I have quite literally fled for the hills.
My third day in Delhi, I felt much more capable of dealing with the press of humanity, the noise, and smells that permeate Delhi. Still I was happy to get to my train. Once again I was saved by the advice of my friend Vish, who insisted I get a 2nd Class, AC ticket. The train was comfortable, clean and well maintained. I slept quite well, and woke early, which gave me a chance to watch the countryside as we neared Dehradun.
In Dehradun I caught my first Indian bus up to Mussoorie. Which required climbing a 1 1/2 lane road 6000 feet up the mountain. From the bus, I chose to walk up to the language school. I walked for about 10 minutes up the narrow, store lined Landour Bazaar. From a tailor shop and man called to me, and invited me in to have a seat, which I did happily. Within minutes Chai arrived, and they got extra glasses to share with me. Before I left, I was rested caffeinated, and had an invitation to dinner that evening. Then, to top it off, he gave me a ride up the hill to my hotel — which turned out to be very far.
More on Landour and Mussoorie soon…