Finally today I got some time to write something on my recent visit. 2024 was touch wood full of fun, new adventures, work, challenges, connection.  I had the opportunity to connect with many people. In mid-December, work took me to Delhi. I had been to Delhi before. I decided to invite my partner as he has many friends there. Luckily, he was available to join me.

Delhi’s winter is significantly different from Goa’s. I’m not as fond of winter as my partner. However, when he heard about the trip to Delhi, he was eager to go. His eyes lit up when I told him about going to Delhi. “Let’s go! Let’s go!” he repeated with enthusiasm.

My day had been a whirlwind of activity, leaving me feeling exhausted. Upon arriving at Munchie’s friends’ apartment around 8:30 PM, I was met with an unexpected suggestion: a trip to Shimla. I was unaware of the details of their plan. Fortunately, the final decision rested with me. Given the demands of my long day, I initially declined. However, Munchie’s expression changed to one of disappointment. He pleaded with me to reconsider. Unable to resist his adorable pout, I reluctantly agreed to the trip to Shimla.

Munchie’s friend owned a car. We were a group of four, including myself. I sat in the backseat with Munchie. The car had seven seats. My immediate concern was dinner. We enjoyed a fast-food meal on that cold winter night before embarking on our journey to Shimla.

Our ambitious plan was to reach Shimla by midnight. We would then find a hotel, have dinner, watch the sunrise, and depart by 8:00 AM. We had urgent commitments the following day. The plan itself seemed unrealistic.

We had dinner in the car. Munchie and I, seated in the back, began to feel drowsy. I was exhausted from the long day. Recognizing my fatigue, Munchie offered me his thigh as a makeshift pillow. I stretched my legs and fell asleep, using Munchie’s arm as my primary support. Munchie also drifted off to sleep on my shoulder. The friends in the front seat expressed their astonishment. They urged us to admire the scenery. I replied that I could not see anything as it was pitch dark outside.

I did not wake up until 2:00 AM and noticed some lights from the houses in the hilly area. The friend parked the car on the side of the road and fell asleep. We were in Shimla, but we all slept soundly in the car despite the 4-degree temperature.

I woke up again around 5:00 AM. What I observed was : my companions sleeping peacefully. I began to disturb them. They repeatedly asked Munchie to silence me. The car owner then suggested that we fold down the seats and sleep more comfortably. Munchie and I expressed our surprise at not being told this earlier.

Despite this, I continued to talk. Munchie then called me to him. He held me close in his arms, providing warmth and comfort. I fell asleep peacefully in his embrace.

After an hour and a half, a man disturbed our sleep. He inquired if we needed a hotel. After waking up, we parked the car, freshened up, and decided to visit at least one location in Shimla.

The weather was extremely cold. I layered two jackets, one my own and the other belonging to Munchie’s friend. I felt sorry for him. We had to walk a considerable distance to reach the Mall Road, which was closed at that time. Walking on a flat surface is relatively easy, but navigating an inclined path in such frigid conditions was quite challenging.

After an additional 40 minutes of walk, we finally arrived at Mall Road. The scene was breathtaking. The sunrise was worth the effort of traveling to Shimla in the cold weather. We encountered school students on their way to school. I was amazed at how these young children were able to wake up early and attend school.

A local resident informed us that Shimla had recently experienced its first snowfall. From the viewpoint, I observed children skating on the frozen snow.

We encountered a charming establishment on Mall Road. It resembled a cafe, though I wasn’t certain. The structure possessed a regal and elegant appearance.

I am a coffee enthusiast. However, in Shimla, my first beverage was ginger tea. It was incredibly flavorful and aromatic. The tea invigorated me, providing the energy I needed to explore Shimla for a few more hours. Even the Cup way saying me : Wake Up!

Trees are undeniably beautiful when adorned with foliage. However, my perspective shifted during my visit to Mall Road. I discovered that trees possess an elegant beauty even in their leafless state. The paucity of leaves on these trees was striking. It was possible to count the remaining leaves on each tree.

Post Box : I spotted a quaint little postbox situated right next to Shimla’s vibrant Mall Road. This reminds me of the old days when we used to drop letters in the post box.

Mall Road is adorned with numerous statues. They are visually appealing. The atmosphere is conducive to relaxation. One could easily spend an entire day sitting on a bench, enjoying the surroundings.

Christ Church : Having grown up in Goa, I have been surrounded by churches throughout my life. The Christ Church in Shimla is a beautifully constructed building. Unfortunately, I was unable to view the interior as it opened at 10:30 AM.

Munchie observed a look of pure joy wash over my face as I gazed upon the church. He purchased a fridge magnet of the Christ Church from a local shop. Seeing my happiness brought him immense joy.

The National Flag : The Indian flag stood proudly at the center of Mall Road. I was fortunate to capture a remarkable photograph. The sunlight illuminated the flag perfectly.

The sight of the man carrying two heavy cylinders serves as a stark reminder of the hardships faced by many individuals. The man struggling with the cylinders vividly illustrates the challenges and burdens that countless people carry in their daily lives.

As we journeyed towards Scandal Point, a diverse array of establishments lined the route. Among these were post offices and banks. The scene was a bustling mix of local businesses and everyday conveniences.

Indian Coffee House : Breakfast time had arrived. The only eatery open at that hour was the Indian Coffee House. I placed an order for my favorite dish: Masala Dosa with Tea. The restaurant’s ambiance was enhanced by the presence of captivating paintings adorning the walls.

Police station : I was pleasantly surprised by the elegance of the police station. The surrounding area was impeccably clean. The architect’s design was truly remarkable. The building itself was a testament to the careful attention to detail.

Despite the chilly temperature, I decided to indulge in a refreshing treat. I opted for a scoop of strawberry ice cream. The icy sensation was a delightful contrast to the cold air. The strawberry ice cream tasted exceptionally sweet and delicious.

Our trip to Shimla was filled with memorable moments. We enjoyed the scenic beauty, the chilly weather, and the simple pleasures like sharing ice cream together. As we left Shimla, we carried with us a collection of cherished memories – the laughter, the camaraderie, and the unexpected adventures. These memories would undoubtedly remain etched in our minds for a long time to come.

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