yes
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The ride from Manali to Leh
The ride from Manali to Leh: Strenuous and yet Sentimentally Strong
Leaving Manali for Leh required the sleep to be abandoned and with a tummy-adjusted-against-medicines the tempo traveller ride for rs 1800 was all i could secure. Rounds to the Manali bus terminal weren't comforting enough to lend me a direct answer on a direct Leh bus with some persuading Keylong should be the halting point.
A direct transport was all that i looked for and a late afternoon departure from the lodge gave me the leeway to spend time on the Net as well as scan the proceedings in the bus market area. Thick with people, the market late in the night saw two to three guys putting to ash thick sheets of paper probably brought from a food joint. The attendees to the proceeding made it sure that all papers preserved in the past and lit now were left in a state with nothing to reveal. Having watched that and other stray dogs and cats, it was safer to leave the market area and head to a site where the mini bus would come in a colour of white.
At 1.56 in the morning the tempo traveller started with Vashisht the first destination in town where it picked more passengers who fitted the 1800 rs crown. At 2.10. the road had an uneven and ruptured opening lasting fairly long and traced to factors like heavy traffic movement, landslides and rains. Between 3.52 and 4.06, the road is a cakewalk followed by another rupture of sorts. At 4.40 Koksar is accessed and from here it does not take long for the smooth transition to give way to a road strewn with slush, pebbles and stationary trucks on either side.
The first among slew of signboards is on safe driving; " road sinked drive cautiously" appearing intermittently. Water collection on road is a repeated sight and 15 minutes after Sissu has passed the Glacier View cafe is a sight that shows there are few eating joints which are having a blast. The road breaks out at different points and when Gondhal is 4 kms away there is another sighting "desi bottle 70 chilled beer." Before Tandi bridge the mini bus goes past a petrol pump. Going past Tandi bridge at 6. 08, Keylong 6.25 followed by Circuit House Keylong II, and Panjab Agricultural Univ., Keylong. comes as easily as boards conveying "inconvenience regretted", BRO roads. Mind you the road is bumpy enough to throw you out of sleep if one attempted at any point.
Etched on a rock 983276 is all that i can make of a cell number and at 7 it shows Leh 347 km intermingled with a higher dose of rough road and a low but noticeable showering of a smooth one. Another board showing Welcome to Camp Jispa journeys followed by Padma JISPA and a one on "after drinking whisky, drving risky."
At assistance centre Darcha we are at 7. 18 and from here Sarchu is shown to be 77km. In Darcha, Apna Dhaba step in for bk'fast, lunch, dinner thukpa, mo-mo lemon, black tea is widely visible and so is the capacity of the vendors to spell that most of the daily necessities are available after crossing the bridge. After bridge is Himalayan Dhaba. From Darcha to Sarchu vehicles go up and down for umpteen times with a U Turn underscoring that this zigzag could have been avoided had the bridge been positioned with a proportional advantage. The Road after TCP to Zing Zingbar is smooth and at 8.21 Z Z'bar is accessed with Peace Cafe z z'bar coming at 8.30. At 8.40 the vehicles which left Leh cross us and at 8.59 we go past Parlachcha, highest point of snowfall. At 9.16 Leh is shown 273 kms, with Sarchu coming at 10.35. From Sarchu, Leh is 251 and Loma 355.
The stoppage at Sarchu is long enough to make people search and secure the disposable toilets - the best part of such journeys should be to dispose the idea of paying a visit to disposable wonders if one can - amidst a brief conversation with a documentary filmmaker who seems to be no less than a tutor.
The view of peaks from Sarchu is strong and lasting. And few kms before and after Sarchu the ride is smooth but not long enough when you go past Brandy Bridge at 11.09 and Whisky bridge at 11.12, the latter being weak and under repair. The sighting of BRO Creates,Connects and Cares is enough for one to make a strong pitch that more efforts are required to get the somewhat better connectivity with a honest surety. The approach to Pang is filled with dust and the number of times the vehicles go off the road to come back is large enough to realise the wonder of travelling in a place which amidst the dust has camp tents pitched for a fest. Finally, Pang comes at 1.18 and here the halt is over an hour. From here Tanglagla (some signboard spell Taklangla) is shown 65km, and when Tanglagla is 60 km away the smooth option begins for a while. We reach Tanglagla at 4.05 followed by a halt of few minutes. As usual the road ups the ante, peaks surmount and after innumerable rounds of ascent and descent we are at Rumtse at 5.30 followed by Gya and Rong. Upshi border post comes at 6. After the formalities of depositing and collecting the passport at border post (true for those who deposited here from a country where they were subjected to a wear and tear), the ride ahead takes us to Leh a little after 7.15.
The ride from Manali to Leh was for a little over 18 hrs commensurate with innumerable ups and downs on roads littered with all possibilities that a road network can present. Still the thick traffic on either side at some point suggested the longing for LEH and a latitude that few could flay.
Leaving Manali for Leh required the sleep to be abandoned and with a tummy-adjusted-against-medicines the tempo traveller ride for rs 1800 was all i could secure. Rounds to the Manali bus terminal weren't comforting enough to lend me a direct answer on a direct Leh bus with some persuading Keylong should be the halting point.
A direct transport was all that i looked for and a late afternoon departure from the lodge gave me the leeway to spend time on the Net as well as scan the proceedings in the bus market area. Thick with people, the market late in the night saw two to three guys putting to ash thick sheets of paper probably brought from a food joint. The attendees to the proceeding made it sure that all papers preserved in the past and lit now were left in a state with nothing to reveal. Having watched that and other stray dogs and cats, it was safer to leave the market area and head to a site where the mini bus would come in a colour of white.
At 1.56 in the morning the tempo traveller started with Vashisht the first destination in town where it picked more passengers who fitted the 1800 rs crown. At 2.10. the road had an uneven and ruptured opening lasting fairly long and traced to factors like heavy traffic movement, landslides and rains. Between 3.52 and 4.06, the road is a cakewalk followed by another rupture of sorts. At 4.40 Koksar is accessed and from here it does not take long for the smooth transition to give way to a road strewn with slush, pebbles and stationary trucks on either side.
