My Motivation Quotes :)

Hi hi!!! I'm back!!! It's been long time since my last post here. I'm still alive btw hahaha.... It's just I was away for pilgrimage trip to India for more than 3 weeks time :)

So many things were going on while traveling, started from Modi's big surprise on the Rupee exactly at night before I flew to India (the 500 and 1000 notes were declared no longer to be used and at the mean time we had to use the smaller denomination until the new 500 and 2,000 notes arrived). Initially I was worried because I had only 500 notes in my pocket. It could be seen clearly in my face especially by those who saw me on my first day reaching India.

"You love adventure, you got it. Double!! Ha ha ha," claimed Passu. Yeah, because of him I could put my smile back towards the situation and he tried his best to help me. And many people were indeed helping me in many ways to solve the problems I faced. The situation too, often not, would be blessings in disguise at that point of time :)

Now it's over and I'd returned home safely and sound. It'd been almost 2 weeks now and I spent most of my time sleeping on my bed. My bed missed me and I missed my bed. Hehe... No la, I just felt tired from the continuous traveling and the good thing was, I lost 2 kg from this trip!!! ^^

"When tired, learn how to rest, not quit"

People might think that I was just wasting my time. But luckily none of my family members and close friends thought so. For me, taking a rest wasn't a waste of time. At the end, it would benefit for my health and mind, wouldn't it? ;)

Until when? I didn't know yet. Let's see and let nature takes its course. At the mean time, I was trying my best to get back on my feet again, starting with getting up early. Lol... :P And today, I started my habit back to go for a morning walk. It'd been some time since the last time I went to MacRitchie Reservoir. 

This morning I went alone. I waited until the sky turned brighter because otherwise it would be quite dangerous for a woman to go alone (well, although I didn't look that attractive, still precaution was the best measure hehehe...). And since there was renovation work at the golf area, from Jelutong Tower, I made a detour and walked towards Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. 

I'd been wanting to try on that route since long time ago but was too afraid to go as I wasn't sure about the path. So today, I decided to walk that path, alone.

"Om muni muni mahamuni sakyamuni ye soha..." I kept repeating the chant while walking. It reminded me the melodious sound that the Bhutanese chanted during our pilgrimage trip in India. Soon, I saw few people coming from the other direction. Some of them would smile, some would wave upon passing by. Wow!!! The power of the mantra!!! ;) There was even someone offering me a lift towards the main road. First time I encountered it in Singapore!!!

With the new short cut hair at MacRitchie Reservoir :)

Since beginning, I heard many mysterious sound along my path, which usually were caused by the animals and mostly were the hungry monkeys. Yalama!!! Their appearance was startling me!!! Many times I had to face them in the middle of the road that I had to pass.

So along the way, I kept thinking, "Imagine those monks who went to meditate alone in the middle of the jungle. How would they overcome their fears towards wild animals that they encountered along the way? They must have used their power of love and compassion!!! So Rima, try to apply that now!!!"

Hahaha... It was easier to say than done! I decided to allocate my eye sight to somewhere else while walked past them (avoiding eye contact), and try my best not to agitate them. Omg!!! It scared me so much la!!!

It was fun though! From there I could contemplate what I'd been through and at the same time trying to keep my mind thinking positively so that my journey would be safe :)

Happiness is...

So, let's see where my fate bringing me this time. At the mean time I had to recharge my positivity level to the max as that was what I'd attained from the pilgrimage journey. The emptiness feeling that arose turned up to be the positivity filled heart that I believed to be useful for my next journey in life. And I will no longer allow the NEGATIVE things in my life to SPOIL all the GOOD things that I have would be my motto to achieve happiness in my life :)

Everything happens for a reason :) (Photo source: Google.com)

And exactly as the above quote, "Eventually all things fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moments, and know that everything happens for a reason, and only for a good reason!!!" Hope this won't be my last post this year. As for now, these would be my motivation quotes to help me to stand up on my feet again!!! Wish me all the best guys!!! ;) And please make use the quotes if it helps you too!!! Wish you all the best too in everything that you do!!! :)

Gyalo by Au Lingi Jamtsho

"Gyalo" - means victory!!

"Gyalo" - a victory cry in Bhutanese language, or if translated, would read as "Victorious!!!" This title was chosen by the author, as army was all about the victory, and it related very much with the victor, a person who defeats an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition, as translated by the dictionary.

To be frank, it was a very much awaiting book for me. Not because my name was mentioned in the "Acknowledgment" page as "Singaporean Bhutanese," but because it was actually Au Lingi's first attempt in writing, even before his published book - "The Night Hunter." 

