Brekky downstairs as always. Then packed and ready for the others to get an 11.30 bus that left about an hour later. They got to Chandigarh around 6pm. What an epic, as bad as my journey.
The start was very peaceful, with spectacular views for a couple of k's. Then it was on the main road, fine if you're moving, less fine if you get off to push. Not very comfortable, not much space on the edge, cars overtaking on the wrong side of the road etc.
Chatted to a shawl maker with a very nice large shop, at the top called Shimla Shawl Factory , here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TCgB2pn8Fy273J4x8?g_st=ac
Then it rolled down pretty fast to Theog, strangely pronounced as it's spelt. This is a very pretty little town with a winding pedestrian street, lined with shops, and the odd view over the surrounding huge valley. A guy says hello when I stop. I'm looking for Monty palace, and the guy introduces me to Monty who is standing 5m away. We chat, where are you from, what do you do, people here are helpful etc. He observes they love to help travellers but won't help the local derros. True for us too. He warns me that some young people are hooked on Afghani heroin, so to avoid young people, and don't stay out at night. Later, there are plenty of people so it seems not an issue.
I wish I could stay right here in the middle what a dream, so quiet. He doesn't have room, so passes me onto the Hotel Ashish. This is a super weired place run by a kind lady. Tiny concrete room, with bedding that hasn't been changed for a long time, and an ensuite (I found the switch yay!), and the doorway is so low that I crack my head, twice. It's still sore sore in the morning. Glad I have toilet paper and a bed sheet. Generally clean, but I won't be staying two nights.
Dinner was a veg thing plus a bread at a little stall, with little plastic chairs. The young kid quotes me 30 for the bread, then the old guy charges 40 for the whole meal. I hand him a 50 (about 88 cents) and tell him to keep the change.
Back in the concrete room, coughing away, writing this, wishing for a heater.
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