The first among slew of signboards is on safe driving; " road sinked drive cautiously" appearing intermittently. Water collection on road is a repeated sight and 15 minutes after Sissu has passed the Glacier View cafe is a sight that shows there are few eating joints which are having a blast. The road breaks out at different points and when Gondhal is 4 kms away there is another sighting "desi bottle 70 chilled beer." Before Tandi bridge the mini bus goes past a petrol pump. Going past Tandi bridge at 6. 08, Keylong 6.25 followed by Circuit House Keylong II, and Panjab Agricultural Univ., Keylong. comes as easily as boards conveying "inconvenience regretted", BRO roads. Mind you the road is bumpy enough to throw you out of sleep if one attempted at any point.
Etched on a rock 983276 is all that i can make of a cell number and at 7 it shows Leh 347 km intermingled with a higher dose of rough road and a low but noticeable showering of a smooth one. Another board showing Welcome to Camp Jispa journeys followed by Padma JISPA and a one on "after drinking whisky, drving risky."
At assistance centre Darcha we are at 7. 18 and from here Sarchu is shown to be 77km. In Darcha, Apna Dhaba step in for bk'fast, lunch, dinner thukpa, mo-mo lemon, black tea is widely visible and so is the capacity of the vendors to spell that most of the daily necessities are available after crossing the bridge. After bridge is Himalayan Dhaba. From Darcha to Sarchu vehicles go up and down for umpteen times with a U Turn underscoring that this zigzag could have been avoided had the bridge been positioned with a proportional advantage. The Road after TCP to Zing Zingbar is smooth and at 8.21 Z Z'bar is accessed with Peace Cafe z z'bar coming at 8.30. At 8.40 the vehicles which left Leh cross us and at 8.59 we go past Parlachcha, highest point of snowfall. At 9.16 Leh is shown 273 kms, with Sarchu coming at 10.35. From Sarchu, Leh is 251 and Loma 355.
The stoppage at Sarchu is long enough to make people search and secure the disposable toilets - the best part of such journeys should be to dispose the idea of paying a visit to disposable wonders if one can - amidst a brief conversation with a documentary filmmaker who seems to be no less than a tutor.
The view of peaks from Sarchu is strong and lasting. And few kms before and after Sarchu the ride is smooth but not long enough when you go past Brandy Bridge at 11.09 and Whisky bridge at 11.12, the latter being weak and under repair. The sighting of BRO Creates,Connects and Cares is enough for one to make a strong pitch that more efforts are required to get the somewhat better connectivity with a honest surety. The approach to Pang is filled with dust and the number of times the vehicles go off the road to come back is large enough to realise the wonder of travelling in a place which amidst the dust has camp tents pitched for a fest. Finally, Pang comes at 1.18 and here the halt is over an hour. From here Tanglagla (some signboard spell Taklangla) is shown 65km, and when Tanglagla is 60 km away the smooth option begins for a while. We reach Tanglagla at 4.05 followed by a halt of few minutes. As usual the road ups the ante, peaks surmount and after innumerable rounds of ascent and descent we are at Rumtse at 5.30 followed by Gya and Rong. Upshi border post comes at 6. After the formalities of depositing and collecting the passport at border post (true for those who deposited here from a country where they were subjected to a wear and tear), the ride ahead takes us to Leh a little after 7.15.
The ride from Manali to Leh was for a little over 18 hrs commensurate with innumerable ups and downs on roads littered with all possibilities that a road network can present. Still the thick traffic on either side at some point suggested the longing for LEH and a latitude that few could flay.
Sighting In Mcleodganj II
On Temple Road
- Tibet collection
- kailash hotel & restaurant
- lika shop
- Palsong Cafe tibetan, indian chinese veg food
- change money
- Tibetan United Association , office of central executive committee, TUA, Mcleodganj, 176219,Dharamsala
- Tibet gallery
- new karyana store
- treasure box gems and jewels
- Vishwa Vikhayat kullu shawl grahak sewak exhibition cum sale, discount 10 per cent
- Dreaming oriental carpets tibetan & indian cottage handicrafts
- SBI M'ganj
- M hotel & rest't
- Doritsang Tibetan culture centre
- mustafa art emporium
- volunteer donate LHA
- welcome to tibetan handicrafts coop society ltd
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Eight days in Mcleodganj
Eight days in Mcleodganj
When i reached Mcleodganj little was known about the days when i would be sedated with a brunch. Tipa Road was the location where i stayed for seven days, with every day accentuating my affection for Tibetan Ace. First halt post submission of bags in room no 101 was at Kalimpong Cafe for the tea that came in sizeable sum. The very first outing in the market suggested the demarcation among Tipa Road, Temple Road, Jogibara Road and Bhagsu Road. The nights in the town were not difficult to suppress except for the beating the ground that came from a gentleman who on above floor was taking the much-desired rest. The second day, happening to be Tuesday, saw coming of rains with a marginal halt here and there. It was this day that i marked my foray to a Gakyi Restaurant for meals followed by a repeated dose of black tea at Norling Rest't. During daytime when rains took an excuse to deliver i made it a point to hit Temple Road approaching Buddhist Temple.
Wednesday by all means was reserved for an inside view of Buddhist Temple. Post sighting of the Dalai Lama's convoy i went to the first floor of Buddhist Temple and was too thrilled to sight the splendour of the surrounding and the overwhelming idol of Lord Buddha. Here if one needs to make any contribution, a receipt to the same is issued and which is to be put in a basket. Evening saw me not dodge the Dal Lake date and etched on the notice board was: " The lake is surrounded by Deodar (Himalayan Cedar) trees and held sacred. A fair is held every sept. and devotees take a holy dip in the lake." Back in Mc'ganj via the famed TCV school, i took the tea from Norling cafe coupled with a light intake that is largely baked.
Back in the room the day had an interruptive rain session, most intense during the time i went to get a Dal Lake sense. Thursday brought the shine as i attempted to take plain porridge from peace cafe failing which i settled for crepe pancake which is few metres away. Plain Porridge was sumptuous and hearty enough to set on a date for Norbulingka Institute; the return followed by a revelation that schools would be having a monsoon halt sensation.The first four days provided opportunities to take meals in Shambhala rest't, Shangrila veg rest't and Gakyi. This was followed by forays to Peace Cafe, Peace Coffee, Crepe Pancake, Chu Sam, Himalaya, Tibet Kitchen and Tsongkha Rest't.