Nice handwriting, Dawa! ;)

Thank you for Dawa Knight who sent me this book upon knowing his lady friend would make a trip to Singapore more than a month ago. Since he did not have time to get Au Lingi's signature, he signed it on his behalf on the cover page hahaha... and very proud with his beautiful handwriting :D

Only after returning from my long holiday trip I finally managed to have "me-time" to concentrate reading it and now finally writing a review about it :)

The content of the book was about Dorji, who initially intended to become an engineer when he was young, but fate led him to join the NDA (National Defence Academy).

As I turned the page, it reflected how Dorji began his journey - the NDA training at Pune, India, at a place called Khadakwasla. He was only in late teens that time. The book told us how tough the training as an army was. "If someone says 'life is hell,' he is a cadet, and if he says 'that was the best part of my life,' he probably is an ex-NDA," would perfectly describe the life at the NDA.

Drills were part of the training and he had to go through so many 'birthing' procedures before he finally attained a senior officer status in the army.

For the details of the story, you have to flip the book and read it by yourself. All I could say was that it was a very realistic story that one should face if he chose to join the army.

Au Lingi Jamtsho - looks dashing and smart in his uniform :)

When I asked Au Lingi if the story was written based on the true story, he replied me like this, "This was fiction. However, Gayle Foreman says that every fiction has its base in fact." And he admitted to me too that he was once wanted to become an engineer, but landed up becoming soldier. Hehe... 

I was asking him too if it was really his "Uncle" who led him to join the army, and he confessed that it was his cousin cum childhood friend who joined the NDA one year before him, and not his Uncle, as what the story was written. And his reason was a way too simple, "I saw him all dressed up and got attracted to it." Hahaha.... You were indeed cute lah Au! ^^

So, I'd let you conclude yourself how far it was resemblance to the author's own life experience :)

Here in Singapore, all 18-year-old male Singaporeans and second generation permanent residents are required  statutorily to undergo a certain period of compulsory service in the uniformed services, which we usually call National Service or NS. Depending on the physical and medical fitness, they usually have to serve two-year period as Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs). It can be at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Forces (SPF), or the Singapore Civil Defense Forces (SCDF).

And after completion, they would be considered as operationally ready, and still have to go through reservist once every year so that they won't forget what they have learned and to use their ability in realistic situation until the obligation period over (with a cap up to 40 years old).

Ah Boys to Men 1 to 3

To describe the life of the NSFs, which was very much alike with what Au Lingi described in his book, there were movie made by local director called Ah Boys to Men series 1 to 3, which was made in mixture of realistic and humorous Singaporean way (in Chinese language with English translation).

Therefore, while reading upon the Gyalo, it reminded me of the army scenes as directed on the movies (including ways to fake the sickness, stealing sleep from many sleepless nights, teamwork and survival skills inside the jungles, cadet's spirit of unity and brotherhood when facing punishment, etc.)

However, I found that it was great that Au Lingi put much of his real life experience with army training places in India and Bhutan as the locations into this book so that fellow Bhutanese would feel the glimpse of army life which exist surrounding them. He too put it in more literally way with some story plot which connected one thing to another and beyond the drills capacity.

I saluted him for his rich vocabularies and his excellent ways in describing a person and situation, especially when English wasn't the major that he took during his school days (in fact, he was studying science!!!)

And I saluted him too for being gentleman, a man of his character (in which you could see from the way he treated others), calm, and polite from the outer side but deep inside he was very much observant, highly committed and responsible person.

Perfect with tea and biscuits in cool evening :)

Overall I enjoyed reading "Gyalo" very much. Before ending our conversation, he reminded me about the life of the army -
"Remember, there is no runners up in war. You are either good or dead," and as the two golden rules mentioned in the book, "Ours is not to question why. Ours is but to do our die." 

Our favorite place and food - Indian vegetarian Bhatura

"Hey Vina, later I'll take your bus today, Ok?" I greeted her as we entered the office building this morning.

"My bus? It's not my bus lah!" replied her.

"Hahaha... For me, that's YOUR bus!" I assured her with a big smile ;)

"Going to eat the Indian food again?" guessed her, as the company bus that she usually took was heading to Little India area.

"Yup!!!" and we separated to our own tables.

There were bus or small vans heading to different directions from the office where I worked. And this "Vina's bus" that I'd take, were heading to city area, connecting to the purple line MRT (metro) line. And usually, I could request Uncle (the driver) to stop me just opposite of my favourite Indian vegetarian restaurant, the connecting place between me and few of my best friends.

Our abundant happiness from the giant Bhatura ^^

Bhatura (or I often referred as 'Big Balloon') was our favorite dishes as it's hard to find such a delicious dish around the town with better hygienic standard. The restaurant was equipped with air-conditioner and they served a tasty Masala tea, another favourite thing I usually ordered.

