Living in Hills: The missing perspective

As a kid, I was always enamoured of mountains, and why wouldn't I be! The cold, the winds, and the landscape are beautiful. The clean weather also comes as a respite to someone who has lived in North India. The myths surrounding the Himalayas further add to the charm.

But then I got the chance to live in the hills, in Mussoorie no less. That did change my perspective a little. 

The way I calculate distance has changed forever. The length and breadth seem insufficient now without height. Whether the terrain is upwards sloping or downwards has an important effect on where I'll get my food from, when I'll wake up and which friend I'll hang out with. Over my stay at the LBSNAA, I have realized I would rather walk on the footpath along the road Salman Khan is driving than go from the Sports Complex to the Gyanshila mess.

I am also fascinated by the houses in no men's zone as if showing a middle finger to human civilization. They have enough privacy to listen to Justin Bieber's songs without being judged. What happens in these homes actually stays inside them. They can also enjoy the view without any human creation coming their way. However, I am not sure if the marginal utility of that view is the same on the 1000th day as on the 1st. 

These houses aside, the town receives way too many tourists. The population density at the Mall road beats that at Hauz Khas on Friday night. The traffic can get worse than Mumbai Indians' performance at IPL this year. The quiet spots are few and out of the town. Naturally, those who come early want the number of tourists to be restricted, just like the early immigrants to the USA. 

However, the craze for Mussoorie is unwarranted, in my opinion. There are probably 4 good places to visit; 5 if you are generous. They are almost the same - trek to the location or take a bike/cab if you are lazy like everyone else, enjoy the sunset, eat something at a cafe nearby and come back. Landour is one such destination. Boasting of trees, concrete and visible hills, which apparently aren't something commonly found in Mussoorie, it also has a bakery where you can enjoy overpriced, tasteless items. 

I understand some tourists come for the snowfall. I also understand they don't come for what happens once the snow has melted. The concoction of melted snow, dust, and shoe prints on it is a sight to behold. It also has an educative value, reminding one of the fragilities of physical beauty. It shall all consume into the earth one day. 

Petty crimes are low in number. People being well off, in general, is one reason. But the primary factor is the terrain. You don't want to snatch a chain and then run upwards; it's tiring, and soon you'd just roll down back. And if your exit is down-slope, you will tumble, losing control of yourself. 

All said and done, living in the hills is unique. The forests, peaks, and weather are too good not to be enjoyed. The cold winters, cool summers and snowfall isn't something you experience everyday. The people are the most considerate bunch and they don't shy away from helping you if you ever get stranded. 

It's an experience one is bound to carry for a lifetime. It's tough but worth it. The best view, after all, comes after the hardest climb.