R&R #3 Part 1
Our third and last R&R is currently in progress!
We started our vacation in New Delhi, India. Normally we try to visit family here once a year, but this was a particularly special occasion as it was my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary, and they had a huge bash to celebrate the event. We got dressed up, ate, drank, and hung out with cousins.
I love a tree draped in lights!
50 years!
No Indian party is complete without a professional photo shoot! A few gems from the night above.
After a few days in Delhi we headed to the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. It sits at the foot of the Himalaya’s and is known by many as the home of the Dalai Lama. His temple was built in 1959 and is considered the spiritual and political epicenter for exiled Tibetans. I’m not particularly spiritual (sorry mom), but seeing buddhist temples against the snow capped Himalaya’s was especially impressive. The state also boasts it’s own unique cuisine- think Indian/Tibetan fusion. Spicy noodle soup, lamb momo’s (their version of dumplings), Chicken Siddu (AKA the Himalayan empanada) it was all super delish.
We came to Himachal Pradesh for the reunion of my father in law’s military regimen. He is a retired colonel in the Indian army, and to say he is beloved by his regimen is an understatement- this man is a BIG DEAL. As a civilian this was such a unique experience for me. We were greeted and picked up at the airport by soldiers, and they essentially acted as our own personal chauffeur for the 3 days we were in town. Our visit culminated with a celebration at the local military base. There was music, dancing, skits, food and even a comedian. We also visited the base where V spent several years as a child when his dad was posted in Himachal Pradesh. V grew up as a military kid- and I’m convinced this is why he acclimated so quickly to life in the foreign service. Moving every few years is second nature to him, and not novel to a kid in the military.
The cable cars from Mcledoganj to Dharamshala, an absolute must if you are in the region.
Kora circuit~ is a walking path that loops around the Dalai Lama temple complex, and is filled with prayer wheels and flags.
The MANI prayer wheels are filled with thousands of mantra prayers, and it is believed that one clockwise turn is equal merit to reciting the thousands of mantras inside. Ain’t nobody got time for a thousand mantra’s- Fast tracking a prayer is a concept I can get on board with.
An airport with a view. To get to Dharmashala, Himachal Pradesh you can fly into Kangra airport (about 90 minutes from New Delhi). Love the apt airline name- Spice jet.
There are several “hill stations” as the towns are called. Bir is one such town that we took a day trip to. Adorable town filled with parasailing, backpackers, and an abundance of cafe’s.
Next up we head down under for the second part of our vacation. Stay tuned for our Aussie adventures.
