6th to 8th of June, 2023.
Hitchhiking in India: Manali
Apart from Rishi, Damini and her boyfriend (the three of them who were travelling), staying here are also another guy, and a lovely young lady, Shawarkshi. There is a third guy too, but he stays in a different room.
I share a room with Rishi, who owns the place, and the other guy. Rishi got this place with the intention of renting the rooms. And that’s what he is still doing, but he wants really to turn into something else, something bigger. They have gatherings here, meetings and parties, all with a sense of community and getting people together. They have also a small place for second hand clothes, and from time to time they make a selling day, but you can also exchange what you have for what you need.
In the morning, I can finally see what the place really is about it. Wow! It is simply gorgeous! It is surrounded by trees and flowers; the greenery goes as further as your eyes can see. Down the valley you can hear the river, and the sound of it is so peaceful and dreamy! You can go down there also, as I did, and in so many different spots you have the most amazing views! There are no houses in view, no external noises, just the nature, pure and simple, and you. It is so peaceful! I love it!
There are two neighbours, and Rishi knows them. They are good people. If you walk a little, you can see some holiday houses, you know, being still Manali, no place is truly safe of tourism.
At first, I though about staying only one night, leaving on the very next day. But then I realized I wouldn’t be able to spend more time with everybody and around here, so accepting Rishi kind invitation for staying as long as I wanted, I stay another night. And I decide not going to Manali at all. Nature is way more attractive.
I have more appetite now. We all help making breakfast and we also have coffee. We chat for some time in the afternoon too; we have lunch together; in the evening, Rishi goes to Manali, and the rest of us just chill. Ah, yeh! And we look after the puppies as well. There is a gorgeous white dog, which looks like a Samoyed; and we are also looking after the puppy Rishi brought from Ladakh.
The thing about the puppies is: Rishi helps an institution called Pashuholic Foundation, which rescue and take care of abandoned / stray animals. After treating them, they make online adverts for adoption. That is so awesome! You can help and support them on Instagram at: @pashuholic
Shawarkshi is an artist, and she has some beautiful art in her bedroom walls. And she’s also a great face painter! She makes a beautiful drawing on my face! Together with her boyfriend we watch a movie on my second night.
Next morning, I am trying to leave very early but the rain delays me for a while. Alas, I finally leave.
10 Years Around the World 