#Places to visit in North East India

[travelling-bird]

Embark on a tour of North East India. Places to visit in North East India are full of misty mountains, serene valleys, cascading waterfalls, etc.

[traveluniverse8]

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[makeupreviewandbeautyblog]

Explore Top Places in North East, India

Largely remaining untouched to date, many of the places to visit in the North East still retain their rustic charm and offer plenty to do, see and explore with the North East Tour Packages. A shout-out to those who are looking for an off-beat experience with bewitching alluring scenic views. The diverse geography of the region allows for ample options for travel enthusiasts to get in touch with…

[queenoftreasures]

Mesmerised by Nature’s Green Grandeur in Majestic Meghalaya

[travelaroundindia]

https://www.travelaroundindia.com/

[tripmazaindia]

Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Sikkim: Top 10 Places to Visit

Tucked away in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, the northeastern state of Sikkim in India is a gem waiting to be explored. With its pristine landscapes, captivating monasteries, and diverse flora and fauna, Sikkim offers a truly mesmerizing experience for every traveler. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, Sikkim has something to offer to everyone. In this blog post, we will take you through the top 10 places to visit in Sikkim, India.

1. Gangtok:

The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is a bustling town surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Explore the bustling MG Marg, visit the Enchey Monastery, and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas from Tashi Viewpoint. Don't forget to experience the peaceful ambiance of the Rumtek Monastery and enjoy a cable car ride to the picturesque Saramsa Garden.

2. Tsomgo Lake:

Located at an altitude of 12,400 feet, Tsomgo Lake is a stunning glacial lake that remains frozen during winter. The turquoise waters of the lake against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains create a breathtaking sight. Indulge in yak rides and savor local snacks as you soak in the serene beauty of this natural wonder.

3. Nathula Pass:

For the adventurous souls, a visit to Nathula Pass is a must. Situated at an altitude of 14,140 feet, this mountain pass connects India with Tibet. Enjoy the panoramic views, visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, and witness the Indo-China border trade.

4. Yumthang Valley:

Known as the "Valley of Flowers," Yumthang Valley is a paradise for nature lovers. Located at an elevation of 11,693 feet, this picturesque valley is adorned with vibrant blooms during spring. Immerse yourself in the beauty of rhododendrons, primulas, and other alpine flowers as you take a leisurely stroll through the valley.

5. Pelling:

Nestled amidst the majestic mountains, Pelling offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, explore the ruins of Rabdentse Palace, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range. The Khecheopalri Lake and the Kanchenjunga Falls are also worth a visit.

6. Ravangla:

Situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet, Ravangla is a quaint town that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the Tathagata Tsal, also known as the Buddha Park, and witness the colossal statue of Lord Buddha. Take a peaceful stroll through the Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint and enjoy the beauty of the sunrise over the snow-capped peaks.

7. Lachung:

Lachung is a picturesque village located in North Sikkim, known for its pristine beauty. Explore the Yumthang Valley, indulge in hot spring baths, and visit the Lachung Monastery. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, filled with a variety of rhododendron species, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

8. Zuluk:

For offbeat travelers, Zuluk offers a unique experience. Situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet, this small village is known for its breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas. Enjoy the winding roads, visit the Thambi Viewpoint, and witness the beauty of the sunrise from the Lungthung viewpoint.

9. Rumtek Monastery:

Located near Gangtok, the Rumtek Monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Admire the stunning architecture, explore the tranquil surroundings, and witness the rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. The monastery also hosts the sacred Kagyat Dance during the Losar Festival.

10. Namchi:

Nestled in the southern part of Sikkim, Namchi is a charming town that offers panoramic views of the mountains and the Teesta River. Visit the towering statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse Hill, explore the Char Dham complex, and indulge in a serene atmosphere at the Solophok Chardham.

Sikkim, with its enchanting beauty and serene landscapes, is a destination that will leave you spellbound. Whether you seek adventure, spirituality, or tranquility, the top 10 places mentioned above will provide a memorable experience. From the bustling capital city of Gangtok to the tranquil monasteries and breathtaking valleys, Sikkim offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to the pristine Himalayan state of Sikkim.

Kindly contact us at +919775304444 or you can visit us at the link below: https://tours.tripmaza.com/packages/?&q=sikkim%20darjeeling

[travelaashiq06]

Must Visit Tourist Places in North East India

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[the-monkey-ruler]

How many kingdoms and realms exist in JTTW, could you give us a short explanation of these please? I understand there are like three realms according to Chinese mythology

How many kingdoms and realms exist in JTTW, could you give us a short explanation of these please?

There are many kingdoms that are visited in Xiyouji on their path, but I cannot say how many were during the Tang dynasty in general, you might wanna do some personal research for that case

The dragon prince was spared from death and banished to Yingchou Stream (鷹愁澗) in Shepan Mountain (蛇盤山), in the region that belongs to the Hamil Kingdom of the western barbarians.

Zhu Bajie found in Gao village and find that a daughter kidnapped in the the territory of the Kingdom of Qoco.

Yellow Robe Demon (黃袍怪) is based in Moon Waves Cave (波月洞) on Bowl Mountain (碗子山) in the Kingdom of Baoxiang (寶象國)

The Lion-Lynx Demon (獅猁怪) is actually the Azure Lion (青毛獅子), the steed of the bodhisattva Manjusri. He drowns the king of Wuji Kingdom (烏雞國) and took his position.