Friday was the birthday of the Dalai Lama and invitees were feted with sweet rice, tea, unlimited showering of laddus and apple juice. As for laddus, most preferred for one, on occasions to secure them saw entities like me run. Friday evening it again showered and this entry post Thursday lying low showed it was not a wild card. Saturday gave me another opportunity to step out of town and on agenda was Rockcut temple crown. Billed as Masroor temple, the way forward was going past Gaggal and Lanj. Evening brought me back to my Mc'ganj base and entire commute to Masroor and back was completed in private buses on which few can drool. Sunday and Monday were no different, split between visits to Buddhist Temple and Dharmakot, with the decision to leave Mc'ganj made when someone told me to look for a new fort.
Eight sentiments illustrate the undercurrents here; primary among them peace, compassion and persuasion. Smiling at strangers sets the beat as none of them looked to be any less angels. Hail Mcleodganj and hail the hunch.
When i reached Mcleodganj little was known about the days when i would be sedated with a brunch. Tipa Road was the location where i stayed for seven days, with every day accentuating my affection for Tibetan Ace. First halt post submission of bags in room no 101 was at Kalimpong Cafe for the tea that came in sizeable sum. The very first outing in the market suggested the demarcation among Tipa Road, Temple Road, Jogibara Road and Bhagsu Road. The nights in the town were not difficult to suppress except for the beating the ground that came from a gentleman who on above floor was taking the much-desired rest. The second day, happening to be Tuesday, saw coming of rains with a marginal halt here and there. It was this day that i marked my foray to a Gakyi Restaurant for meals followed by a repeated dose of black tea at Norling Rest't. During daytime when rains took an excuse to deliver i made it a point to hit Temple Road approaching Buddhist Temple.
Wednesday by all means was reserved for an inside view of Buddhist Temple. Post sighting of the Dalai Lama's convoy i went to the first floor of Buddhist Temple and was too thrilled to sight the splendour of the surrounding and the overwhelming idol of Lord Buddha. Here if one needs to make any contribution, a receipt to the same is issued and which is to be put in a basket. Evening saw me not dodge the Dal Lake date and etched on the notice board was: " The lake is surrounded by Deodar (Himalayan Cedar) trees and held sacred. A fair is held every sept. and devotees take a holy dip in the lake." Back in Mc'ganj via the famed TCV school, i took the tea from Norling cafe coupled with a light intake that is largely baked.
Back in the room the day had an interruptive rain session, most intense during the time i went to get a Dal Lake sense. Thursday brought the shine as i attempted to take plain porridge from peace cafe failing which i settled for crepe pancake which is few metres away. Plain Porridge was sumptuous and hearty enough to set on a date for Norbulingka Institute; the return followed by a revelation that schools would be having a monsoon halt sensation.The first four days provided opportunities to take meals in Shambhala rest't, Shangrila veg rest't and Gakyi. This was followed by forays to Peace Cafe, Peace Coffee, Crepe Pancake, Chu Sam, Himalaya, Tibet Kitchen and Tsongkha Rest't.
Friday was the birthday of the Dalai Lama and invitees were feted with sweet rice, tea, unlimited showering of laddus and apple juice. As for laddus, most preferred for one, on occasions to secure them saw entities like me run. Friday evening it again showered and this entry post Thursday lying low showed it was not a wild card. Saturday gave me another opportunity to step out of town and on agenda was Rockcut temple crown. Billed as Masroor temple, the way forward was going past Gaggal and Lanj. Evening brought me back to my Mc'ganj base and entire commute to Masroor and back was completed in private buses on which few can drool. Sunday and Monday were no different, split between visits to Buddhist Temple and Dharmakot, with the decision to leave Mc'ganj made when someone told me to look for a new fort.
Eight sentiments illustrate the undercurrents here; primary among them peace, compassion and persuasion. Smiling at strangers sets the beat as none of them looked to be any less angels. Hail Mcleodganj and hail the hunch.
Mcleodganj Sighting 1
Sighting In Mcleodganj
The stay of eight days were enough to shower me the confidence that Destination Mcleodganj can be tried again. Rain or shine, visibly close enough to raise the Mcleodganj boast. Peaks could be seen from eating huts like Tsongkha with the belief that there would hardly be any shrieks.
Some of the sightings in Jogibara :
- Tarrot Reader clear and simple
- yoga teacher training
- volunteers needed come and help the tibetan refugees and students at Lha, long or short term ,
skilled or unskilled volunteers needed for :
*english conversation teachers (mon - fri 4 to 5pm)
* english, french, spanish computer teachers
english tutors
*computer teachers
* yoga teachers and massage therapists
* web designers, office assistants, it professional, journalist, writers.
Other sightings in Jogibara
-norling restaurant
- ashoka rest't
- summit adventures trekking and travel company
- tibetan ashoka guest house
- John's crystal cave (jewellery precious and semiprecious gemstones)
- crystal planet
- synergy massage
- tibetan yak rest't
- taste of tibet rest't and beer bar
- black magic rest't
- four seasons cafe
- phc
- himachal tourism deluxe bus to delhi, volvo ac bus to delhi, semi sleeper,
luxury coach to manali
- royal asian arts
- Tibetan ashoka G House
- Tibet Book Store
- Paljor Rabten 1968 Paljor Rabten 1968
- Tibet tours and travels
- Sherig Parkhang book store
- change money
- Jimmy's Italian Kitchen
- Ancient treasures of Tibet (House of tibetan and cottage handicrafts)
- Arjuna house for comfortable stay
- buddha holidays.com
- Snow lion htel & rest't
- webcity internet
- information centre of central tibetan administration
- jewels of tibet
- shangrila veg rest't
- shambhala htel & rest't and
- Gyudmed monastery charitable shop
Sunday, July 8, 2012
The attendance at Norbulingka Institute
The attendance at Norling Institute
It was during interaction with monks that i figured out that a visit to Norbulingka Institute would keep the shine. Just a day before The Dalai Lama's 77th birthday, i headed to this destination. With plain porridge from Crepe Pancake, the odds were truly in favour of hitting this destination. It was precisely 11.50 that the bus left Mcleodganj for D'haramsala. From D'sala all i could lay hands to was a private bus which i left in Sidhipur bus stand just 10 minutes before 1pm. Suggestions were not hard to come to secure Norbulingka Institute on foot. All lasting 20 minutes, i was right there at the Norbulingka Institute . The entrance has "Welcome to Norbulingka Institute Preserving Tibetan culture".
