead with so much of joy and I compare it with my life, the city life, where a little more is never enough. Where we come home, into the welcoming arms of our parents and still wish for the pizza they didn't order. Where the only dangers we face are those of the traffic, into which we never go unsupervised. Sometimes I wonder whether we will truly ever be happy. Perhaps actual happiness is being one with Nature, not fearing, but marvelling at her beauty and greatness.