倪小明香腸國日記

This guesthouse I'm staying in Leh is super priceworthy. I pay 300 rupees a night, which is a bit more than 6 dollars, get a spacious room and beautiful room with big windows, through which I can see one of the snowy himalayan peaks. The room is clean with beautiful carpets, a double bed, a set of confortable chinese couches, three coffee tables and a sitting mattress lying on the floor. I think the room is designed for 2-3 guests, and I'd still be very happy if I have to share this room with someone else. It is THE ideal room to read in, which helps a lot since I'm still suffering under AMS and getting used to the air here. Leh is 3505 m high from sea level, so usually it's suggested to relax and do nothing within the 36 hours of arrival. I walked around the town today and felt easily tired, just a few stairs could let me pant.

There was only one thing missing: the connection with other guests. When I search for hostels and guesthouses, the social atmosphere actually plays an important role, so I usually chose places that have public areas where people can sit outside and get to know each other. That's why I loved my guesthouse in Manali, guests have been staying there for months, and will sit outside, have a tea and share cakes.

Problem solved later at night. My Russian neighbour, who was here also for a very long time, came over and invited me for a tea. We had some really nice talks, he shared his experiences with Tibetans and their political movements, and somehow filled in the missing parts in my mind.

It's interesting to see that the travellers I met, usually come to India and would not leave this place until they have to, and would immediately come back when they can. They are kind of addicted to this land, and I can see why. Living costs are cheap, food is good, uncompetable scenaries, and once you get away from touts, people are really nice. It's nice enough even if you don't smoke pot.

Of course there are also bad things about this country. I'm not the only one that wanted to head home right after arival.