As one steps inside spotted is a board sprinkled with pictures of N'ka Creche and Pre School. The different activities are as broadly spelt out as they could be. Further down there is a direction for N'ka temple/museum, N'ka arts/workshops, offices/ AOTC and creche/kindergarten. Most of the directions indicate a right turn and i take a left one with a message etched about Vishave mein shanti rakhein (let peace prevail on earth). From here i again turn right and on to a bridge with enough water gushing down. Few metres away i come across two messages on either side. First is: Stages for developing an able and calming mind. Second is : The wheel of life. Necessarily on 12 links and their conveying power. Prominent among them are
+ a blind woman - ignorance
+ a potter - compositional action
+ a monkey looking out of window - consciousness
+ people in a boat - name and form
+ man and woman embracing - contact
+ a man drinking beer - attachment
As i move further, mind you there are steps to ascend and descend, i come across a mani wheel (this what an insider tells me which is witness to water gushing from top and flowing down). Further up there is a structure that houses paintings and a clear message to remove shoes before one steps in followed with a request to not touch paintings with hands as it would get soiled. This structure has steps segregated on different floors. The doors on most are found to be closed and on the top i can see peaks and surrounding areas. Later this door- shut exercise is explained by a daily opening that happens at 2. The next stop is a doll museum. The entry ticket is rs 5 and there are different displays. Display 12 is on Milarepa (a 11th century yogi who used to meditate in caves). Display 9 has a market scene in Lhasa. (until 1959 the traders took wool to Kalimpong and Calcutta and brought back hats, cloth, sugar and spice. In China they obtained brocades and black tea in exchange for musk). There are other displays on religious costumes and picnics and leisure.
Few walks further i come across the Norling restaurant which i am told is hosting the Norling party and i better look for other option. Lucky enough to get a lift to Sidhipur bus stand. From here i take a bus to D'sala. On the way the man seated next to me speaks on his son based in the national capital and battling a rent battle. With jobs as few as men in the state, his son decided to have a National Capital fate. From power to water, everything comes in a quarter. The gaze shifts to two girls of which the one finds it convenient to take the next berth. Both hail from Jwali.
I get down at D'sala and take a maxi cab in which the revelation that is too revealing is that monsoon vacations are too begin from July middle and till then the students would fail to escape books as a riddle.
Except for the Norling restaurant encounter, the entire beat to Norbulingka and back was as smooth as one could imagine and hope more tourists go to Norbulingka Institute to secure a sweet root.
It was during interaction with monks that i figured out that a visit to Norbulingka Institute would keep the shine. Just a day before The Dalai Lama's 77th birthday, i headed to this destination. With plain porridge from Crepe Pancake, the odds were truly in favour of hitting this destination. It was precisely 11.50 that the bus left Mcleodganj for D'haramsala. From D'sala all i could lay hands to was a private bus which i left in Sidhipur bus stand just 10 minutes before 1pm. Suggestions were not hard to come to secure Norbulingka Institute on foot. All lasting 20 minutes, i was right there at the Norbulingka Institute . The entrance has "Welcome to Norbulingka Institute Preserving Tibetan culture".
As one steps inside spotted is a board sprinkled with pictures of N'ka Creche and Pre School. The different activities are as broadly spelt out as they could be. Further down there is a direction for N'ka temple/museum, N'ka arts/workshops, offices/ AOTC and creche/kindergarten. Most of the directions indicate a right turn and i take a left one with a message etched about Vishave mein shanti rakhein (let peace prevail on earth). From here i again turn right and on to a bridge with enough water gushing down. Few metres away i come across two messages on either side. First is: Stages for developing an able and calming mind. Second is : The wheel of life. Necessarily on 12 links and their conveying power. Prominent among them are
+ a blind woman - ignorance
+ a potter - compositional action
+ a monkey looking out of window - consciousness
+ people in a boat - name and form
+ man and woman embracing - contact
+ a man drinking beer - attachment
As i move further, mind you there are steps to ascend and descend, i come across a mani wheel (this what an insider tells me which is witness to water gushing from top and flowing down). Further up there is a structure that houses paintings and a clear message to remove shoes before one steps in followed with a request to not touch paintings with hands as it would get soiled. This structure has steps segregated on different floors. The doors on most are found to be closed and on the top i can see peaks and surrounding areas. Later this door- shut exercise is explained by a daily opening that happens at 2. The next stop is a doll museum. The entry ticket is rs 5 and there are different displays. Display 12 is on Milarepa (a 11th century yogi who used to meditate in caves). Display 9 has a market scene in Lhasa. (until 1959 the traders took wool to Kalimpong and Calcutta and brought back hats, cloth, sugar and spice. In China they obtained brocades and black tea in exchange for musk). There are other displays on religious costumes and picnics and leisure.
Few walks further i come across the Norling restaurant which i am told is hosting the Norling party and i better look for other option. Lucky enough to get a lift to Sidhipur bus stand. From here i take a bus to D'sala. On the way the man seated next to me speaks on his son based in the national capital and battling a rent battle. With jobs as few as men in the state, his son decided to have a National Capital fate. From power to water, everything comes in a quarter. The gaze shifts to two girls of which the one finds it convenient to take the next berth. Both hail from Jwali.
I get down at D'sala and take a maxi cab in which the revelation that is too revealing is that monsoon vacations are too begin from July middle and till then the students would fail to escape books as a riddle.
Except for the Norling restaurant encounter, the entire beat to Norbulingka and back was as smooth as one could imagine and hope more tourists go to Norbulingka Institute to secure a sweet root.
Dharamsala Sighting 2
Near kotwali bazar the sighting came in the following order
-computerised designing space colour scanning, laser printing, colour and screen printing
project reports and thesis in hindi and english
- kumar computers internet cyber cafe
- internet net to call namaste cyber cafe
- jai sachchidanad - b'fast, lunch and dinner
- rajender news agency
-apsara herbal beauty parlour
- dr ruchika's dental care & implant centre
- preeti sports & stationers
- lakhi ram radhey shiam general merchants
- angrish sweets
- parveen beauty parlour
- manpasand fast food delux bhojanalaya
- des raj sud parchoon va thok vikreta
- hotel grand view lodge & restaurant
- bhatia's new delhi cloth house
- m/s himanshu enterprise - cosmetics, grocery & general order supplier
- maxwell dharamsala
- imperial printing press
- hero printers- printers, stationers, binders & rubber stamps
- stock clearance sale 30 to 50 per cent
- indian fast food
- generation 2k gaming zone
- net 2 phone Tibet, Canada, US Rs 2
- priya dyers and dry cleaners (kudos to them for returning clothes in time and that too at an affordable rate)
As the art of sighting and stockpiling got over, it was time to head to a new destination with a new sensation.
