Kashmir is just what we need

7 May 2009

We had a very fun time in New Delhi, making friends with French people and hanging out, but it was time to move along. We were keen to go north and escape the +40C weather.

First, we drove to Amristar. We attended the gate closing ceremony at the border. It was so great to witness! The Indian stands were completely packed. Before the ceremony started, there was running with flags, dancing to bangra, trumpets and chanting. Then, the guards on both sides march by kicking their legs and flinging their knees up very high. They intimidate each other before lowering the flags and closing the gates for the night. Apparently it’s all in good fun and the guys all get together for tea after the whole thing. Anyway, we really had a blast! The crowd was wild! One very special thing was that we saw some of our friends... on the Pakistani side! We met them at Nehru park, while they were also sorting out their Iranian visa. They were able to get theirs, and were heading back to France. We saw each other in the morning, and then waved to each other from opposite sides of the borders in the evening. I got yelled at by the guards for waving to them wildly... I guess in the spirit of the ceremony, we can’t show we’re friends with Pakistan. Et bien, amusez vous bien Benoit, Amandine et Remi! On vous souhaite beaucoup de bonheur!

After the ceremony, we headed up to Kashmir. It rained for a little while, and that was a little depressing...What was wonderful though, was that for the first time in weeks and weeks, we were cold! What a wonderful feeling! We slept all tucked under our big blanket, happy not to use our new fan :)

I was very happy to be in Kashmir, there are goats everywhere.

Once in Srinagar, we called our friend Peter, a Kashmiri man we met in Delhi. He came to get us, and took us to a safe parking for the wombat. After, he offered us hospitality in one of his luxurious houseboats. He has been so lovely to us, and we appreciate it! Kashmir is so beautiful, and it’s great to try Kashmiri food and learn Kashmiri customs from Peter. We love the bread and the tea (cinnamon and cardamom, no milk). We took boat rides on the lake, and really got to enjoy the beauty of Srinagar. Also, the beds on the houseboat are super comfortable! Thank you Peter!

Now, it is late at night. I am watching 20-20 cricket between Pakistan and Australia. Australia just made 108-10. The 2nd lowest in 20-20 history. I’m too tired to watch the rest. Also, Peter changed the channel and fell asleep, and I don’t want to bother him for the remote. There are loud “Breaking News” about Pakistan fighting the Taliban...Such a contrast from Pakistani cricket to this...

Tomorrow we will check out Srinagar some more. We may go up to Leh and do a loop back down to Amristar. We don’t really know if we want to go to Pakistan early and tempt to get our Iranian visa early, or wait until the end of the month...We’ll decide very soon. Right now, I’m thoroughly enjoying beautiful Kashmir, and all it has to offer.

Marie-Claude