Leaving Manali...with heavy hearts

Ah, in less than 24h, I'll be on the bus towards Delhi, out of Manali. Even as I pack my bag, I'm still in the state of unbelieve/denial that I'll be leaving this wonderful place, a community which I have grown to love and feel belonged. As reality sinks in, the beautiful memories of the past 4 weeks become a sweet dream and precious memory that I pray I'll never forget.

I always thought 4 weeks was long, but being here, 4 weeks seemed like a fleeting moment. I could still recall the day I set foot in Manali, being lost in the "big" town which I'm now all too familiar. The sights and sounds, of majestic snow-capped mountains that surround, of crazy kids who play basketball at 6am (when the sun is already bright), of students in the nearby schools running about, of the busy Mall street, of the grocer where we get our fruits and vegtables, of No.10, our favourite and trusted "supermarket", of Delhi Chat, of the chemist...Ah, all these are now part of the photo collection and my memory. Manali, I'm so going to miss you.

This week was spent largely having dinner with people for the last time. Monday, was at Harish's place (oh he made the nicest chocolate cake). Tue, with Vinay/Hersh/Poonum (1) to do some shopping for souviners [I bought bout 38 key chains :P] (2) to some ulu but attas restaurtant for dinner, but had a great time looking at starts. Wed with Dr Philip/Dr Anna/Grant/Charlene for dinner and sharing. Today, Dr Ritu invited us for homecooked chicken branyi, delicious! Indeed, it's the people here at Manali that I'll miss the most. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind towards us from day 1. Even though we were strangers, we were treated like close friends. Thank God for all these wonderful people he has blessed us. I'll miss everyone of you.

I'll also miss this precious time I've spent with Yingxian. This brother who has been such an encouragement to me, always challenging me to face some of the most difficult things in my life (which I often run away from) and helping me see my own weaknesses. Though our discussions often end up with me backing out or admitting loss (cos I really can't argue with him and it often becomes so draining on me) followed by a personally imposed cold turkey, I really appreciate my brother being so honest with me and tolerating me. Ah xian, I pray that the friendship that we share wld be one where iron rubs iron, so that we may be polished into God's perfect image. Forgive me for the many times I've disappointed/upseted u.

Ah, went for a Indian style haircut today! It wasn't anything special, except for the head massage. Oh man, I was sure I'll get an SAH or even lose some teeth. But it was quite an experience, and fear that the barber wld ruin my already not so good hair. But it turned out quite ok, I hope. Haha, the barber, knowing we were from Missions hospital wanted us to give him some tablets for some "urine prob". However, our limited Hindi coupled with him shy in telling us everything made it hard to even make a diagnosis and so we just encouraged him to come to the hospital tmr. I wonder if he wld though.

It's rainning heavily outside now. I'm packed, just a few more last min stuff to put in. Ah, am I really leaving this beacutiful place? The more I ask, the more the reality strikes.