Dharamsala Sighting 1
Dharamsala Sighting 1
As i winded my stay in Dharamsala, the occasional sighting of shops dealing in daily needs and merchandise brought me face to face with the rich collection at Kotwali bazar.
Beginning with zobra beauty parlour (ganjepan ka pakka ilaj), there is midway hotel & restaurant, universal cyber cafe (internet, fax, photocopy), kapahi brothers mobile handsets (all types of mobile connection) and kailash dhaba.
Other stores sighted and recollected are
- mickey travels (photostat fax lamination), bus 2x2 delhi to manali, air train ticketing
- sree ram sweets
- khadi india
- shree balaji dharampal & sons timber merchants
- dentist dental care
- jaura ornament house
- monal restaurant
- parmar electronic store
- dollar store rs 99 only
Moving towards bus stand across the road, the sighting evolves with
- himalayan shawl emporium (pashmina shawls, kullu shawls, kinnauri shawls, stoles
chamba embroidery, yak wool shawls and kullu caps)
- soni covered paid parking
- quick computerised passport photo
On either side of the road are
- quality shoe store
- villa cottages & heritage hotel
- minerva stationers (stationary and gift mart)
- mamta dhaba
- manocha medicare & general stores
- clearance sale up to 70 per cent; 30 to 50 per cent off on select merchandise
As i winded my stay in Dharamsala, the occasional sighting of shops dealing in daily needs and merchandise brought me face to face with the rich collection at Kotwali bazar.
Beginning with zobra beauty parlour (ganjepan ka pakka ilaj), there is midway hotel & restaurant, universal cyber cafe (internet, fax, photocopy), kapahi brothers mobile handsets (all types of mobile connection) and kailash dhaba.
Other stores sighted and recollected are
- mickey travels (photostat fax lamination), bus 2x2 delhi to manali, air train ticketing
- sree ram sweets
- khadi india
- shree balaji dharampal & sons timber merchants
- dentist dental care
- jaura ornament house
- monal restaurant
- parmar electronic store
- dollar store rs 99 only
Moving towards bus stand across the road, the sighting evolves with
- himalayan shawl emporium (pashmina shawls, kullu shawls, kinnauri shawls, stoles
chamba embroidery, yak wool shawls and kullu caps)
- soni covered paid parking
- quick computerised passport photo
On either side of the road are
- quality shoe store
- villa cottages & heritage hotel
- minerva stationers (stationary and gift mart)
- mamta dhaba
- manocha medicare & general stores
- clearance sale up to 70 per cent; 30 to 50 per cent off on select merchandise
Friday, July 6, 2012
When rains lashed Mcleodganj
When rains lashed Mcleodganj
It was Monday late night when rains showed the will to hit with a force that had the built up moisture as the defining source. Monday night/Tuesday morning rains came with fewer interruptions and by afternoon the sky looked clear enough to let the residents step out but this respite was for few hours. By evening cloud mustered enough will to lash Mcleodganj again which saw the residents yarn a tale of gain. Wednesday saw the thick sheets of rain lash time and again and by Thursday the respite looked to be gaining some fame. In all, rains lashed for three days which momentarily upped the sentiment of those who had been denied this roar in areas of the North which by no chance wetted their floor.
Rains have been lashing this place with a differing intensity, defusing the talk of a monsoon boycott but largely the rain revelation in the rest of the country has a disturbing-and-not-diversified entry. If rain revelation has been a storm in a tea cup, there are fewer and fewer storms here waiting to rub.The Himachal-entry was commensurate with an expectation that a lodge would be tried in Dharamsala for a few days before switching to Mcleodganj base. Little did i know about D'sala and roundabout and the stay was split between two lodges; Holiday home and Swagat. Power and water were no matter to brood over and fewer eating joints still could retain my sense of humour. The first night in the first lodge saw some members from the North Front bang on the door late in the night; most resembling to be kids brought up in paddy field sight. The repeat could not happen the second night and entire surrounding had an awakening and positive sight.Those enamoured by the task of thumping the floor above your room belong to a tribe of individuals yet to shed their birth gloom. Gloom goads them to keep glued to a floor-hitting exercise as they are well aware of their tribe and which is yet to evaporate in noticeable size. Mind you the stay in both the lodges were comforting enough to slip in and out at will except for the floor-hitting thrill. Wished well to both lodgewallahs and the slew of ice creams and smiling beam options suggested that Dharamsala was a place to be more than moderately rated.
From food joints to pursuits involving ascent and descent, it all illustrated the small town it may be in size but it has readymade solutions for those looking for a view from a height. From Gurdwara road this could be gained and the second lodge room too retained the fame. The Kunal of Himachal Tourism has more-than-one-to-be-desired poori bhaji option and this visit revealed the Kangra Rockcut sensation.
It was Monday late night when rains showed the will to hit with a force that had the built up moisture as the defining source. Monday night/Tuesday morning rains came with fewer interruptions and by afternoon the sky looked clear enough to let the residents step out but this respite was for few hours. By evening cloud mustered enough will to lash Mcleodganj again which saw the residents yarn a tale of gain. Wednesday saw the thick sheets of rain lash time and again and by Thursday the respite looked to be gaining some fame. In all, rains lashed for three days which momentarily upped the sentiment of those who had been denied this roar in areas of the North which by no chance wetted their floor.
Rains have been lashing this place with a differing intensity, defusing the talk of a monsoon boycott but largely the rain revelation in the rest of the country has a disturbing-and-not-diversified entry. If rain revelation has been a storm in a tea cup, there are fewer and fewer storms here waiting to rub.The Himachal-entry was commensurate with an expectation that a lodge would be tried in Dharamsala for a few days before switching to Mcleodganj base. Little did i know about D'sala and roundabout and the stay was split between two lodges; Holiday home and Swagat. Power and water were no matter to brood over and fewer eating joints still could retain my sense of humour. The first night in the first lodge saw some members from the North Front bang on the door late in the night; most resembling to be kids brought up in paddy field sight. The repeat could not happen the second night and entire surrounding had an awakening and positive sight.Those enamoured by the task of thumping the floor above your room belong to a tribe of individuals yet to shed their birth gloom. Gloom goads them to keep glued to a floor-hitting exercise as they are well aware of their tribe and which is yet to evaporate in noticeable size. Mind you the stay in both the lodges were comforting enough to slip in and out at will except for the floor-hitting thrill. Wished well to both lodgewallahs and the slew of ice creams and smiling beam options suggested that Dharamsala was a place to be more than moderately rated.
