The journey goes to unknown lands...

Amritsar it is, finally! After terrific traffic on the way from Ludhiana. For the first time on the journey for five seconds I felt, “Am I driving into a no entry on the highway.” But no it was not a no entry. Just another regular day as vehicles were driving on both the sides.

Because of traffic we reached Amritsar late, so we decided to ride straight to the Wagah border. It was Sunday and it was very difficult to get a seat. A friend’s friend managed to get us to the VIP gallery but we were still not satisfied. As it is commonly said in Economics, ‘Human wants are unlimited’. We then wanted to sit in VVIP section so we could capture the evening parade properly. As soon as we entered the sitting area, we forgot whether we belonged to India or the other country. The energy and vibe of the border were amazing. If you ever visit Amritsar,

I would urge you to visit the border for it could open your mind.
The next day we visited the Golden Temple. As soon as I entered, I smiled and thought how it looks bigger and much more beautiful than it is shown on television.  We kept on walking and reading walls, looking at the people in meditation at the holy place. Before entering the temple, there are several small water ponds from where people wash their feet and drink it as holy water. While walking around, I took in the sights around me — parents teaching their kids the importance of Amrit Sarovar, families listening to the holy songs in the temple, friends clicking pictures. At 10 minutes walking distance from the Golden Temple, stop by to have a meal at Kesar Da Dhaba before you leave Amritsar.

With deep sadness in my heart, I must explain that we are not advised to enter Pakistan. We waited at Atari for five days but the situation was getting more tense there and in other Islamic countries due to reactions to an anti-Islam movie. As I write this, two serial blasts have happened in Karachi. But we can’t let this stop us from spreading peace. We can’t sit, wait, watch and think that time shall pass. If not these countries this time, then some other fantastic countries. So now for the rest of our journey we will travel from here to Vietnam via Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. We have been advised at His Holiness Dalai Lama’s teaching to travel on this route.

It is going to be a challenge for us but we are raring to go as De Paiz Yatra becomes an unplanned adventure.