Once we were seated with Bhatura and tea in front of us, we would both look into each other, smiled, and the conversation would start without any command :)

Hot steamed air came into sight as we tore the Bhatura with our bare hands and this gesture would flatten the 'Big Balloon' into tissue-paper-like form almost immediately. We dipped it into a cup of delicious curry Chana or chick peas with a dollop of lime juice. I bit the tip of the small green chilli and raw onion that were spread together into the plate.

Our favorite dish :)

"Do you eat your chili?" I asked Tien, my Myanmar friend after seeing her green chilli abandoned for quite some time.

"No no. You want? Take it!" replied her.

That additional chilli made my heart glowing of happiness as I'd been eating raw chilli since young back in Indonesia. Be it with fried tahu isi (tofu filled with vegetables), fried tempeh (fermented soybeans), it always something missing when the raw green chilli wasn't there. As a rule of thumb, one small chilli for one tofu or tempeh. Sometimes we took more though ^^

Bhutanese loved this place too!! :D

Anyway, the chat would usually continue even after our plates were cleaned. The staff would come and cleared the trays and it left us with the styrofoam or sometimes paper tea cups.

With these two simple order for each of us, we would sit down and chit chat heartily for hours. Usually we talked about what's going on in our lives, the recently past experience, the future plans, and so on. We chatted as if the world was ours. We didn't even realize how the restaurant had suddenly become very crowded occupied mostly by Indians.

Obviously - Uden and my favorite place to eat!!! ^^

When there was enough to talk, it was time for us to bid goodbye. I hope this place would stay for a long time. It's been my favourite hangout place to eat, drink, and chit chatting. And to find someone who had similar taste or craving, wasn't easy either, as not everyone here in Singapore could appreciate the Indian delicacy.

"Hey Rima, where are you? Are you taking the bus?" I saw Vina's message on my What's App. "I'm coming! In toilet now! Please wait for me!!!" replied me and I faster kept my phone inside my pocket and run to the bus.

Around India in 80 Trains by Monisha Rajesh

Indian Railways - New Delhi, India

Sonam Tenzin has gifted me this book since last year when I visited Bhutan, but only recently I took it out from my shelf and read it. We knew each other from blogging and he knew that aside from writing blog, I loved traveling so much!!! That was why he chose this particular book for me. Well, that's what I thought as the reason why he gave me this, as the content of this book had inspired me to travel more, especially towards the Incredible India, the vast land with rich and diverse cultures that had so much things to offer.

However, I was wrong!!!

Around India in 80 Trains - Monisha Rajesh

"Good luck with your reading of the book. I wish to read this kind of books written by you someday. Travelling girl."

The above was what he commented upon seeing the book's photo in my Instagram page. Oh momo... He was actually inspiring me to write a book, instead of to travel!!! Hehehe... :) Name same kadinche la Nuchu! Thank you for your kind wishes and inspiring thought for me. I appreciate it very much la!

- Reading is like a travel quote -

This book, was a travelogue written by Indian who was born in Norfolk, UK, and grew up all over England. She read French and taught English before studying postgraduate journalism in London. It was her first book describing her full 4-months journey in India hopping in and out of 80 trains together with Jean Passepartout, a part-time wedding photographer who would like to expand his portfolio with travel photography, her travel companion throughout the journey.

It was based on her true traveling experience and she tried to consolidate all of her thoughts and experience from the journey into a compact 241-pages book. So everything was really written straight to the point and depicted the Indian cultures in her humorous ways.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in New Delhi, India

I didn't know before that someone would want to experience such thing in India. I mean, I just never thought that someone would deliberately travel this way as the way of traveling around India. Not only to reach the destination - sightseeing to beautiful scenery and historical temples and buildings, but also to actually enjoy their life within the train itself. I mean, many took train simply as mode of transport to reach a destination, but not as experience that they were really working on and looking for.

From there, it opened up my eyes towards the locomotive industry in India that I never knew before. From the most luxurious Indian Maharaja Express - like the Deccan Odyssey that they both took as part of their train journey. I found out more about what the package offered on Youtube video as I was wondering what made the fare sooo.... terribly expensive!!! Want to know how expensive it was???

Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey (Pic source: Google.com)

As tariff for 2016-2017 - for International travelers 8 Days/7 Nights trip - a Deluxe cabin (for twin/double occupancy) cost USD$8,386 and Presidential Suite cost USD$12,579 and for Indian nationals, the Deluxe cabin cost them INR 5,36,710 and Presidential Suit cost INR 8,05,100. Wasn't it surprising you?? Well, it was, at least for me. So it was more like a five-star cruise on wheels. And from the video, you could observe that most of the guests were retirees, rich grannies, professors, and so on. Well, perhaps, it's different now as the author mentioned that she saw a young Swiss couple, Japanese ladies, newly weds were on board too.

