Little Tibet

So here we are in Dharamsala - actually, we are in Mcleod Ganj to be precise, and to be even more precise (if ever more preciseness was needed then it must be now) our hostel is in a cute little village called Bhagsu. What a stunning spot, this is easily my favourite (and Charlotte's too I think although I wouldn't want to speak for her) place so far, and possibly ever. I have had the time of my life here - hence lack of internet access for the past few days, I literally just haven't been bothered. Appalling excuse I know, and apologies for any crucial birthdays/weddings/baby births (don't know how likely that last one is but you never know) I have missed, let me know and I will send appropriate congratulations.

I don't even have anything funny to say about this place (well, I do actually, there is as much comedy value here as there ever was in any bits of India - wild ponies running down the road as a dog eats from a flaming wheelbarrow, for example). We heard the Dalai Lama's momentous speech first-hand which was powerful and incredible and such a stroke of luck (we literally got off the train at 3am and met a Swedish guy called John who asked, "Are you here to see the Dalai Lama speak this morning?" and we were like "Er... I guess so?" And so off we went at 9am after a gruelling 3 hour drive up into the mountains and one and a half hours' sleep - amazing).

We've done all sorts of bits and pieces here, nothing insane but everything awesome (if that makes any sense?). We've teamed up with the loveliest group of boys - British, Danish and Swedish - all so much fun, and been doing bits and pieces of cultural stuff/chilled out stuff with them. Rob and I trekked up (well, I say "trek"... it was about a thirty minute walk up and twenty minutes back, but it was over mountainous terrain and I was wearing my trusty Topshop ballet flats - practical shoe choice has always been something which eludes me, and continues to do so - so I still say it counts as a trek because of the inner mountain goat I had to unleash in order to stay upright and keep hold of my camera). The waterfall was the most beautiful, powerful place, just hearing the rushing water and seeing the rainbow over it was the best, can't even describe it. Although actually, I spent a disproportionate amount of time trying to get a good photo of a mountain goat, but I got one in the end. Thank God for that. I also failed miserably at skimming stones, but I am now a dab hand at Stupid Irish Snap. Which I will teach anyone at home who asks, but I wouldn't bother asking if you value your brain cells/the hands of your opponent.

In short, I will miss Mcleod Ganj with all my heart. I don't know what else to say really. A piece of me will always be here, at this moment in time, with these people in this place. But that's travelling for you, and move on we must and shall, so it is off to Mumbai tomorrow via Delhi and a couple of night trains. To say I'm devastated to go would be an understatement but there's no other option, so we are staying positive, there is still so much to see and do and we are so psyched for Goa it's unbelievable.

Miss you all, masses of love, keep safe xxxxxxxxxxxx <3