Dawki - The cleanest river

Day 11

I woke up at 5:30 am. It was too cold to workout and the grass outside was wet. There was no power and I couldn’t charge my phone. I had let the uploads go on all night and the phone was really low on charge. I couldn’t take a shower and I sat waiting on the power to come back. I could hear so many whistles all around! Finally, got a bucket of hot water, got ready and left to Dawki with my almost dead phone.

BaLung was telling me stories of his young and intelligent wife. He hopes to help her get back to studies soon. We took a wrong route and ended up at a bridge and obviously took some pictures.

The road to Dawki was long and full of traffic. So many trucks and so much dust! We stopped at the Dawki boating point and I went on a boat ride. The water is just stunning! Exactly like it’s shown on social media! Clear blue green water with beautiful rocks around.   My heart was full!

I saw a woman busily making reels while her husband and toddler patiently waited at the shore. I got a mini photoshoot done and then we rowed near the Bangladesh border. It was a mad racket there!

When I was done, my phone was dead and I couldn’t reach Balung. I went up and stood near the car but couldn’t find him. I was looking at the tourists around me and wondering who I could ask help. Three boys offered to let me in their car to charge my phone. Their intentions might have been good but I wasn’t going to take a chance. There was another old couple around and the man offered me their power bank. His surly wife told me that they had to leave soon even before I plugged my phone in. It was a really hot day and I felt guilty making them stand there. Fortunately, within a few minutes Balung was walking upto me. I thanked the couple and we were on our way to Shnongpedeng where I was staying at a riverside camp.

We got there soon and I had to walk across another shaky bridge. The camp was lovely but I was worried about the bathroom scene. Massar, the manager offered to give a whole section to myself so I won’t have to share a bathroom. I somehow felt uncomfortable being alone and cut off from anyone else around.

The tents next to me were going to host a few couples from Hyderabad and I was fine with that. Massar too shared his opinion on North India vs South India and it was the same as the others till now. I sat eating Maggi and charging my phone. I read loads and sat bundled in my blankets again. I was told this place was hot. While it was warmer than the other regions till now, but was still cold.

There were loads of other activities to do, like Kayaking, cliff jumping and boating upto the mouth of the river. I was alone and didn't feel upto it. Mainly because I am scared of water! But, I was definitely going to add these activities in my retreat.

I chitchatted with one of the couples from Hyderabad and gave some advice as a dog parent. They were struggling with a pup and their work schedule. While they settled with their bonfire, I had a lavish meal of 4 types of veggies, rice and dal! The bathrooms were super clean and made my day! I discussed the retreat plan with Massar who seemed very positive about it. Then I snuggled in my tent and watched horror shows. Loving it!

Day 12

Woke up fresh in the morning, hearing the river flow by. Another guest, called Joy struck up a conversation with me. We spoke of favourite things – travel and food! Had a breakfast of maggi and omelettes and was on my way back to Shillong. Ashley recommended going to Open up café. I waited for almost an hour for an Uber moto and then finally gave up and walked to the taxi stand and took one to Shillong café. I ate a smoked pork bastega which is made of fermented bamboo shoot. The staff weren’t sure if I would like it, but I loved it! I spent close to four hours sitting there and reading. I ordered a tea later and sat till it was dark.

I thought I will go into the evening club but they were shut for a private party! My luck was just so bad with this. At the rock music capital of the country and unable to go to any bars! The manager at The Evening club recommended another bar, called the Glass onion. I set on the map and it showed 5 minutes away. Walking towards it, I suddenly found myself in some not so very comfortable surroundings. The map was asking me to enter a random dingy house! I gave up and went looking for a restaurant to eat something. And hello to another sidey place! I ordered a paratha, ate and took a cab home. My first horrible experience of this trip was coming at me. My first and only.

I already had a lot of argument with the driver regarding the fare. Finally, I showed him the location and he claimed he knew the place. But in the end, he took me to some random location and then started throwing a fit. I had to keep my calm and get him to drop me at my stay. So, I pushed him to do that and when we got there, as expected he started asking for more money. I refused outright and walked away. I should have noticed the red flag when I realised he was not a local. The paan eating mode is of someone from Assam. Well, lesson learnt.

Day 13

Time to head back home. A contrast from last night was a cab driver who was the sweetest. He was also from Assam so shame on me for thinking the way I did last night. He made sure he took me to the right spot, spoke to share sumo guys and got me into one.

In the flight, on my way home, I wasn’t thinking about the most beautiful locations I saw, but the most kindest and beautiful people I met.