haha...who would have thought that legwarmers would bring me such joy! I arrived at the airport in Delhi this morning at 4pm. I have not slept since I got here between the early morning wake up to filling my day to the max with things...I passed out in the car all the way to Delhi...I think my eyes opened when we stopped to get gas. The driver was very safe and reliable.
I jumped on the plane to Leh and arrived here safe and sound this morning at 9am. It apparently is -20. People were warning me about the temp being 0 degrees and I was prepared for that...I was not or am I now prepared for -20 with no electricity or running water. But the legwarmers have added an extra layer of clothing for me! Everything closes up here in the winter time...I am told that I will have no problems with crowds at monuments and the picture taking is perfect! haha!
So to get here we flew between massive mountain terrains...it was a little nerving as we got closer to the ground but still surrounded by mountains...I was wondering if there was even a runway to land on...yikes! but the beauty of this area is phenomenal...I would love to visit during the summer months where there are hikes and treks available. When I walked out of the airport it was like time stopped...every one turned to look at me and just stared...awk-ward:) But I soon got in the taxi and headed to my mountain oasis.
The hotel reception was dark and cold...but the family run estate is charming. The father greeted me and showed me to my room...it is a beautiful building! My room was bright, clean, warm and cozy - with a spectacular mountain view. 15 minutes later I was brought coffee with warm milk and biscuits. There is a heater in my room, but the electricity and water only runs from 5-10pm! If I want a shower one of the staff will bring me a bucket full of warm water...that is all I have for the next 3 days! haha! Most of the Ladakh area lies above 3000m and visitors may suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness...everyone I meet is telling me to rest and lay down...I am for sure feeling the head ache from it all...but mostly just freakn cold!
I went walking in the markets this afternoon and kind of got lost into the streets of Leh...but I came across a young man 29 years of age who was selling the Buddhist prayer flags...Apparently it is the start of the new year celebration here. He was very interested in having a "western" friend. He insisted that I sit down in his shop and rest as I might get sick:) He ordered some tea and we sat and talked over a warm cup of tea! He later invited me to have dinner with his family sometime during my stay, I am considering this for tomorrow night, with of course transportation from my hostel.
There was another foreigner on the plane and I just ran into him in the market, so being that we are probably the only visitors here at this time, we are meeting on the street corner of chaos and freezing for dinner. He has been here before and is more prepared for this weather...he is here on a photography assignment. I am looking forward to relaxing tonight and catching up on some much needed work and then sleep:)
I look forward to visiting the women's group tomorrow and put life to the paper I wrote on Ladakh last year during my studies at Mount Royal.
Now I am the same temperature and relate to the Canada folk:) My fingers are starting to thaw just in time to head back out side.
until next time...hugs!
Heather
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