From food joints to pursuits involving ascent and descent, it all illustrated the small town it may be in size but it has readymade solutions for those looking for a view from a height. From Gurdwara road this could be gained and the second lodge room too retained the fame. The Kunal of Himachal Tourism has more-than-one-to-be-desired poori bhaji option and this visit revealed the Kangra Rockcut sensation.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The dal lake that was not dull
The dal lake that was not dull
Despite a string of rain revelations i decided to head to Dal Lake in the evening. Bench strength of those seated close to Bhagsu Taxi Union Office suggested that there were very few people going in that direction. Just above the bus terminal is the auto stand which clinically spells out the destinations that an autowallah would enable you to cover with a seating capacity of three. This auto stand i can see from the top where the benches are and i decide to try it on foot. The roads are not that wide but still permissibly strong to let two vehicles pass each other.
First noticeable contribution is shown by Gorkha Rifles who have managed to put in place water thunder at one of the spots. Enquiries on how far and how easily i would be able to access Dal Lake point to the TCV School thrust that has been the benchmark of educational inroads in Mcleodganj and the vicinity. Splintered groups going in the opposite side can be seen at different intervals suggesting they headed to the lake quite early.
Once i am in the precincts of TCV School, the message is loud and clear that Dal Lake isn't that far and what all i can see is a steep climb coupled with winding roads. There are shops at different turns with most dealing in cell commitment, with equal gathering of kirana stores and tours and travel roar. One cyber cafe i spot which recommends 40 rs an hour usage. Those manning the Vijay Luxmi confectionery and Jaaved Gift shop are a true picture of delight. It is 6 25 in the evening and i reach Dal Lake when showers for the evening haven't kissed the earth in the most imaginative way.The spread of the lake and those spread out across is not a tale of boast and the picture starts falling in place once showers begin and i have to take a cover in a structure housing Mahadev Mandir flanked by a tea stall; all opposite the lake. Revealed during conversation is the lake that has gone for a turnaround as far as depth and size is concerned. Tiles have been put to ease pedestrian movement.
With rains failing to abate i decide to walk back with no luck as far as getting a lift is concerned. Next to ML Station D'sala is etched a signboard 276. A restricted area suggesting that one needs to prove identity before stepping in. By the time i reach my destination i am drenched and deserving.
Despite a string of rain revelations i decided to head to Dal Lake in the evening. Bench strength of those seated close to Bhagsu Taxi Union Office suggested that there were very few people going in that direction. Just above the bus terminal is the auto stand which clinically spells out the destinations that an autowallah would enable you to cover with a seating capacity of three. This auto stand i can see from the top where the benches are and i decide to try it on foot. The roads are not that wide but still permissibly strong to let two vehicles pass each other.
First noticeable contribution is shown by Gorkha Rifles who have managed to put in place water thunder at one of the spots. Enquiries on how far and how easily i would be able to access Dal Lake point to the TCV School thrust that has been the benchmark of educational inroads in Mcleodganj and the vicinity. Splintered groups going in the opposite side can be seen at different intervals suggesting they headed to the lake quite early.
Once i am in the precincts of TCV School, the message is loud and clear that Dal Lake isn't that far and what all i can see is a steep climb coupled with winding roads. There are shops at different turns with most dealing in cell commitment, with equal gathering of kirana stores and tours and travel roar. One cyber cafe i spot which recommends 40 rs an hour usage. Those manning the Vijay Luxmi confectionery and Jaaved Gift shop are a true picture of delight. It is 6 25 in the evening and i reach Dal Lake when showers for the evening haven't kissed the earth in the most imaginative way.The spread of the lake and those spread out across is not a tale of boast and the picture starts falling in place once showers begin and i have to take a cover in a structure housing Mahadev Mandir flanked by a tea stall; all opposite the lake. Revealed during conversation is the lake that has gone for a turnaround as far as depth and size is concerned. Tiles have been put to ease pedestrian movement.
With rains failing to abate i decide to walk back with no luck as far as getting a lift is concerned. Next to ML Station D'sala is etched a signboard 276. A restricted area suggesting that one needs to prove identity before stepping in. By the time i reach my destination i am drenched and deserving.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The ride from Dharamsala to Palampur
The ride from Dharamsala to Palampur
It was a day defined as Saturday when i decided to leave Dharamsala for Palampur. No sooner i had reached the place where the road dissects with one going towards bus stand and another going to Kotwali Bazar the private buswallah shed his private existence and tried to rope in as many willing and viable passengers on his transport. Though the bus was not headed towards Palampur, including me he got a sizeable sum and here i regretted the decision. At 12: 35 as the bus left Dharamsala, Chamunda was shown 15 kms. Going past Souli Khad Bridge and Primary Health Centre Dari, the bus would effectively stop at every effectively raised bus stand and in effect give its assent to accretion of commuters with any disposable rant. Manjhi Khad bridge, Sant Nirankari Satsang and Gyuto Monastery the bus went past them interspersed with ad declarations of Bright Career Science Academy and Yahan Pe Taxi Ke Liye Sampark Karein. Yol Cantt Rising Star Corps covered by Heritage Wall 1943 showed the historical import followed by Shri Chamunda Devi Primary Health Centre.
As the conductor with a sizeable conduct to get in and out from front and back gates for umpteen times was not sizeably prudent to hand out ticket for the cash furnished, it sizeably proved that for private buses the ticket was as good as given once cash had been handed. As promised Malah came at half past one and there was another bus waiting to take the sizeable slept and left passengers to Palampur. Here too after a request had been made the ticket could be gained. Perhaps the rule here is no matter the sizeable size of journey for private and govt buses the ticket is least likely to cross fences; more and more true for private buswallahs. From Malah the first major halt happened to be Paror (1.45pm). In the entire D'sala-P'pur commute the two buses would have crossed bridges with little water underneath illustrative of the times we are in and the receding water that no one is finding fun. Just after two we reached Palampur and post meals i was told that Subhas Chowk would get me the bus for Neugal Cafe. On foot it can be covered and once you are in the market road there is a rope that defines the pedestrian space.
