Manali

After making it safely to gorgeous Manali, eating some red meat for the first time in a long time (who knew lamb could taste that good), taking a quick look around the weed-lined streets and having an amazing night sleep after a ridiculous bus ride, we awoke ready for some adventures.

The first thing suggested to us was paragliding and, having driven down through the valley the day before and knowing how beautiful it was, we jumped at the chance. We were thrown into a small jeep with a big group of Israeli’s and driven half way back up the mountain that we’d come down the day before. I was strapped in and forced to run off the mountain first. I had a short ride thanks to a lazy pilot, but it was still enough time to take in the sights – beautiful green valleys and waterfalls under blue mountains and snow capped peaks. Liam followed about half an hour later, having a great ride for over 15 minutes, following eagles, seeing the sights and loving it.

On our way back into town we were dropped off on the side of the road and made our way up to a gorgeous waterfall where we made friends with some locals and played around taking photos for a while. We also walked through an amazing forest full of super tall pine trees, took in the serenity while someone else meditated in the sunshine under a tree (mediation works by osmosis, right?), walked through a very cute little village area and got yelled / laughed at by old ladies for taking photos.

The next day was a bit of a write-off. It was Mitch’s birthday (HIP HOORAY) and the day was spent playing beersbee in the park – loads of fun until we needed to catch a night bus to Mcleod Ganj… not the best combination of events, though we made it in the end (at 4am, hungover and exhausted). Luckily we’re on our own for the next little while so taking advantage of it by being in bed by 8pm each night!