Ashley and I moved to separate hotels yesterday, I think we were getting in eachother's shoes a bit. Anyway, it's all good now. For the last two evenings i've been going to a singalong religious ceremony by the water, it's great fun - very lively and fantastic music! I met a boy 2 days ago, he just hobbled past me (as one of his legs is badly damaged) I thought he was going to ask for money but he just came past and sat next to me. He has no family and just lives on the streets, it's really sad... I have been spending time with him and gave him my socks yesterday.. Last night I nearly got horned by a cow - moved out the way just in time! Walked up to a fantastic temple ... read more

This week we basically assisted in a drawing competition in the Yongling School. From then on the day got pretty exciting. First of all I don't think I mentioned that Ashley and I's room got broken into last week. A fair amount of money was stolen. debit cards, driving License, Security numbers, gold bangles etc. Anyway we were about to go to the Police and this man overheard us talking on Monday (20th) and so he asked to talk to us in private. He contu\inued to tell us that thefts happen all the time and Mcleod Ganj is more dangerous than Delhi. However no crimes are reported to keep up tourism and to of course keep the place a holi place as the Dalai Lama lives here. So it is a problem spiralling out of control. ... read more

12 of us left for our trek on the 10th at about 8am. We walked from Mcleod Ganj up and up to about 2800 Mtrs. It took us about 3 hours to get up to the top and was amazing but hard work! I have some incredible pictures but I just don't know if they do it justice.... :s We stayed at Triund for the night so people could get used to the altitude and 12 of us filled the floor in a small cabin. It was great because from when we started we seemed to accumulate dogs. We ended up with about five and they seem to just trek with people and look after them. They even came further up with us to the snow line the next day and then all the way back ... read more

Yesterday was a pretty steep learning curve although I managed to hold my ground well and not be conned out of any money, so was pretty impressed about that. Got myslef out of a sticky situation in a shop and told them I didn't want anything...even a carpet they tried to sell me. I whizzed around alot of the trycycles...loads of people wanting to know my business.... I eventually got myself t the bus station where M.D was waiting for me. He just stands out a mile in his imaculate clothing against all the shit, piss and rubbish on the floor and on the people. Got on the bus, 12 hr journey and arrived in Dharasala at about 8am this morning. It is beautiful! Driving through ravines and across ledges on cliffs...spectacular! I met a guy ... read more