The train would stop and park each day. The guests would continue their journey in bus for a day trip, visiting the magnificent places that each stop offered, plus high class meal in luxurious restaurant. Red carpet was spread upon embarking and disembarking the train with welcome dance and garland of flowers put on the guest' neck by the beautiful Indian ladies. All this explained the ridiculous high price it offered.

From there, Monisha too shared her encountered taking the Mumbai local train during peak hours. I watched another Youtube video to see how interesting (horrible) it was. The below picture might give you an idea on how crowded the train station during the rush hour. Even ladies pushed with all their might in order to get in to the train in the ladies compartment.

On my visit to India last year,  I only took one train trip from Delhi to Agra, to visit one of the wonders of the world, the beauty white marbled mausoleum built by the order of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. That too was only one-way trip there as we took bus to return back to Delhi.

This book was for you, if you loved to travel, if you loved to know what's out there outside your own home ground; what's out there in India, yeah, especially in India!!! The food, the people, the culture, the places, the religions, the beliefs, and so on!

All I really want - Quote by Rima Reyka :)

It was definitely for me!!! Thank you again Sonam for gifting me this beautiful travelogue. I couldn't promise that I would fulfill your wish - to read this kind of book written by me. However I believed that you had read lots of my traveling stories here, on this very blog of mine; from many different countries that I'd visited before. I might not capable in writing delicate and rich words like Monisha did in her book, but hope with my simple English, you could feel as if you were in my journey too, with pictures tagged all over, full of memories with everyone I ever met during my trips. One day, I will definitely meet you in person, and write the story here, as part of my travel blog post :) Shall we wish on that instead??? :)                                    

Reading and to be read list book :)

Despite hectic life at work, I tried squeezing my time to read, e.g. while sitting in the bus, before sleeping, and so on. These past few months I could only read two or three books the most!

Go Set A Watchman - Thank you Rekha for the book! ^^

Last month I finally read two Harper Lee's books - To Kill A Mockingbird and Go Set A Watchman. And now, I currently read one of Ernest Hemingway's books - The Sun Also Rises - as I hadn't read his book before and was curious about his writing. P.S. Thank you Kipchu for sending me the e-books :)

And yesterday, when having a morning walk with my Bhutanese friend cum blogger, Uden, we suddenly talked about books. She loved reading too. So this topic caught my attention immediately.

Uden and I :)

She was asking me what book I was currently reading and then she told me about her favourite books, which she recommended me to read. Below were her recommendation and it's gonna be my TBR book list when I got them on my hand :)

1. Book written by Indian novelist, whose book had been shortlisted for the Booker Prize the times, Anita Desai. Uden couldn't remember the title, but she told me she loved her writing so much and asked me to read at least one of her books. She had written almost twenty books in total. Maybe anyone of you would recommend me which book that I should read it first? :)

When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi 

2. "When Breath Becomes Air," written by Paul Kalanithi. It's an inspirational book. The author had just finished a decade's training as a Neurosurgeon, when he was diagnosed with stage IV of lung cancer. With the remaining time of his life, he wrote this book as he wondered what made life worth living in the face of death. He died in March 2015, yet his words lived on as a guide for the rest who remained alive. Uden said he wrote it beautifully and meaningfully. So, this would be my must to be read book this year!!!

The White Tiger - Aravind Adiga

3. The White Tiger written by another Indian author, Aravind Adiga. Uden didn't mention much about the content or story from this book. However, this book won the 40th Man Booker Prize in 2008. From the online review, this book depicted issues of caste, religions, loyalty, corruption, and poverty in India. Seemed interesting! :)

Thank you Uden for the list of books you recommended me yesterday! Hope I'd get it soon! Wish everyone a wonderful Sunday! Fill your time with reading book once in a while and hope one of the books listed above would be an inspiration of what to read next! ;)

The Art of Letting Go

Let it go

If there was a lesson to learn from my trip in India, it would be "The Art of Letting Go".

I flipped back through my old journal, and there was something I wrote there regarding 'letting go' and it went like this:

Difference between "Good Bye" and "Letting Go":

- "Good Bye": "I'll see you again when I'm ready to hold your hand and when you are ready to hold mine."

- "Letting Go": I'll miss your hand that I realized it's not mine to hold, and I will never hold it again."