The Immortal of Tiger Power (虎力大仙), Immortal of Elk Power (鹿力大仙), and Immortal of Antelope Power (羊力大仙) are three demons who disguise themselves as Taoist magicians to deceive the ruler of the Kingdom of Chechi (車遲國).

The Ruler of Women's Country (女兒國國王) is the ruler of a nation in Xiliang (西梁) in Western Liang Kingdom with an all-female population in Women's Country (女兒國).

The Wansheng Dragon King (萬聖龍王) is based in Emerald Waves Lake (碧波潭), Rocky Mountain (亂石山), Kingdom of Jisai (祭賽國). He marries his daughter, Wansheng Princess, to the Nine-Headed Beast.

Sai Tai Sui (賽太歲; literally "Equivalent to Tai Sui") is a demon king based on Qilin Mountain (麒麟山) in the Kingdom of Zhuzi (朱紫國). He is actually the Golden Haired Hou (金毛犼), the steed of Guanyin.

The White Deer Spirit (白鹿精) is actually the mount of the deity Old Man of the South Pole (南極老人). He stole his master's staff and escaped into the human world. He accepts the White-Faced Vixen Spirit (白面狐狸精), a female Fox spirit, as an adopted-daughter, disguises her as a beautiful maiden, and presents her to the ruler of the Kingdom of Biqiu (比丘國).

The Ruler of the Kingdom of Miefa (滅法國; "Miefa" literally means "destroy dharma") hates Buddhists and once made an oath to slaughter 10,000 Buddhist monks. He realizes that he has done wrong in persecuting Buddhist monks so he repents and renames his domain "Kingdom of Qinfa" (欽法國; "Qinfa" literally means "respect for dharma").

The Grand Saint of Nine Spirits (九靈元聖) is actually the Nine-Headed Lion that Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun rides on. The lion seizes the opportunity to escape. He builds his base at the Jiuqu Panhuan Cave (九曲盤桓洞) at Bamboo Links Mountain (竹節山) near the Kingdom of Yuhua (玉華國).

The Jade Rabbit Spirit (玉兔精) is actually the moon rabbit that pounds a mortar and pestle in Guanghan Palace (廣寒宮) on the Moon. The fairy Su'e (素娥) once hit her and she bore a grudge against her. Su'e was later reincarnated as a princess of a Great Kingdom of India (天竺).

Su'e hid in the Monastery of the Anathapindika Garden in the Kingdom of Sravasti.

Honorary mention: Surya Kingdom is the place where the sun sets, and that's why its popular name is 'The Edge of Heaven.' During the time of late afternoon each day, the king will send people up to the battlements to beat the drums and blow the bugles, in order to dilute and weaken the sound of the sea boiling. (mentioned by Bajie)

Honorary mention: In years past, barbaric tribes of all four quarters came to pay us tribute: to the south, the Yuetuo Kingdom, to the north, the Qoco Kingdom; to the east, the State of Western Liang; and to the west, the Benbo Kingdom. (mention by Kingdom of Jisai).

Honorary mention: The state, Flowing Sand, was my ancestral home. My father was Flowing Sand Kingdom's king. Illness plagued me at the time of youth, A victim of a baleful natal star. (mentioned by Yellow Brows Demon).

Honorary mention: The spot releasing black vapors over there is the Lion-Camel Kingdom. (only called kingdom once by Sun Wukong).

Honorary mention: Master, my home is located in the Bimbana Kingdom, some two hundred miles from here. (mentioned by Lady Earth Flow.)

I understand there are like three realms according to Chinese mythology

There are three domains in the cosmos — Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld — and each domain is populated by a host of important gods and goddesses. The Heavenly Domain is ruled by the Jade Emperor, who presides over a court of important deities who are worshipped throughout China. Three Realms (三曹) – the belief that Heaven, the living and the deceased exist side by side; heaven is a place for saints or rested souls, the Underworld for the criminous deceased. Three wun seven pak (三魂七魄) explains a person's existence. The three realms is where a person exists, and the seven states are what makes a person exist.

Also suggest reading JTTW's article with just how Xioyuji uses these domains in regard to the 36 heavens and the 18 hells as well.

accompanied by my realms question, are the six realms something canon in JTTW or are the six realms something completely separate from JTTW and considered a different religion than the three realms mentioned in JTTW?

The Six Realms in Buddhist cosmology are the six worlds where sentient beings are reincarnated based on their karma, which is linked to their actions in previous lives. These paths are depicted in the Bhavacakra ("wheel of existence"). The six paths are

Hell (地獄道)

The Hungry Ghosts or pretas (餓鬼道)

The Beasts (畜生道)

Humans (人道)

The Titans or Asuras (修羅道)

Heaven, or the realm of the gods (天道).

Above these lie the four holy states: the Śrāvaka (声聞), the Pratyekabuddha (縁覚), the bodhisattva (菩薩) and finally completely enlightened Buddhahood.

We know that the wheel of reincarnation is very much real in Xiyouji and that the novel has Hindu and Buddhist mythology it wouldn't be out of the question that they have this specific cosmology, even if most of the time the novel is within more Easten heaven and dealing with Taoist gods.

There is a more modern take that is seen more fantasy novels where these 6 relams but that is far more used for the sake of fantasy where they are Gods (神界), Immortals (仙界), Spirits (妖界), Demon (魔界) Mortal (人界) and Ghosts 冥界(鬼界). Again this are more used for a fantasy setting in modern terms so this is a far more modern idea.