The Neugal Cafe bus started once all commuters had been seen sitting, standing and some disposed to the idea of fainting. Under 20 minutes i was in Neugal Cafe not known for notoriety but equally missing for any variety. It was at a shop adjacent to Sargrai Enterprises i had lemon soda which was dutifully prepared by an old gentleman who seem to be resigned to the idea of fewer customer and none of them happening to be a bummer. The board across the road showed Neugal Cafe 200 mtrs and Saurabh Van Vihar 1.8 kms. On the way i came across an old man in a blue outfit who had a stick perhaps scanning the water released from upper reaches.Wished him well and hope his tribe swell.
Once positively aligned to my real positioning in Neugal Cafe, it provided scenic surroundings but not amply strong to keep you binding. It has a resemblance to Kodanada Viewpoint near Kotagiri in Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu. Except for few bright elements boasting of beer in a secrecy surrounding their share, the place hardly looked imaginative except for those who imagined a dip in the water here would be beneficial as it stored the quantity more than a quarter. On foot i decided to take the return journey which i broke at a place about 700 mtrs away where tea had been stored in a kettle outside just opposite the tea gardens which none fear. Here the teawallah and his family with miniscule earnings looked to me a man with prized thoughts, if possible once should try tea which is placed in a turn of sorts. Any purchase from his store would help him to keep his life sure. On foot the most energetic space i discovered was St Paul's Senior Secondary School which has in its vicinity a road that has thick trees lined on either side.
Here in Palampur the softie comes for 10; the tea from Rotary Club can be tried as well. The walk to the Palampur bus stand was energetic enough to keep me energised for a while. Once the wait for a govt bus began i began to sense the situation i was in and it took me almost four hours to get in a mood to swing and sing.
It was a day defined as Saturday when i decided to leave Dharamsala for Palampur. No sooner i had reached the place where the road dissects with one going towards bus stand and another going to Kotwali Bazar the private buswallah shed his private existence and tried to rope in as many willing and viable passengers on his transport. Though the bus was not headed towards Palampur, including me he got a sizeable sum and here i regretted the decision. At 12: 35 as the bus left Dharamsala, Chamunda was shown 15 kms. Going past Souli Khad Bridge and Primary Health Centre Dari, the bus would effectively stop at every effectively raised bus stand and in effect give its assent to accretion of commuters with any disposable rant. Manjhi Khad bridge, Sant Nirankari Satsang and Gyuto Monastery the bus went past them interspersed with ad declarations of Bright Career Science Academy and Yahan Pe Taxi Ke Liye Sampark Karein. Yol Cantt Rising Star Corps covered by Heritage Wall 1943 showed the historical import followed by Shri Chamunda Devi Primary Health Centre.
As the conductor with a sizeable conduct to get in and out from front and back gates for umpteen times was not sizeably prudent to hand out ticket for the cash furnished, it sizeably proved that for private buses the ticket was as good as given once cash had been handed. As promised Malah came at half past one and there was another bus waiting to take the sizeable slept and left passengers to Palampur. Here too after a request had been made the ticket could be gained. Perhaps the rule here is no matter the sizeable size of journey for private and govt buses the ticket is least likely to cross fences; more and more true for private buswallahs. From Malah the first major halt happened to be Paror (1.45pm). In the entire D'sala-P'pur commute the two buses would have crossed bridges with little water underneath illustrative of the times we are in and the receding water that no one is finding fun. Just after two we reached Palampur and post meals i was told that Subhas Chowk would get me the bus for Neugal Cafe. On foot it can be covered and once you are in the market road there is a rope that defines the pedestrian space.
The Neugal Cafe bus started once all commuters had been seen sitting, standing and some disposed to the idea of fainting. Under 20 minutes i was in Neugal Cafe not known for notoriety but equally missing for any variety. It was at a shop adjacent to Sargrai Enterprises i had lemon soda which was dutifully prepared by an old gentleman who seem to be resigned to the idea of fewer customer and none of them happening to be a bummer. The board across the road showed Neugal Cafe 200 mtrs and Saurabh Van Vihar 1.8 kms. On the way i came across an old man in a blue outfit who had a stick perhaps scanning the water released from upper reaches.Wished him well and hope his tribe swell.
Once positively aligned to my real positioning in Neugal Cafe, it provided scenic surroundings but not amply strong to keep you binding. It has a resemblance to Kodanada Viewpoint near Kotagiri in Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu. Except for few bright elements boasting of beer in a secrecy surrounding their share, the place hardly looked imaginative except for those who imagined a dip in the water here would be beneficial as it stored the quantity more than a quarter. On foot i decided to take the return journey which i broke at a place about 700 mtrs away where tea had been stored in a kettle outside just opposite the tea gardens which none fear. Here the teawallah and his family with miniscule earnings looked to me a man with prized thoughts, if possible once should try tea which is placed in a turn of sorts. Any purchase from his store would help him to keep his life sure. On foot the most energetic space i discovered was St Paul's Senior Secondary School which has in its vicinity a road that has thick trees lined on either side.
Here in Palampur the softie comes for 10; the tea from Rotary Club can be tried as well. The walk to the Palampur bus stand was energetic enough to keep me energised for a while. Once the wait for a govt bus began i began to sense the situation i was in and it took me almost four hours to get in a mood to swing and sing.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
When i reached Dharamshala
When i reached Dharamshala there were fewer residents willing to enroll in a pathshala. Pathshala that is not mandatory for them given their daily encounter that has a rational semblance. Here the residents venture out to deal with vendors of all sizeable scale; those destined to operate from subzi mandi have a narrative on apple and the dwindling wail. On two occasions i went to seek apple of confidence; the price quoted for the one with shine and bloated was no less than 40 and in some cases going all the way to 50 a piece. Apples in the 40-50 shows one can't be witty and the cyber cafe too for hourly use begins at 30 cruise.
The food joints are fewer and most decked with reasonable fare. The first point of stay was in Gurdwara road where the Sardarji who commuted in a scooter was out and out pure. Hinted to him the trajectory of national capital stay and those with raging temerity and from his look i could make out that he believed my story had a ring of surety. Coming to the tea spectacle and those indulging in babble, the tea comes for six and here the conversation is all about the rains and how we can get rain-deficit fix.
