So I took my first plunge and got to Mussoorie. My house is beautiful.
It has a large sitting room, my own bathroom and kitchen as well as a
king sized bed in my own bedroom. There is a lovely balcony with an
amazing view. The only down side is the fact that it is not a 10 min
walk but more like an hour walk away from town, and it is not a hill, it
is climbing a mountain. Fortunately the people I am renting from are
very sweet and have allowed offered me rides to and from town. Mussoorie
is very friendly with amazing views everywhere you look.
I feel my pilgrimage began yesterday when I decided to walk to and from
town on my own. I went to town around 4pm, looked around and saw the
shops and restaurants, and then slowly made my way up the mountain
collecting vegetables, water and various other little things for my
dinner at home at the last shops possible so I didn't have to carry them
that far. On the way up, i brought my ipod to keep my company, but i
decided not to listen to it. Instead I reflected on my pilgrimage
project, what is added and what is lost by physically walking versus
taking buses or cars, and instead listened to the sounds of my own
breath, my heart pounding and the chirps of the animals coming out as
night fell. I arrived home absolutely exhausted. I could do nothing but
collapse in my bed, crawl under the covers, eat a few pringles and fall
asleep. I slept for almost 12 hours. Now I am still coming off my fever
as well as much emotional turmoil over this crazy journey of mine, but
this exhaustion over a couple of hours of walking made me nervous.
Today I met with Stephen Alter, my inspiration for this entire
pilgrimage and so in some ways my own personal deity. He invited me to
his home (another unexpected hike), and was so helpful. We created a new
itinerary that I feel very good about, answered all my questions and
gave me resources. It all just happened so fast. Not only does he know
like everything, he was also very supportive about me finding and
creating my own narrative as my journey ensues. He further mentioned to
not feel bad or even alarmed if I decide to come back to Mussoorie. He
said that there are many goddesses and shrines near Mussoorie with lots
of interesting folklore that he could introduce me to and get material
to write about, and that often one finds the best things in unexpected
places. Needless to say, he is my hero. He then mentioned that I could
go straight to Yamnuotri from Mussoorie and save a day and a half of
travel, and then added that he knew someone going that perhaps I could
get a ride with. After our meeting we met this person (anna) who said
yes she was going and would love my company, and that I can meet her at
10am TOMORROW!!! So it looks like I am starting my journey a day early!
I am currently running around getting water purifying tablets and warm
shawls and heading back home to back up, AHHHH!! What am I doing?? I
actually feel a lot better, I know I will be fine. I will seek out
others to travel with, my schedule is much more flexible now. I can't
believe this is happening so fast, but I am excited.
I will probably be out of e-mail range until I get back which will
likely be around April 21. I miss you all and looking forward to e-mails
from you when I return
No comments:
Post a Comment