(heaven, mortal realm and diyu), like, the Demon realm and spirit realm are a thing in JTTW?

Demons and yao do not have their own realm. Demons are rather animals, plants, or other spirits that they to escape Hell (地獄道), The Hungry Ghosts or pretas (餓鬼道), or The Beasts (畜生道) and move on the human form. Or even celestials that abandon their posts and turn into demons as well. It is because they don't have their own realm that they are considered unnatural and going against the laws of nature.

[niuniente]

I didn't know you wanted to visit the US! Any specific place you want to see?

I want to travel as much as possible! Currently, I'm only able to visit places where my friend's live because I can't afford flying tickets + hotel expenses. But I keep my fingers crossed that future will be more abundant!

I've been invited to visit California near Los Angeles but as always, you need a car to go around there so I couldn't go. I don't have a driver's license.

I've also been invited to Boston but I haven't gone yet. I'd like to visit Salem while I'm there, the witch craze history nerd that I am. Boston is possible as the place of accommodation is in the city and I can use city's transport system.

My friend was in New York for a work trip and said that it was a very nice, friendly place. She's been traveling a lot and also lived abroad like in Spain, Japan and India, so I trust her experiences.

Otherwise, I have no wishes. USA is so gigantic that to see everything, I think I'd need to visit a big city AND a small place in all directions; north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-west, west and north-west.

[ingek73]

India archive reveals extent of ‘colonial loot’ in royal jewellery collection

File from India Office archive details how priceless items were extracted from colony as trophies of conquest

by David Pegg and Manisha Ganguly

Published: 14:00 Thursday, 06 April 2023

Five years ago, Buckingham Palace marked its summer opening with an exhibition celebrating the then Prince Charles’s 70th birthday with a display of his favourite pieces from the royal collection, Britain’s official trove of items connected to the monarchy. “The prince had a very, very strong hand in the selection,” the senior curator said.

Among the sculptures, paintings and other exhibits was a long gold girdle inlaid with 19 large emeralds once used by an Indian maharajah to decorate his horses. It was a curious choice to put into the exhibition in light of the violent means by which it had come into the hands of the royal family.

Emerald girdle of Maharaja Sher Singh, c 1840. Photograph: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023

As part of its Cost of the crown series, the Guardian has uncovered a remarkable 46-page file in the archives of the India Office, the government department that was responsible for Britain’s rule over the Indian subcontinent. It details an investigation, apparently commissioned by Queen Mary, the grandmother of Elizabeth II, into the imperial origins of her jewels.

The report, from 1912, explains how priceless pieces, including Charles’s emerald belt, were extracted from India as trophies of conquest and later given to Queen Victoria. The items described are now owned by the monarch as property of the British crown.

Plundered stones

To fully understand the context behind the jewels, and their place in India’s history, it was necessary to visit the archives.

A journal records a tour in 1837 of the Punjab area in north India by the society diarist Fanny Eden and her brother George, the governor general of the British Raj at the time. They visited Ranjit Singh, the maharajah in Lahore, who had signed a “treaty of friendship” with the British six years earlier.

The half-blind Singh wore few if any precious stones, Eden wrote in her journal, but his entourage was positively drowning in them. So plentiful were the maharajah’s gems that “he puts his very finest jewels on his horses, and the splendour of their harness and housings surpasses anything you can imagine,” she wrote. Eden later confided in her journal: “If ever we are allowed to plunder this kingdom, I shall go straight to their stables.”

Twelve years later, Singh’s youngest son and heir, Duleep, was forced to sign over the Punjab to the conquering forces of the British East India Company. As part of the conquest, the company did indeed plunder the horses’ emeralds, as well as Singh’s most precious stone, the legendary Koh-i-noor diamond.

The queen mother’s crown sits on top of the coffin during her funeral in 2002. Photograph: Dan Chung/The Guardian

Today, the Koh-i-noor sits in the crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, on display at the Tower of London, and it has become an emblem of Britain’s tortured relationship with its imperial history.

Anita Anand, a journalist and historian who co-wrote a book titled Koh-i-noor on the diamond, said it was “a beautiful and cold reminder of British supremacy during the Raj”, the period between 1858 and 1947 when India was ruled by the crown.

“Its facets reflect the fate of a boy king who was separated from his mother,” Anand said. The stone too was “taken far away from his home, recut and diminished”. Anand said: “That is not how India sees itself today.”

Buckingham Palace is plainly aware of the sensitivities surrounding looted artefacts. After the Indian government let it be known that for Camilla, the Queen Consort, to wear the Koh-i-noor at Charles’s coronation would elicit “painful memories of the colonial past”, the palace announced she would swap it for a less contentious diamond.

But, as was discovered by Queen Mary, the Koh-i-noor was not the only gem taken from Singh’s treasury to have found its way to the British monarchy.

Royal with a pearl necklace

Among the jewels identified in the document found by the Guardian is a “short necklace of four very large spinel rubies”, the largest of which is a 325.5-carat spinel that later came to be identified as the Timur ruby.

Its famous name is erroneous: research by the academic Susan Stronge in 1996 concluded it was probably never owned by Timur, a Mongol conquerer. And it is a spinel, a red stone similar to, but chemically distinct from, a ruby.

