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Phase 2 Day 11 - Foothills of Himalaya





I now found myself standing at the junction of Rishap and Rawa . Taking the route towards Rishap I had to off road a few kilometres over rocky mushy roads. The weather was closing in. The sky was overcast and cloudy. I knew it would pour that evening. The bumpy rocky mushy ride ended soon and I parked my bike at the Rishap Tourist Lodge. Walking into the place I found no one in the lodge. Pal da and his family were not there and neither was the caretaker of the lodge around. However the neighbouring hoteliers were very kind and invited me over there. I saw that there was no competition among them. There was perfect harmony between the neighbouring hotels. I was a guest to their neighbour and they were nice to me. I engaged in a conversation with the three curious young boys who were fascinated to know I rode all the way from Mumbai and wanted to buy my bike. I smiled at their simplicity, and refrained myself from taking up the offer.

Heyy thanks MG.. it was badly needed

Prolly am a bit late in replying but the Ashram tale really touched. Am absolutely speechless...Cant even imagine how you might have felt being there.

Thanks for sharing brother.

Best of luck for rest of your journey.

^^^ it is such experiences that make travellers a mature lot and sought after people.

Ever wonder why our history gives rich accolades to ancient travellers? They travelled, they've learnt, they've written about it, they've spread the word, made others learn about the place & culture of far off civilizations, enabled trade, peace and don't know what else.

What Praveen did last year and what Pankaj is doing now is nothing short of those.

+1 to that...These kind of rides are truly enlightning...A lot more than just munching miles and clicks.

Helmets off to guys like these!!!

It feels good to be back to civilization after four days of camping amidst wild elephants, bisons and a tiger... blog coming soon!

Hey Happy biking all of us had similar feelings... some while they read the ashram story and me when I visited them... thanks bro!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Phase 2 - Day 12 – A day with Pal da and his family


NEORA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

This morning as I woke up I dressed and started for Neora Valley National Park to meet Pal da. I left without having breakfast. I rode off road for seven kilometres and thoroughly enjoyed the ride upto Kholakham. It was simply an awesome ride.



When I reached the junction from where road leads to Neora Valley National Park I covered a distance og 12km off roading through a beautiful jungle. Here I met an old man on a bike, his name was Simon Gandolfi. He had travelled to South America covering fifty five thousand kilometres on a 125 cc bike and now he was motorbiking in India covering it in length and breadth. He rode from Delhi to Kanyakumari to Kolkata, now he was in West Bengal and then heading to Sikkim. It is always a pleasure to meet someone who shares the same passion as I.

In our little conversation I said that this place is changing and getting more commercialised. He immediately pointed out that I was thinking negatively. I missed the point that development also brought about positive changes and betterment of the people living in the place. He mentioned that forty years ago when he visited Goa it was a different heavenly place and now it has changed but yet is a good place of stay for so many thousands of people who live there. They have more facilities and are connected to the world and enjoy modern amenities like any other civilized place. I realised my thinking was a bit biased and I consciously tried changing my attitude reacting positively towards the happening change. We are planning to ride together at some point. Ending the discussion I was on the way to Neora Valley National Park.



Just then I saw Pal da on that junction in his jeep and together we went to Kholakham through Neora Valley National Park. On arrival at the campsite I was amazed with the beauty of the place and the good work that Help Tourism was doing in terms of development of such unscathed places. They have developed a fantastic camp site at Neora Valley National Park overlooking the valley and mountains. Beautiful homes and cottages neatly lay out added to the beauty of the place amidst nature’s reserves. The smell of the woods and forest sounds made the experience of being at the camp even more enchanting. I was enjoying every moment of the stay there.






I was happy to hear that Pal da’s wife was going to come there from Kalimpong along with the kids. She and the kids had moved to Kalimpong for the sake of the kid’s education. They as a couple prioritized their children’s education over making money. I was very impressed with their decision. Knowing I would be able to spend time with the kids and Pal da’s wife after nine long years undoubtedly made me very happy. I was looking forward to the reunion! Seeing his children all grown up since I last saw them made me realise the effect time has on each one of us. I was enjoying a full on conversation with his younger nine year old daughter who spoke fluent English. She has a very pleasant disposition with a bubbly chirpy persona. The education system in Kalimpong definitely was showing the outcome in the way she conducted herself. We had a great time filled with laughter, fun n frolic that evening. We found ourselves reliving moments from the yester years, followed by friendly chit chats and a scrumptious meal. That night I went to bed feeling happy and rejuvenated just by being with my friend Pal da and his wonderful family!

Simon Gandolfi ... Old man on a bike

yeah!!! it makes me feel as if like i am present dere ,while i was reading the blog.................

Even I feel biased now for making anti-commercialization remarks all the time.

Nice pics

Srinagar to Leh

Hi friends good news Srinagar to Leh road is open on 14th month ahead of schedule..........

Follow this link
fullstory

Thursday, April 15, 2010

vow... It must cold out there isnt it..!! Sitting in mumbai with unbearable heat & show this, its really a pleasure..!!