Well, the 'letting go' that I felt there in McLeod Ganj, not necessarily the case like the quote above. Perhaps it was more into letting go of my desire, dream, and hope, especially when I had to face the fact that I couldn't meet Dalai Lama there. 

Prayer and Meditation - Pic courtesy: Kipchu

I sat down at one corner, prayed and meditated. There, I drained out all my feelings. First, I conveyed my gratitude for letting me be there, reaching one of my whole life's dream place, a place where I used to see from YouTube screen when watching the Dharma teaching brought by the HH Dalai Lama. Now, I was really there!

Dalai Lama Main Temple at McLeod Ganj, India

I recognized that yellow window pane, the clock that was hung on that wall, the fence, and so on. Being there, still felt like a dream for me. As if, it wasn't real, and as if, it was never exist!

I poured out my disappointment for not being able to meet him on my journey this time. However, I was praying too, most importantly, that he was blessed with good health. It wouldn't matter for me if I couldn't meet him, but his health mattered for me. And if he was in good health, I was content and grateful.

I never thought of visiting this place again. I only thought, this might me my last time visiting this temple in this present life. I didn't put any more hope of meeting him again, as I knew that he turned to 80 this year. Of course I was hoping that he would live long. However, the chance for me to meet him again, it needed lots of fate and good karma. Anyway, if not this life, next life ba!!! :)

Afterwards I continued my pray with usual gratitude and blessings for all sentient beings, especially those loved ones, then meditated.

Om Mani Padme Hum - Pic courtesy: Kipchu

I was relieved once it was all over, just like removing a very big stone from my heart. I walked out from the temple with a light feeling. I even felt like jumping and singing. My smile appeared at the very best (not sure if Kipchu noticed), and I told him briefly about "The Art of Letting Go", without giving further details, and then we continued walking, to our next destinations, where we were fated to go and be there.

So, everything happened only for a good reason. Whatever good or bad people we met, things we experienced from the past, it was all leading us with good reasons only. Without encountering all that, there wouldn't be the present me, who I am now. It was just there to shape me, mold me, sculpt me, decorate me, and give me with lots of lessons to learn in life and resign my karma to the nature.

As we passed by the Kalachakra Temple, we turned the prayer wheels there, again for the last time. "Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum. Om....."

"Thus the six syllables, Om Mani Padme Hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha" - HH Dalai Lama

Source of inspiration: Dalai Lama Main Temple at McLeod Ganj - Dharamsala, India. Visiting there on 30th September and 1st October 2015.

My Heartfelt Gratitude - Thank you!!! :)

I'm back!!! 10-day trip to India has finally over. Within that period I managed to visit few incredible places, such as: New Delhi, McLeod Ganj/Dharamsala, Rewalsar Lake, and Taj Mahal in Agra.

Air India from Singapore to New Delhi :)

You know, when I told my family and friends that I'd be going to India, they would ask me these kind of question or tell me these kind of advice: "You want to go to India? With who? What? Alone? Oh, you have friends there, which friends? Must be careful ya, it is not safe there! It is dirty too! Never ever go to the quiet and isolated place, especially at night. Be safe as there were many rape cases happening before," and so on. The funniest thing was that they had never been to India before, but they gave me these sort of advice.

Unlike those who had been there before, they supported my decision. They trusted me that I would be able to keep myself safe as I was one of the gadabouts (frequent travelers) and most importantly, had friends who would accompany me around. They even recommended me the must-visit places in India and local food or snack to try.

Actually in the beginning, I was afraid that my parents would stop me from traveling there ha-ha.. I only told them less than a month before. Luckily they did not oppose my decision and instead, they let me go, and even prayed for my safety. Thank you Pa and Ma! Thank you too for my siblings and everyone's prayers and kind wishes. Without it, I wouldn't be able to come back home safely and sound here :)

Quote by Dalai Lama - Brain and heart are our temple. The philosophy is kindness :)

My hubby let me go as he knew I had a purpose to be there, which was to meet HH Dalai Lama. It's been my long time dream to meet him. However, even after reaching the place where he stayed, I was unable to meet him as he wasn't around. Even if I waited until he was there, he wouldn't go out too as the doctor advised him to get lots of rest after having a long journey elsewhere. It wasn't that bad though, because in return, I managed to have a glance with South Africa cricket players at McLeod Ganj as they were having dinner at the restaurant nearby from where we stayed. Haha... ;D

Live with gratitude - by Heather Rosehill

In this post, I would love to convey my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had made my stay to India fruitful, safe, wonderful, and for your friendship, help, assistance, and hospitality that all of you had offered to me :)

Tshering Yangki and Tashi Chenzom in their humble hostel room - treating me with Tibetan tea and delicious food :)

First, for the kindhearted Bhutanese young ladies who were studying there - Tashi Chenzom and Tshering Yangki. Both of you had welcomed me into your humble hostel room for two nights and even more. Despite you need space and peaceful environment to prepare your exam, you still let me stay there :)

Delicious Bhutanese dinner with Tibetan tea on my first day reaching Delhi. Thank you gals! :)

All of you, including Beena Subba, had cooked delicious Bhutanese food for dinner. It'd been a while since I had it so it really made me feeling like going back to Bhutan. Thank you la, I was overwhelmed by your warm hospitality!!!