Elizabeth II was shown handling it in the 1969 BBC documentary Royal Family, and was clearly acquainted with the myths surrounding it. “The history, of course, is very fascinating. It belonged to so many kings of Persia and Mughal emperors, until Queen Victoria was sent it from India,” she observed.

The Timur ruby necklace, 1853. Photograph: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023

The queen was never pictured wearing the item. However, she may have worn another of the Lahore treasures, identified in the India Office report as “a pearl necklace consisting of 224 large pearls”.

In her 1987 study of royal jewellery, Leslie Field described “one of the Queen Mother’s most impressive two-row pearl necklaces … made from 222 pearls with a clasp of two magnificent rubies surrounded by diamonds that had originally belonged to the ruler of the Punjab” – almost certainly a reference to the same necklace.

The queen wearing pearls at the Royal Opera House in 2012. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

In 2012, Elizabeth II attended a gala festival at the Royal Opera House in London to celebrate her diamond jubilee. Photographs showed her wearing a multi-string pearl necklace with a ruby clasp.

Were these Ranjit Singh’s pearls? There was speculation they may have been, though Buckingham Palace was unable to confirm either way.

Queen Mary’s interest appears to have been prompted by curiosity about the origin of some of her pearls rather than any moral concern about the manner in which they were obtained. But a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said slavery and colonialism were matters that “his Majesty takes profoundly seriously”.

Shashi Tharoor, formerly an undersecretary at the United Nations, and currently an MP in India, said: “We have finally entered an era where colonial loot and pillage is being recognised for what it really was, rather than being dressed up as the incidental spoils of some noble ‘civilising mission’.

“As we are seeing increasingly, the return of stolen property is always a good thing. Generations to come will wonder why it took civilised nations so long to do the right thing.”

[paganimagevault]

A wandering philosopher, probably representing Apollonius of Tyana, 2nd C. CE. Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.

"Apollonius of Tyana (Ancient Greek: Ἀπολλώνιος; Arabic: بلينس; Sanskrit: अपालुन्यःc. 15 – c. 100 AD) was a first-century Greek philosopher and religious leader from the town of Tyana, Cappadocia in Roman Anatolia, who spent his life travelling and teaching in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. He is a central figure in Neopythagoreanism and was one of the most famous "miracle workers" of his day.

The Greek philosopher Apollonius of Tyana is related by Philostratus in Life of Apollonius Tyana to have visited India, and specifically the city of Taxila around 46 CE. He describes constructions of the Greek type, probably referring to Sirkap, and explains that the Indo-Parthian king of Taxila, named Phraotes, received a Greek education at the court of his father and spoke Greek fluently:

"Tell me, O King, how you acquired such a command of the Greek tongue, and whence you derived all your philosophical attainments in this place?"

[...]-"My father, after a Greek education, brought me to the sages at an age somewhat too early perhaps, for I was only twelve at the time, but they brought me up like their own son; for any that they admit knowing the Greek tongue they are especially fond of, because they consider that in virtue of the similarity of his disposition he already belongs to themselves."

-taken from Wikipedia

[hakugreenfinch]

Iggy the Stray Dog - ch2 (1/2)

Author: Otsuichi

Original concept: Araki Hirohiko

Originally published: JOJO Magazine 2022 Spring

*** This is a fan translation made purely for entertainment. Please do not repost/reuse/etc without my permission and credit! ***

Note: Since the next three chapters are very long and I don't want to keep you waiting forever, I decided to split them up into 2-3 parts. Thank you for your patience, I'm super excited to deliver the rest of this short novel!

Manhattan Island is located at the mouth of the Hudson river. It is four kilometers in width, twenty kilometers in length, a sandbank elongated in a north-south direction. Navigator Henry Hudson discovered it in 1609 and it is said that the Dutch East India Company purchased it from Native Americans for 24 dollars in 1626. Its name Manhattan translates to „the island of many hills” in their language.

The morning after my arrival, the air is still clouded by yellow. White steam rises from the gutters all over. I buy a toasted sandwich at a corner store to eat. Crispy bacon and fresh lettuce are held between fragnant bread.

I take the subway on my way to the city center to participate in the „stray dog hunt”. Passing ticket control and ascending the stairs, I find myself in a desolate place. It is a district with empty bear cans lying around and closed shutters of shops bearing graffiti. On one side stands a brick building, the ground floor offices of which belong to a company specializing in pest extermination.

Its name is Reliable Pest Control Services, or RPCS for short. In addition to pest control, they undertake everything from vermin extermination and cleaning up buildings to waste management. At this time, the Speedwagon Foundation has contacted the manager, requesting their help capturing Iggy in exchange for financial support.

As I state the purpose of my visit at the reception desk, a large, middle-aged Spaniard shows up. His stern face looks like it was carved from stone, and three vertical lines run down across his right eye – they seem to be claw marks.

„You’re Avdol, right? The chief told me about you. So you wanna catch that damn Boston Terrier?”

„My American friend has entrusted me with this request.”

„I’ll let you watch, just make sure you’re not bothering us!”

„All right. For now, I would like to study your work. I won’t intervene or disturb you, I’ll just watch from a distance.”

„Admirable attitude, Egyptian.”

The Spaniard leads me inside the office. It is like a labyrinth of miscellaneous packages piled up on top of each other with desks, blackboards, a billiard table, a darts board and empty liquor bottles in the gaps between them. On an old sofa set, four men are gathered, exhaling cigarette smoke and playing poker.

