Beautiful Manali

We finally got out of the heat and found ourselves in beautiful Manali. We arrived on April 24th, and found here many of our friends from Goa. It was a warm welcoming even though it was freezing cold! The journey to get here was very long. A 30 hour train ride from Goa to Delhi, spent one night in Delhi, and hopped on a 16 hour bus to Manali. Junu was an angel the entire trip! It was amazing, the train just rocked her right to sleep. I think she slept 90% of the trip. I loved it because I too was able to catch up on my sleep, and it made the entire journey go by a lot faster.

It was raining in Manali for an entire week before we arrived, and rather cold the day we got here. A big shock from the incredibly hot weather we just came from. We quickly found a room, and crashed for the entire day under very thick blankets. Then, we woke up to the warm sun shinning upon the Himalayas, and welcoming us to Manali.

We are now technically staying in a village named Vishist located just above New Manali. It is a small mountain village filled with wood and stone houses, scattered with guest houses for the many travelers that find their way here. We already found our favorite Chai shop, where the Didi makes us hot water for Junu, and Dal Bhat for Sunil and I. We are still searching for a room with a kitchen so that we can do our own cooking, but it seems that even though we arrived early in the season all the rooms with kitchens are already taken. We might just have to buy a little propane stove to sterilize bottles and make hot water, tea, eggs, ect.

I have managed to capture a couple shots of the mountains, but since the screen on our camera is broken, I can never tell if my scenic pictures have come out or not. I dont think these shots are very good, but at least you can get a glimps at the amazing view of the Himalayas that we get to enjoy from our balcony. I have also included some pictures of Junu in her adorable winter outfits. Living in Goa I didnt think we would get to use them before she grew out of them, so I am happy we get to them. However, I do miss having her hang out at as a naked babe.

Things have been so wonderful since we got here. We have been continually blessed since we arrived, and the fresh energy is revitalizing for us. Junu is also really enjoying the mountain energy. She hates being inside, and always wants to be outside in the fresh air. We started going on evening walks, and she is so stimulated by all the fresh smells and sounds. She loves the mooing cows and the soothing sound of the waterfalls.

Even though it was a last minute decision to come here, we are happy we followed our hearts and decided to change our plans. Manali is where we are supposed to be right now. We can feel it in the air.