Why rains aren't happening some bother to pose with none having any clue that could look close. Could rain-deficit be a thing of the past is hard to tell, as time has come to wind up blog as i have cash to out shell.
The scene at Palampur bus stand
The scene at Palampur bus stand
The return from Neugal Cafe was on foot and i headed straight to the Palampur bus stand. It was probably quarter to five or some minutes before when my wait began for a govt bus. The stress on a govt bus was to do with the fact that it would be least troublesome and a Dharamsala direct would be handy. There are 10 platforms in all here with destinations like Panchrukhi, Kosri, Lamba Gaon, Jaisinghpur, Sulah, Malah, Dharamsala, Saroot, Jammu Katra, Pathankot, Chamba, Kullu, Manali, Shimla and Delhi. The HRTC bus stand Palampur with a covered roof is bang opposite the platforms. On the left side of the platforms is a shopping complex and on the right side is a public convenience.
There are confectionaries and other stores in the structure that has platforms; notably N K Sweets and confectioners, A K Sweets and confectionary (STD booth included) and Vijay confectionery. Brisk sale is reported from one dishing out samosa, bread pakora and aloo chat. As for N K Sweets, nine to 10 cartons of mineral water are unloaded late in the evening and i am told that all would be exhausted before the next evening. There is a mobile store as well that sees small attendance as thin as one seen in adda prabhari office.
Around half past five i visit the reservation counter manned by a personnel to enquire about a direct govt bus for Dharamsala. He is not communicative and remains so for most of the equiries directed to him. This reservation personnel has his moments of high when freed from the clutches of those who wish to make reservation he makes it a point to hold fort. Commensurate with his fort-holding activity he makes it a point to scream and crack jokes. The freedom that has been bestowed on him by the transport department makes him the boss and whoever has to approach him has to address him "Sir" and bend to a point when he is sitting so that it is convenient enough for him to answer to the commuter's query.
There is a enquiry counter as well where this reservation personnel makes a dash to make his presence felt. This reservation personnel and the aura surrounding his fief may be true for most of the bus stands in the country and most of the commuters are at their mercy. As for Dharamsala direct bus, varied explanations come ranging from it has gone for repair and would be plying soon to "advice' from those working in the govt transport department that i better try a private bus. The wait is enduring enough to see that at least five private buses come and head towards Dharamsala. For other destinations as well the maximum rush is shown by private buses. There are govt buses for some destinations like Pathankot and Delhi; the latter seeing the maximum rush. In the Delhi melee, some have been stranded and some have managed to get in after trying every persuasive skills. It is around 8.20 in the evening that Dharamsala direct comes and there is no dearth of passengers who want to board. Before boarding the bus this thought crosses my mind that if govt itself starts ceding space to private bus operators who would be blamed for poor bus service. More you cede space to private buswallahs, more you are leaving the commuters in a lurch.
The entire day exercise proved that be it private or govt, the bus staff are overworked and overprotected. The bus staff in the govt sector can be tailormade to passengers' convenience. But nothing can be said for private operators who for long have had a free run. In the National Capital, the private operators have been shown the door and those plying the chartered services would have to be rule adherents as transport is a sector that should be largely managed by govt if private entities fail to work within established norms. In other states as well, the govt of the day should see to it that undue favours are not given to private operators who are least bothered about commuters and more concerned with profit thunder. Thunder that is keeping the commuters on a back foot.
The return from Neugal Cafe was on foot and i headed straight to the Palampur bus stand. It was probably quarter to five or some minutes before when my wait began for a govt bus. The stress on a govt bus was to do with the fact that it would be least troublesome and a Dharamsala direct would be handy. There are 10 platforms in all here with destinations like Panchrukhi, Kosri, Lamba Gaon, Jaisinghpur, Sulah, Malah, Dharamsala, Saroot, Jammu Katra, Pathankot, Chamba, Kullu, Manali, Shimla and Delhi. The HRTC bus stand Palampur with a covered roof is bang opposite the platforms. On the left side of the platforms is a shopping complex and on the right side is a public convenience.
There are confectionaries and other stores in the structure that has platforms; notably N K Sweets and confectioners, A K Sweets and confectionary (STD booth included) and Vijay confectionery. Brisk sale is reported from one dishing out samosa, bread pakora and aloo chat. As for N K Sweets, nine to 10 cartons of mineral water are unloaded late in the evening and i am told that all would be exhausted before the next evening. There is a mobile store as well that sees small attendance as thin as one seen in adda prabhari office.
Around half past five i visit the reservation counter manned by a personnel to enquire about a direct govt bus for Dharamsala. He is not communicative and remains so for most of the equiries directed to him. This reservation personnel has his moments of high when freed from the clutches of those who wish to make reservation he makes it a point to hold fort. Commensurate with his fort-holding activity he makes it a point to scream and crack jokes. The freedom that has been bestowed on him by the transport department makes him the boss and whoever has to approach him has to address him "Sir" and bend to a point when he is sitting so that it is convenient enough for him to answer to the commuter's query.
There is a enquiry counter as well where this reservation personnel makes a dash to make his presence felt. This reservation personnel and the aura surrounding his fief may be true for most of the bus stands in the country and most of the commuters are at their mercy. As for Dharamsala direct bus, varied explanations come ranging from it has gone for repair and would be plying soon to "advice' from those working in the govt transport department that i better try a private bus. The wait is enduring enough to see that at least five private buses come and head towards Dharamsala. For other destinations as well the maximum rush is shown by private buses. There are govt buses for some destinations like Pathankot and Delhi; the latter seeing the maximum rush. In the Delhi melee, some have been stranded and some have managed to get in after trying every persuasive skills. It is around 8.20 in the evening that Dharamsala direct comes and there is no dearth of passengers who want to board. Before boarding the bus this thought crosses my mind that if govt itself starts ceding space to private bus operators who would be blamed for poor bus service. More you cede space to private buswallahs, more you are leaving the commuters in a lurch.
The entire day exercise proved that be it private or govt, the bus staff are overworked and overprotected. The bus staff in the govt sector can be tailormade to passengers' convenience. But nothing can be said for private operators who for long have had a free run. In the National Capital, the private operators have been shown the door and those plying the chartered services would have to be rule adherents as transport is a sector that should be largely managed by govt if private entities fail to work within established norms. In other states as well, the govt of the day should see to it that undue favours are not given to private operators who are least bothered about commuters and more concerned with profit thunder. Thunder that is keeping the commuters on a back foot.
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