„These guys are my team,” introduces them the Spaniard. The men put down their cards, turning their gazes to me, as if to observe me.  They all have vulgar faces. One of them clicks his tongue, putting out the cigarette he’s been smoking on an ashtray. He is a large, white man resembling a rugby player.

„So you’re the Foundation’s buddy? The chief told us if we keep an eye out for you the Speedwagon Foundation would pay us a nice sum. But y’know, this is a lot of extra work for us.”

„I will not bother you. All I wish is to stand by and watch your work from a distance, to see how the dog could be captured. I don’t believe that would increase your work at all.”

„You coming with us means you’ll be taking up a seat in the car. We’ll have to take less equipment like that!”

They are going to drive to Manhattan Island in two cars, one of them a van equipped with dog cages. The space in the vehicles is crammed with all sorts of nets and traps, tranquilizer guns and such. It appears that with my participation, they can load a lot less into the cars. The Spaniard tries to calm down the man.

„Hey, don’t say that. It’s not like animal traps are any good against that Boston Terrier, we’d be bringing them for nothing.” He pulled me away from the men. „They’re just pissed because that shitty dog got the best of them.”

„What do you mean by animal traps?”

„Cages you can’t leave once you’re caught in them, like bear traps. You know bear traps, right? Like the Gustave Courbet painting, „Fox caught in a trap”? The iron trap that the fox’s leg is stuck in. But no such trap can catch that Boston Terrier, they were useless even with his favourite coffee chewing gum inside. I don’t know how but he just ran away with the chewing gum, without triggering the trap.”

A map hangs on the wall, the places where Iggy have been spotted marked on it. He has been seen all over Manhattan. Wall Street, Times Square, he even seems to be frequenting the ferry to Liberty Island with the Statue of Liberty.

„I made some posters with his image and put them up all over Manhattan. I wrote on it that we’ll reward anyone that has any news, so we got some information from the citizens.”

He shows me an actual poster. Drawn on it is a foolish image of a Boston Terrier, drool dripping from his mouth.

„The claw marks on your face, was that also him?”

„A while ago we tried strike him down when he was taking a nap. We got a report and when we rushed there, he was basking in the sun, snoring like hell. I decided to shoot him with a tranquilizer gun from a distance. As I pointed the gun at him and aimed, he woke up but didn’t try to run away. He saw us and yawned without a care in the world. I pulled the trigger and a tranquilizer dart shot out. My aim was sure, no doubt about it.”

However, the dart didn’t hit its target. It flipped midair in front of the Boston Terrier, just as if it was being blocked by something invisible.

„I dunno why. Maybe it was a faulty dart, it changed its direction in the middle of its track. We had to try and catch him with a net, but that damn dog jumped up and scratched my face. He tore out some of my hair and farted once before escaping us. It’s a mystery what he ate that made him fart like that but it was putrid.”

I’m thinking about the invisible thing that was said to have deflected the tranquilizer dart. There was no way the dart was faulty. They couldn’t see it. Something invisible was present before Iggy and it protected him. I have a pretty good idea what that mysterious something could have been.

A bell’s sound echoes in the RPCS office. The staff member from the reception desk at the front entrance calls out to us. The men playing poker stand, leaving the room running.

„Where are you going?”

„The locker room. We’re changing into work clothes and leaving. Tha bell only rings when we get news of someone seeing that damn Boston Terrier. If we don’t hurry, he’ll get away!”

In a matter of minutes, they all finish changing into grey work clothes, getting inside both cars in the garage. I myself accompany them, getting inside the van carrying the cages. The van is driven by a slim, young Black man. The Spaniard sits in the passenger’s seat and I take my place behind them.

„The phone call came from someone living near the Harlem River, they saw that shitty Boston Terrier stealing chewing gum” says the Spaniard, folding out a map to check the route. The two cars take off, rushing towards the area facing Harlem River.

Inside the hurling car, I am debating whether I should tell the man with the strict face sitting before me that the Boston Terrier actually has a name. In the end, I decide not to do so. They wouldn’t care too much for what the dog’s name is anyway.

***

The north-eastern parts of Manhattan are mostly inhabited by immigrants. Most of the people passing us by are Puerto Rican or Mexican, the majority of the conversations I overhear are in Spanish. Many brown mansions stand by the riverside. The city of New York built these for low income citizens and they refer to them as a „project”. There are nearly 2900 of these „projects” in New York City, with roughly 420,000 people inhabiting them. Some apartments are used for drug trafficking, they are a hotbed for crime.

The stray dog hunting team gets out of the vehicles parking on the roadside and sets out looking around the neighborhood. I decide to stick with the Spaniard. First of all, he wants to meet and talk to the person reporting the dog.

The Spaniard approaches a young man of Latin American descent standing by a payphone on a street corner. He smells like marijuana.

„You’re the guys looking for the Boston Terrier, right?”

„Yeah. Can you tell us what you saw?”

„It was just now, like thirty minutes ago. A weird dog came out of that supermarket over there, it was eating something. The store clerk ran after it but it got away. It was black and white. I thought it was a French Bulldog but it had a slim body so I figured it was a Boston Terrier. I called the number from a poster when I saw that.”

The young man rubs his index finger and thumb together in a gesture of requesting his reward. The Spaniard hands him a couple of bank notes but he doesn’t seem impressed.

„Hey, this isn’t even enough for a beer!”

„If you have more info, I’ll give you more.”

