Woke up this AM in beautiful Nainital, in an old English inn (once a YMCA hostel) overlooking the lake. Coffee on the terrace, breakfast on the lawn. Joy!
Then, once the bus was loaded, we headed into the town to visit the Devi temple and for quick shopping for shawls. Back onto the bus and on the road up up and up.
We drove past farm after farm. White buildings with blue doors and shutters, deep deep red rhododendrons growing as trees. Steeply terraced fields with cows and goats on each level. Spring flowers and fruit trees are in bloom everywhere. And we saw what was either a large coyote or small wolf. Whatever India's version is. Rust colored like a red fox but long legs, very narrow torso, and canine head.
In Dwarahat, Marty became suddenly ill (syncopal event) but recovered within a few hours. And wonder of wonders, we were able to see the snow capped Himalayas! Usually they are hidden all day this time of year but not today. We could see them all afternoon. The picture is through the bus window--hoping to get better ones tomorrow.
The retreat we are staying at in Dunagiri is almost finished. Our rooms and the views of the hills and mountains are spectacular but we have to get hot water from the kitchen for bathing. The rooms are stone and wood and modern. Wonderful layouts. The meals are gourmet vegetarian. The heat is from a wood stove. The outdoor temps are frigid! Our hosts do not speak much English but fortunately we have Jyoshna with us who is bilingual. Meals are outside under canopies. I think we are going to enjoy this very much.
Then, once the bus was loaded, we headed into the town to visit the Devi temple and for quick shopping for shawls. Back onto the bus and on the road up up and up.
We drove past farm after farm. White buildings with blue doors and shutters, deep deep red rhododendrons growing as trees. Steeply terraced fields with cows and goats on each level. Spring flowers and fruit trees are in bloom everywhere. And we saw what was either a large coyote or small wolf. Whatever India's version is. Rust colored like a red fox but long legs, very narrow torso, and canine head.
In Dwarahat, Marty became suddenly ill (syncopal event) but recovered within a few hours. And wonder of wonders, we were able to see the snow capped Himalayas! Usually they are hidden all day this time of year but not today. We could see them all afternoon. The picture is through the bus window--hoping to get better ones tomorrow.
The retreat we are staying at in Dunagiri is almost finished. Our rooms and the views of the hills and mountains are spectacular but we have to get hot water from the kitchen for bathing. The rooms are stone and wood and modern. Wonderful layouts. The meals are gourmet vegetarian. The heat is from a wood stove. The outdoor temps are frigid! Our hosts do not speak much English but fortunately we have Jyoshna with us who is bilingual. Meals are outside under canopies. I think we are going to enjoy this very much.
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