Second dinner menu - delicious handmade Roti with potato curry and Paneer cheese with peas :)

On second day, Tashi and Tshering made Indian Roti for me, handmade and from scratch. I appreciated your hard work and sincerity la!! It was delicious!!! :)

They gave me plenty of space to sleep!!! ^^

Four of us shared the connected two single beds, but three of you were squeezing at one bed and left me with big space to sleep alone. Hahaha... Was I that big that all of you were afraid to sleep with me?? :D

My breakfast portion. Can you believe it??? :D

Tashi, you fed me with lots of food even starting from the time I woke up from my sleep. Hahaha... Like magic, the bucket filled with fruits were there after I came back from washing. When I sat down and prepared my thing, you started offering me tea and made a cup right away. Five minutes later, you were asking me, "Mam, are you eating noodle? I will cook noodle for you, ok?" And the best thing was, I could not reject as you would start cooking it immediately. Hahaha... You were afraid that I wasn't full enough to start my day as I would visit many places in Delhi. You wanted to make sure I had enough. Thank you Tashi for your love, care and concern, I was really touched la!!!

Kipchu and Yangzom - at University's gate :)

Next, I would love to thank this beautiful young Nepal born lady, Tenzin Yangzom, who had helped me in getting my Nano Sim card (she even refused to receive the payment). She also helped me in getting the bus ticket to McLeod Ganj and asking about room at Majnu Ka Tilla (MT), the Tibetan colony area.

Breakfast treat from Yangzom's parents. Thank you so much!!! :)

She and her families were staying there only. We went to their house (without her, as she wasn't feeling well) two days before that, as their shop wasn't opened. Their parents were very kind and welcoming us. At my last day in Delhi, Kipchu and I were having breakfast at her parents' shop - see the above photo :) Her mom was the quiet type. She only offered her smile while preparing our tea and Roti. Only her dad was talking to us.

As we ate, Kipchu became the translator. Yangzom's dad told me to treat them as my own parents since I was Yangzom's friend and the next time when I visited Delhi again, they asked me to stay at their house so that I didn't have to book hotel room elsewhere. They refused my payment for the meal and even before I left, they gave a big packet of Khapse (Tibetan deep fried pastry) and a bag of Mathi (Indian salted savory snack) for me to bring back to Singapore. Yalama! I was so touched la with their hospitality and kindness. Please convey  my heartfelt gratitude to your parents, Yangzom!!! And thank you for everything you had done for me! :) (PS: I loved their Khapse very much! I have been eating it with tea everyday! Thank you for the lovely presents! ^^)

Our visit to Lotus Temple - New Delhi, India

Due to exam period and my limited time, we only managed to visit tourist site once, together, which was to Lotus Temple, on my first day's arrival. Lotus Temple, also known as Bahai House of Worship, was a place for prayer and meditation for people from all religions and races.

Tibetan Lunch at Tee Dee - Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi

Tashi and Tshering met up again once, for the last time, at Majnu Ka Tilla, for lunch on the last two days before I went back. Tashi had kindly brought my belonging from hostel to MT, knowing that I would not return back to hostel. We had Tibetan lunch at Tee Dee as Tashi was craving for steamed momo (dumpling), it's her favorite! ;)

Tasting Lafing, not Laughing :)

She also brought me to taste Lafing, the Tibetan cold and spicy mung bean noodles or rolls (similar with Liang Fen or Liang Pi in Chinese dish). No wonder it tasted so familiar, like I ever ate it before. I loved it lah. I ate it twice after that in other occasions hehehe... Thank you Tashi for introducing it to me! :)

Thank you for your gifts ladies :)

Four of them gave me the above gifts. Name same kadinche-la ladies!!! The Lord Buddha scroll was hung just outside my room now and the light had been installed to brighten it up. I felt safe now that Buddha was getting near to my heart and soul :) I had cooked and eaten some of the above snacks too. I appreciate it very much la!!! Well, keep in touch la. We may have chance to meet again one day. At the mean time, take care and wish you all the best for your study! Again, thank you very much for everything!!!