The Spaniard sends the young man away and sets off in the direction of said supermarket. It is a small store standing in a dirty, graffiti-covered alleyway.      I call it a supermarket but it is nothing more than a private business, with colourful vegetables on its racks that look fresh and delicious. The store clerk, a fat Black woman, is standing there with a troubled look on her face. The Spaniard calls out to her.

„We heard a Boston Terrier stole some of your merchandise, is that true?”

„Yeah, just look at this!” she beckons. The Spaniard’s work clothes have the logo of his company embroidered, she must know he’s an expert of vermin extermination. Right as we step inside the supermarket we find a candy shelf. The goods have been stolen from it and the empty shelf is sticky with a clear liquid dripping off of it. „It’s just like ’Alien’, isn’t it? The movie. Have you seen it? The monster was drooling just like this.”

The store clerk furrows her brows. The Spaniard takes out a ballpoint pen from his chest pocket, picking up some of the liquid with its end and examining its viscosity and smell.

„It’s drool. Those shelves had coffee flavour chewing gum on them, am I right?”

„Exactly! A small black and white dog devoured it right here. I tried to catch it but it picked up the entire box and ran off. I reported it to the police as well, just in case, but I’m surprised to see that you guys showed up! Then again, there’s so much crime on these streets, the police must be very busy.”

Leaving the store, the Spaniard gets in touch with his men. Each of them carries a transceiver, making it possible to exchange information between each other so long as they are within a couple kilometers radius.

I decide to investigate our surroundings as well. I move through dirty alleyways scattered with trash, looking for a Boston Terrier.

The wind carries the stench of alcohol and urine. It is probably drunks standing in the alleys and taking a piss. A row of cars stand parking on the roadside. It is a lonely street with no people or cars passing by.

Someone from our team is questioning a vagrant, holding the handle of a large net. It is the white man that complained to me in the office and reminded me of a rugby player. It seems like his work clothes were about to burst with his muscles.

„Didn’t you see a dog around here? A small, black and white one. It has a short snout and it farts a lot.”

The vagrant our rugby player is looking down to is an elderly man, leaning back onto a building’s wall as he’s sitting on the ground. He put down a piece of cardboard to make his sitting place more comfortable. His mouth seems to be mumbling something in response to the rugby player’s question, however he can’t form his words properly, having lost all his teeth.

„There... right there...” The vagrant’s words come in fragments. He points a finger at the wall right across the street. I turn to the rugby player.

„I believe this old man is pointing us to around there.”

The rugby player glances at me, turning his gaze to where the vagrant is pointing.

„There’s nothin’ there. Nothin’ strange. Not a Boston Terrier, not a place where a small dog could hide.”

„But this old man is trying to bring our attention to something.”

On the other side of the line of parking cars is nothing but old brick buildings, lined up without so much as a crevice between them. The vagrant is pointing at one of those walls.

The rugby player shakes his head.

„That’s just a wall. We asked the wrong guy. Maybe he’s hallucinating!”

The vagrant, however, keeps on murmuring.

„...weird... how...? It’s gone... I don’t...”

I decide to walk across to the other side of the road.

„Hey, Egyptian! Don’t just do whatever you like! Come back here!” I hear the rugby player’s voice but I ignore him.

I approach the wall the vagrant is pointing to, and trailed a finger along it. Its surface is just slightly damp, but also coarse. It is probably the speckles of sand dancing in the wind that stick to it.

„Hey! Egyptian!”

An odd sense of discomfort comes over me. My finger tracing the wall gets caught in the corner of a brick, which then quickly crumbles. As I try to apply some force, my hand sinks into the brick wall.

„H-hey... what’s that?!”

What we thought to be a brick wall crumbles into sand. It collects into large heaps under my feet and a small alleyway appears on its other side. It looks like there isn’t a crevice between the buildings but in reality, they aren’t stuck together at all. It simply appeared so because the sand’s fine imitation made it look like they were lined up continuously. The vagrant likely found it odd that the alleyway that was supposed to be there disappeared, and tried to bring it to our attention.

Sand speckles dance around me from the collapse. When my vision clears, I realize something is hiding in the dim depths of the alleyway. It is small, small enough for me told hold in my hands.

He is chewing on something very, very loudly. He must have been hiding himself right here all along, creating a fake wall with sand.

„Is that you, Iggy?”

The moment I call his name, the chewing noises stop.

A pair of eyes appears in the dim light. I see the whites of them clearly. Apparently he still remembers his name being ’Iggy’. His self-awareness has him reacting to me calling his name.

Someone grabs my shoulder from behind with great force. It is the rugby player.

„Hey, hey, hey! There he is! I thought it was sand dancing, but there’s a street there now?  Looks like a dead end, so I guess he’s got no choice but to come over here, huh?” He fixes the net in his hands and takes off in the alley’s direction.

„Hey, wait!”

In response to the rugby player approaching him, he gets up on his four legs in the dark. His form is that of a small dog’s, but something is manifesting behind him.

The speckles of sand in the alley rise up, defying gravity, gathering in one place, taking shape seemingly too big to even fit the narrow alleyway behind the dog.

However, the rugby player doesn’t see it. It is a projection of life energy that regular people are unable to detect. Before his eyes, there is nothing but a single small dog.

He charges towards Iggy with his net. The giant behind Iggy moves, picking him up and jumping, scattering sand as it tramples the rugby player. The moment he hits the ground, it rushes out of the narrow alley. Its large body leaps over the line of parking cars with ease.

