“Will be back for "Hygge" when the season turns. Thank you!”
Arriving as a traveler, I felt at home before even reaching my own place. Ailyak, Aakanksha, Yash, and Vivek all deserve thanks, love, and hugs. Walk the short‑cut, then take the long way up the hill and around; the mountain spirits of Shoja—furry, gentle, cheeky—and the mellow interlopers guide you. In May‑June, a short stroll leads to a hidden creek that runs through the land—enjoy its unhurried pace, embrace the birdsong or silence. Find a cozy spot above the dorms, leave your baggage, and sink into the Majlis‑style divans until you’re drawn into a sometimes unwinnable game; be nice to the volunteers; savor a Khichri‑Choka and No‑Rush; Yash will be around the corner if you need anything. The most memorable hike was to Seri homestay, with dancing daisies, curious bugs, and shy songbirds; tread lightly on this living carpet, stop and listen to the woods—bees seem to land ever so gently on the flowers. Take a barefoot walk through a gentle rain, feel the land, smile at locals chopping wood; watch a misty blanket slide across the mountains, punctuated by rainbows at sunset and a mystical moonlight when it lifts. I’m thankful to have met a bunch of lovely travelers—music, poetry, contemplation, walks in the rain, and chai! The guardian of the daisies, Aakanksha, lives here and will feed you a tasty, comforting home‑style meal; be kind and she may hum a melody, think, and let you stay longer. Please be caring and respectful of Jhibi and Seri stays, the land, the people, and the villages. “Lightly my darling, on tiptoes and no luggage, not even a sponge bag, completely unencumbered” – Aldous Huxley.
Ra_melb!·A year ago