Wow, more than 18,000 dead and 40,000 wounded yesterday in Pakistan's earthquake! The effects were felt here in India as well in the in the regions bordering Pakistan including Jammu & Kashmir where more than 300 were killed. A few days before the quake I gave myself the choice of traveling back to Manali and on to Bombay, or exploring further the regions of Jammu & Kashmir where the effects of this earthquake would cause further trouble. Fortunately, I made the choice to travel to Manali (south and away from Pakistan). Instead of waking up to buildings falling down I was rattled by ghosts shaking my bed and windows.

In a few days I hope to have up on this page an account of my travels through these northern reaches including bike rides and evil bus organizers.