himalayas and wooly jumpers

I realize there is no way to sum up the last five weeks in a weak blog entry, thus the shit status of the last few blogs...so sorry.

After the horrendous ordeal of being ill in Delhi and being on my own again, I have finally made the next step in this crazy adventure. After bumming around all day in hot sweaty Delhi, I stayed up all night in anticipation of the 3am cab coming to cart me away to the airport. Unable to book a flight, I just had to show up with my fingers crossed.

Luckily...everything worked out! I made it to Leh, in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir this morning! If I have raved about India before, I think I am in love now.
Through my hazy eyes this morning we flew straight over the Himalayan, brushing over the snow capped peaks, and winding web of shadows.

As the plane swooped into landing, I realized people had starting putting on their real clothes. Down jackets, wool beanies, gloves, and full blown hiking boots. I was left wearing a thin thermal shirt and sandals, feeling like a complete fool not only for my attire but my giant pack full summer clothes. Now I am cozily bundled up in my first sweater, gloves, and wool socks! Oh how missed layering. :)

I met a lovely British couple to share a cab into town with, because of course once again I had not planned anything...but that's the way I like it. We found a charming little guesthouse run by a Ladakhi family, eager to please and make us feel at home. They immediately told us to rest and go to sleep to avoid getting sick, which I obviously had no complaints about.

Leh has already blown away my expectations, and it has been but a few hours of tea and rest to acclimatize to the elevation. Feeling sick now feels like a far away dream, and I am more than ready to begin exploring the north.

Nearing the end of October, Leh begins to cool down drastically and roads start to close. I have yet to see many backpackers here, but that simply adds to the charm.
The dark brown skin, and saris of the south are replaced by; beautiful olive skin, shimmering green eyes, and vibrant traditional Ladakhi, and Tibetan clothing. This is not the same India I have spent the last two months in, and I like it.

The hustle and bustle of Indian cities, heat soaked streets, heckling vendors, desperate begging children with babies, dirty cows, and constant rattle of rickshaw horns is a distant memory. This little town nestled between Himalayan peaks is peaceful and unbelievably beautiful. Even the wandering cows and dogs that run the streets wear shaggy coats, and howl at the moon and not at me.

If you ever come to India...you must come to Leh. Bottom line. Better yet, spend a few months in Southern India, then come here because it will blow your mind. Can't wait to get out and explore...thinking of all of you at home!