As it appears in a vast and well-lit place, I can take a good look at it in its entirety. The giant holding Iggy has the appearance of a dog with wheels. Its two front legs are dog-like, but its hind legs are missing, sporting car wheels in their place. On its head it wears feathers resembling Native American ornaments. It is a form blending machinery and organic life, scattering speckles of sand from its entire body.

A Stand. That is what I and my American friend referred as to such entities. Something standing by one’s side like a guardian. This must be the reason behind the odd sand related episodes happening around Iggy.

Stands do not possess a physical body. It is more like Iggy’s guardian. Some would call it a visualization of his psychic powers, others might even claim it as an evil spirit.

Iggy exchanges a glance with me, carried by his own Stand, then turns away as if he’s lost interest in me already. His Stand that leapt over cars so easily rotates its wheels, dashing away on the streets.

The rugby player stands up from where he fell on the ground and calls for assistance with his transceiver.

„He-he’s here! The Boston Terrier! Come right away!” He tries to chase after Iggy instantly, but he fails. The huge mass of sand that until just now has been forming a wall is now covering the ground. Before I could have noticed, it all centered on me. The sand swallows me up to the knee and firmly hardens. Without a doubt this is Iggy’s doing. Pulling as hard as I can, I free my legs but he has already disappeared behind a corner.

„Shit... don’t let him get away!”

The rugby player runs off, and I follow him.

[innervoiceartblog]

Laps, Sailboats, SurfBoards, and Tides

My ancestors made the perilous journey across the Arabian Sea from Persia to India nearly 1300 years ago. Something of their peregrine spirit must live in me, because I’ve moved so many times during my life.

First, from India to North America, when I was just 21 years old.

The shadow of that first leave-taking is imprinted in my body. These past few weeks, I’ve dreamed repeatedly of my childhood home. And woken confused by the chitter-chrreee of eagles instead of the caw-caw-caww of crows.

The spirit of transformation is my guiding star.

This means that I choose life at the tideline. Right there, on the shifting shore. Welcoming the incoming waves. Knowing I’ll soon wave goodbye to the outgoing ones.

A rhythm as constant as my breath.

There’s a reassuring constancy to the rhythms of change. And an art to living improvisationally, responding to the tides without being swept away.

Surfers know this in their bodies.

For me, transformation happens most effortlessly, with the least amount of resistance, when I give myself safety, stability and support.

This is not the safety of a battleship or an aircraft carrier. It’s the safety of a sail boat. Or a surfboard. Something small and light and responsive enough to ride the waves without capsizing. Something as fragile as the coracles in which my ancestors sailed east, to India and freedom.

My sail boat is made of sturdy, durable materials. Daily rituals and routines that nourish me, that are simple, quiet; attuned to the currents of divine order.

Opening my heart each morning to the spirit of my home. Welcoming the Deva of grace. Expressing my gratitude to the Devas of those qualities that add buoyancy to my life, that renew and green the life of our world.

Honouring and listening closely to my feelings, witnessing their ebb and flow.

Eating consciously, joyously, gratefully. Going to bed early.

Choosing spaciousness in my daily life. Choosing presence and nourishment. Choosing connection, soul, heart.

Choosing what I truly love.

These practices are a boat when I’m at sea. And when I return to shore, they form a lap.

A lap formed by the simple act of sitting cross-legged on the sand.

A lap that is an invitation to be held for a while, in safety and comfort. A lap doesn’t impose or insist — it’s just there, an available and loving support.

The cat or child who visits a lap curls up in it easily, with no thought of “should” or “ought”. The familiar warmth of the lap offers comfort, a place where we’re loved, accepted, restored to our selves.

It is, by its very nature, a temporary resting place, not a permanent dwelling.

When the refuge of the lap has worked its magic, the cat stalks off to chase seagulls across the beach; the child runs out to play in the shallows.

The lap reminds us that we are held; we are loved; we are safe. Visiting a lap restores us to the essential friendliness of our world.

So I’ve been contemplating laps. And turbulent tides. And how I can — simply by sitting, with conscious intent — make a lap. Right here on the shore of the restless sea.

A lap for each of you to visit for a while. To restore yourself to your Self, whenever you choose.

How about you? What are some of the ways you make a lap for others? What are the laps that shelter you?

- Hiro Boga

[from my archives]

#DevaAlchemy

[kajaawa2]

Meghalaya Tourism: An Ideal Travel Guide

Meghalaya, meaning "the abode of clouds", is a paradise for nature lovers. This hill station in Northeast India has captivated travelers worldwide with its truly magnificent and enchanting skies. Nestled in the Himalayas, Meghalaya shares its borders with Bangladesh to the east and south and Assam to the north.

Unforgettable Experiences Await

Meghalaya boasts a plethora of tourist attractions, from towering hills and valleys to countless lakes, cascading waterfalls, pitch-black caves, and sacred forests. Panoramic views, misty hills, terraced slopes, flowing waterfalls, and serpentine rivers are sure to enthrall your soul.

Meghalaya will awaken all your senses. From cultural highlights to heart-pounding adventures, numerous unforgettable encounters await the curious traveler.

Cultural Tapestry

Meghalaya's cultural tapestry is woven with numerous threads. The vibrant traditional festivals are a fantastic way to experience the uniqueness of the state's indigenous population. Soak in the customs of the locals and the breathtaking views while learning about the message each festival conveys. Explore some of the state's local history while sampling the various cuisines it has to offer. Get lost in the area's markets and take advantage of the burgeoning nightlife scene. Meghalaya is renowned for its contemporary cultural celebrations that honor local and international artistic talent. Expect a showcase of music, art, intriguing cultural customs, and more.