Me and Kinley Wangchuk in front of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives - Dharamsala, India

I would love to express my heartfelt gratitude to Kinley Wangchuk, Kipchu's childhood's friend, who had helped us a lot during our stay in McLeod Ganj. He was the one who looked for and booked our accommodation, informed us that Dalai Lama's teaching was cancelled, told us where to go around McLeod Ganj (Dalai Lama's Main Temple, Kalachakra Temple, Bhagsu waterfall, etc.) and Dharamsala (directions how to go to Gyuto Monastery - where the 17th Karmapa lived, and Norbulingka Institute), and also brought us to visit the small Tibetan museum just above the library in the photo above.

Dinner at Kinley's humble place - Dharamsala, India

He invited us for dinner at his place too, about 30-minute walk from McLeod Ganj's market :D He cooked simple but delicious vegetarian dishes, such as: mushroom curry, boiled eggs, cucumber, and red bean dhall. Thank you so much Kinley for your invitation and delicious dinner :)

Bhutanese monks who were studying Tibetan languages at Dharamsala, India :)

There were other three Bhutanese monks who studied Tibetan language and stayed nearby his place. Two of them were Dorji Khandu and Sonam. They stayed just next to Kinley's room. They were very friendly. Sonam offered us to cook ara with eggs. He said he could make a very nice ara egg concoction and I could trust his word. He indeed made a nice sweet one :) We had great laugh and talk while they were preparing their dinner. Nice meeting both of you la!!

My travel companion - Kipchu :)

And last but not least, my travel companion for the whole ten days in India, my beloved nuchu (younger brother), Kipchu :) He was the one who ensured my safety, fulfilled many of my dreams and wishes, carried my loads, prayer's companion, sometimes cheated together - telling them that we were from Manipur so we could pay cheaper entrance ticket, sometimes being cheated together - few incidents happened, sometimes becoming my walking stick, etc.

He was the one who fetched me on my first day reaching India, and he was also the one who sent me back to the Indira Gandhi Airport. He prepared many things for me for this trip. He would make sure that thing went smoothly by reaching the destination early (sometimes as kiasu as Singaporean), having enough water and fruits (as sometimes we didn't have time to have proper meal), following me everywhere (even to toilets, to ensure my safety, especially in public area), and so on.    

Your smile can and will captivate many women out there ;)

Kipchu, I would like to thank you for your time, effort, energy, prayers, and all the things you had done to me so that my whole trip becoming a wonderful, memorable and unforgettable one. All those things worried by my family and friends were proven not to exist in India. Without you around, this trip would never be the same :) I wish you for life long happiness in your life journey. Hope your good deeds here will benefit you with good karma in this life, so that  your dreams and wishes will always come true.

As you mentioned in your blog post, you too have become someone different the ten days before and the ten days after. You have learned many things (including the effectiveness of the prayers of gratitude and the laws of nature), received blessings from the above (proving you that miracle did exist), believed that good people existed too - helping  you in many ways and occasions, and it has cleared your mind about the truth that you were looking for.

I am happy that this trip has benefited you and changed your way of thinking. Here, I sincerely wish you all the best for the rest of your life's journey. I am sure  you are now fully equipped with all weapons that you needed and able to roam your life independently, reaching out towards your goals and passion. It isn't goodbye though as we may see each other again, who knows? So, take care lah and thank you again for everything! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! Wish you be happy always!!! :)

PS: Thank you for Jigme who had offered to bring our bags to metro station on the day we left Delhi to Dharamsala so that we didn't have to bring my bag around while visiting Swaminarayan Akshardham or going back to hostel to collect! May Buddha bless you always! :) Also to everyone else that I didn't mention here,  e.g. Uncle who led us to the public bus and asked the other guy to get up from ladies seat then offered it to me :) Thank you for your help that made my journey smoothly, safe, and miraculous!!! ^^

Rewalsar Lake or Tso Pema Lotus Lake - A heaven on earth!!!

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the Rewalsar Lake, or also known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake, located at Mandi district - a six-hour bus drive from McLeod Ganj or an eleven-hour bus drive from New Delhi.

Feeding fish area at Rewalsar Lake, India

I strolled alone at the park that surrounded the lake, with two packs of biscuits for feeding the fish, on my hands.

Hmm... The weather was still too hot and I decided to sit on the grass just below the big tree, as to benefit the coolness from the shade, and then leaned my back on it.

The wind blew comfortably and it made me feeling sleepy. Didn't know how long I fell asleep. Only knew that I was awoken by the conversation of the not-so-young couple who were sitting side-by-side at the bench nearby.

One of the man's hands was holding the woman's shoulder and another was holding her both hands.

