While our time in Delhi was simply wonderful, we were very excited to beat the 119 degree heat wave, and get up to the foothills of the Himalaya, where it is literally cooler by a mile.
We flew up to Dehradun and then took a taxi to Mussoorie.
The drive from Dehradun up to Mussoorie is only 45 miles or so, but takes about 2 hours given how sharp the turns on the mountain roads are, random cows, and everything else that one finds on the roads here. Annie counted 31 total animals on the taxi trip up (including cows, dogs, and two types of monkeys---she was dead set on summing them together).
Once you get close to Mussoorie, however, the air begins to feel instantly different. Soooo much cooler! The view isn't half bad either.
Mussoorie is a hill-station town that was largely developed during the British era. It served--and continues to serve-- as a location to getaway from the heat. The town is defined by a "largely"-pedestrian mall (unfortunately cars and motos can now pay a tax to drive on it, which makes walking a little unpleasant/precarious). The mall is a phenomenal location for people watching, and being watched. Folks love to come up and pat Miles/Annie's head, and have their photos taken with them. We love how kind and open folks in India can be to children, and how ours instantly feel safe when someone smiles and offers them a hand to hold. From the customs agent who wanted to hold our two year old, to the grandpa on the metro whose welcoming lap Miles instantly jumped into when there were no seats, to these folks who wanted to stroll with them and hold hands and all those in between. Annie and Miles walked with these random folks for about 5 minutes without a care in the world. Jo was with them for a minute or so, but then dropped back with me, and the kids didn't seem to care at all.
One of the nicest things about being at this hotel has been how many quick friends Annie has made. Most have only stayed for a day or so (we're here for over a week), but she's had a really phenomenal time with them.
Mussoorie is a little bit like Pigeon Forge, TN, only with slightly more taste. There are tons of family-oriented activities, including this roller-skating rink which has an incredible view over the valley.
We flew up to Dehradun and then took a taxi to Mussoorie.
Once you get close to Mussoorie, however, the air begins to feel instantly different. Soooo much cooler! The view isn't half bad either.
Mussoorie is a hill-station town that was largely developed during the British era. It served--and continues to serve-- as a location to getaway from the heat. The town is defined by a "largely"-pedestrian mall (unfortunately cars and motos can now pay a tax to drive on it, which makes walking a little unpleasant/precarious). The mall is a phenomenal location for people watching, and being watched. Folks love to come up and pat Miles/Annie's head, and have their photos taken with them. We love how kind and open folks in India can be to children, and how ours instantly feel safe when someone smiles and offers them a hand to hold. From the customs agent who wanted to hold our two year old, to the grandpa on the metro whose welcoming lap Miles instantly jumped into when there were no seats, to these folks who wanted to stroll with them and hold hands and all those in between. Annie and Miles walked with these random folks for about 5 minutes without a care in the world. Jo was with them for a minute or so, but then dropped back with me, and the kids didn't seem to care at all.
Requisite cow photo, check.
While in Mussoorie we've introduced the kids to another new form of transportation: cycle-rickshaws. These rickshaw-wallahs really earn their keep pulling all four of us around.The kids love it.
While in Mussoorie we've introduced the kids to another new form of transportation: cycle-rickshaws. These rickshaw-wallahs really earn their keep pulling all four of us around.The kids love it.
Rock wall painted like a lion--which Miles now roars at every time we walk by--to the complete amusement of the pedestrians.
One of the nicest things about being at this hotel has been how many quick friends Annie has made. Most have only stayed for a day or so (we're here for over a week), but she's had a really phenomenal time with them.
Mussoorie is a little bit like Pigeon Forge, TN, only with slightly more taste. There are tons of family-oriented activities, including this roller-skating rink which has an incredible view over the valley.
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