Top Tourist Destinations

Popular tourist spots in Meghalaya include Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Cherrapunjee, Nongpoh, and Baghmara. There are numerous tourist attractions in Meghalaya that are worth a visit, including:

Shillong (Scotland of the East): Explore Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Ward's Lake, Don Bosco Museum, and Umiam Lake.

Cherrapunjee (One of the wettest places on Earth): Witness the awe-inspiring Dain-Thlen, Kynrem, Nohkalikai waterfalls, and the marvel of engineering - Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Explore Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sister Falls, and Wei Sawdong Falls.

Mawsynram (Another contender for the wettest place on Earth): Visit the famed Jakrem Hot Spring and the Mawjymbuin Cave.

Mawlynnong (Asia's Cleanest Village): Experience serenity amidst spotless surroundings and explore the Living Root Bridge and Balancing Rock.

Dawki (Crystal-clear Dawki River): Enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and camping by the river in Shnongpdeng Village. Take in the scenic beauty of the Dawki River and the Indo-Bangladesh Border.

Best Time to Visit:

March to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities.

July to September: Perfect for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of the rainy season.

October to November: Witness the vibrant cherry blossoms in autumn.

December to February: Ideal for hiking excursions and exploring nearby locations.

How to Reach Meghalaya:

By Train: The nearest train station is Guwahati (Assam), 180 kilometers away. Taxis or buses can take you to Meghalaya from Guwahati.

By Air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (Assam) is the nearest major airport. Taxis can take you to Meghalaya from the airport.

By Road: Major cities are well-connected to Meghalaya by roadways.

Travel Tips:

Research local permits required for specific activities.

Book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.

Pack essentials like rain gear and comfortable shoes.

Plan your itinerary based on your interests and time constraints.

Budget for your trip, including transportation, accommodation, food, and activities.

Sample the local cuisine - a delightful way to experience the culture.

Respect local customs and traditions.

Rainfall in Meghalaya:

Meghalaya receives an average annual rainfall of 1,150 millimeters. The state lives up to its name, with the sky rarely remaining cloud-free.

Weather in Meghalaya:

Meghalaya boasts pleasant weather year-round with an average temperature of 24°C. The monsoon season brings ample rainfall, enhancing the beauty of the natural landscape. Winters are dry with moderate temperatures.

Ready to Explore?

Meghalaya, with its stunning beauty, rich culture, and diverse experiences, is a destination that will leave you mesmerized. Let Kajaawa Tours & Cabs craft your dream Meghalaya adventure and help you discover the hidden gems of this incredible state!

[scotianostra]

The Scottish physician and inventor Neil Arnott was born on May 15th 1788.

Arnott, was born in the north-east Scottish town of Arbroath, he would become a very highly-regarded physician and show an inventiveness unusual for his era.

Having graduated with distinction at the University of Aberdeen’s famed Marischal College, Arnott then studied in London and at just 18 became full surgeon to an East Indiaman.

He made two visits to China as surgeon for the British East India Company and then settled in London where his reputation would grow and grow.

Arnott, in fact, looked after the French and Spanish embassies, and you wonder where he found the time to come up with his incredible inventions he became known for too.

It was in 1833 that he gave us the first form of waterbed. Dr Arnott’s Hydrostatic Bed, as it was known, had been created to help invalids avoid bedsores.

A bath of water covered with rubber-impregnated canvas, and a lighter bedding on top, it worked a treat. The modest Arnott, however, didn’t choose to patent the idea.

He wanted to let everyone else adapt it for their own uses, not the sort of generosity you would always expect in our day.

Waterbeds were soon being mentioned in all sorts of places.

North And South, Elizabeth Gaskell’s great novel of 1855, mentioned Mrs Hale using a waterbed to improve her health.

HG Wells’ The Sleeper Awakes saw the protagonist, Graham, put on a waterbed in a glass case during his 103-year coma. Nice and comfy, for that length of sleep.

Mark Twain even mentioned a waterbed in a New York Times article, describing how “In the infirmary will be kept one or two waterbeds for invalids whose pains will not allow them to be on a less yielding substance.”

With the patent option not taken up by Arnott, various people would attempt to make their own kind of waterbeds.

Such as science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein, who described waterbeds that were used for therapeutic purposes in several novels including the classic Stranger In A Strange Land.

It came out in 1961, just seven years before the first widely-available modern waterbeds, which were made by Charles Prior Hall.

Hall was granted a patent, having come up with his design while still at university in San Francisco. He first called his invention “Liquid support for human bodies.”

It reached an amazing peak in 1987, when 22 per cent of America’s domestic mattresses sold were waterbed ones.

In the Seventies, waterbeds had a reputation as being popular with passionate couples, and the whole image of them was a bit saucy.

It hadn’t changed, according to Hall, by ’87, when he admitted customers “Bought it for the sensual part of it.”

That side of it, of course, featured heavily in advertising campaigns, and you do wonder what Mr Arnott from the 1800s would have made of all this sordid stuff!

He would be glad, though, to know that the waterbed is still prized for helping those with back pains and other ailments and still helps avoid dreadful bedsores.

And for that, 185 years of great undisturbed, dreamy floating sleeps later, we should all be very grateful.