See the electric transmitter above the mountain? That's where the cave is located :)

"You know, I love this place sooo... much!!! I'm thinking, maybe..., just maybe..., one day, when I'm getting much older and no more weight on my shoulder, and when there is no one to worry about anymore, then I shall come and visit this beautiful place again.

The cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated :)

I've gotta live here for a while, so I can climb up the mountain slowly every morning, meditate as long as I wish, and prostrate as much as I can, inside the Guru Rinpoche's cave.

The beautiful mountain view from the above :)

I will watch the faraway snowy mountains from the stone we sat just now, and listen to the crows' sound flying across the sky. The layers of mountains and clouds that covered the small town below, are both unbelievably beautiful!!!

123-feet high Guru Rinpoche's Statue near Rewalsar Lake 

After that, I'll walk down the hill. On my way down, I'll convey my gratitude at the temple located inside the Guru Rinpoche's giant statue.

I'll have a simple and delicious Indian vegetarian meal like the one we had just now, plus a cup of hot steamed chai. 

The cave where we meditated and recited prayers :)

Then I'll take a good rest listening to the chants, getting the tranquility from the mantras, and try to memorise it. Uhhh... how I wish I know how to recite those Tibetan chants!!!

At times, I'll visit Monk Pema and 'Ong Bak' from the Zangtho Pelri that is located across the Guru Rinpoche's statue. I've already missed their chai and delicious yellow rice mixed with potatoes you know! 

With Monk Pema and 'Ong Bak' at Zangtho Pelri :)

Oh, but I hope, by then, the store keeper has already come back, so that Monk Pema won't have difficulty in opening the store's lock and can serve me the biscuit to accompany my tea! Haha... :D

When the sky turns into the dark, I'll watch the stars that you taught me about last night by lying down on top of the wooden planks at the rooftop of my rented Indian's house. I'll find yours and my star, and count the numbers of the falling stars every single night!!!" said the woman excitingly.

"And you know, by then, I hope I can find you there to accompany me, still accept me no matter how old I have become. But if you aren't there, I will understand," continued her but this time, her voice had turned much softer, in which I almost couldn't hear.

Dream bigger quote :)

"Finally a bigger dream of yours!!! May your dream come true. Of course I will be joining you. I'd love to be here again with you. And no matter how old you have become, I will always be there for you," said the man loud and excitingly!!

"You sure you will?" asked the woman unconvincingly.

"I'm sure I will! Because I'm content and glad with what you have already taught me in these past few days. Lifetime lesson within this short period? Oh my! I'll do anything for you my dear!!! 

I will be your walking stick when you climb up the mountain years or even decades later...

I will meditate and prostrate by your side inside the Guru Rinpoche's cave...

I will be sitting by your side on the stone we sat just now and offer my tiny arms - well, it may change bigger years later - so that you can hold your hands onto it while watching the snow mountains and listening to the crows' sound...

Delicious and cheap veg lunch (not completed yet) :P

I will be the person that you face while drinking chai and eating the cheap but delicious vegetarian lunch...

I will recite the chant over and over again on your ears so that you can easily memorise it...

Zangtho Pelri at night - Rewalsar Lake 

I will be clasping your hands while walking up through the stairways to heaven. Ooppss..., I mean, to the Zangtho Pelri, and ensure the storekeeper is there so you can dip the biscuit with the tea, as you like how it is to be eaten...

And at the rooftop, I will be the soft pillow over the wooden planks so that you can lean on comfortably while watching and counting the falling stars..." 

"Uhukk... uhuk..... uhuukkk... uhuk..." Familiar choking and coughing's sound came approaching to my side. It was Kipchu coming towards my direction. He was covering his mouth and tears were flowing from his eyes.

"So there you are Ashim??? What are you doing here? I've been looking for you for quite some time now, and those biscuits on your hands, the fishes are hungry la!!!" told him almost screaming.

Kipchu was caught happily feeding the hungry fishes ^^

"Ssshhhhh.... lower down your voice Nuchu! I was listening to the not-so-young couple's conversation who were sitting there," said me quietly while pointing my finger to the bench nearby.

The big tree that I imagined to sit underneath. Bench? What bench? :P

"Couple? What couple la Ashim? Which bench?" asked him.

"There!!! Eh... Where is the bench now? And  where is the not-so-young couple???"

Kipchu and me with the beautiful view of Rewalsar or Tso Pema Lotus Lake, India :)

Source of inspiration: Rewalsar Lake or also known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake in northern India - visited on 2nd and 3rd October 2015. The place is very beautiful. It is a "heaven on earth" as Kipchu exclaimed! ^^ Hope this post can be a great memoir from our visit! :)