Manali!

Have arrived in Manali after an incredible bus journey from Delhi. It feels so good to be here, with snow capped mountains around me, people that are normal instead of scam-merchants (so far) and some nice prices... my room is now costing me 300/night down from 600 in Delhi, and they do food too :D

I had a long think about my experiences and impressions so far on the bus ride, which was good. My first impressions of Mumbai and Delhi are still fairly negative... though I didn't really give them a chance, the sheer hassle of doing anything (particularly in Delhi) just drove me away in the end, along with the heat. People will lie through their teeth to get you to pay them, then pass you on to their friends who will also do the same, so you get caught in a pretty unenjoyable tourist rinsing conveyor belt of rip off after rip off. It's also the only place I've been where they'll demand a tip for EVERYTHING, and then shout at you that it's not enough no matter how much you give them. I even had a Jain priest do this - even after handing me the "rules for entering the Jain temple" list which included "donations are voluntary". It riled me to be honest, I almost wanted to drag him downstairs and make him read his own stupid rules. Especially with Jains being supposedly among the richest people in the city, with their temples stuffed to the ceiling with gold and silver...

So, Manali! Daunting bus ride through very winding mountain roads above some pretty big drops; crazy overtaking; cows, horses, monkeys in the road; sunshine and snow and snow topped mountain peaks beckoning in the distance. It's also pleasantly warm with a slight breeze, instead of roasting hot.

Internet is quite expensive here so probably won't post much, but I'm planning on staying for a bit I think, maybe go on some long walks and just enjoy the place hopefully.