Why this blog is called "Gallimaufry".

gal-uh-MAW-free\, noun.

Originally meaning "a hash of various kinds of meats," "gallimaufry" comes from French galimafrée; in Old French, from the word galer, "to rejoice, to make merry"; in old English: gala + mafrer: "to eat much," and from Medieval Dutch maffelen: "to open one's mouth wide."

It's also a dish made by hashing up odds and ends of food; a heterogeneous mixture; a hodge-podge; a ragout; a confused jumble; a ridiculous medley; a promiscuous (!) assemblage of persons.

Those of you who know me, will, I’m sure, understand how well some of these phrases (barring the "promiscuous" bit!) fit me.

More importantly, this blog is an ode to my love for Shimla. I hope to show you this little town through my eyes. If you don't see too many people in it, forgive me, because I'm a little chary of turning this into a human zoo.

Stop by for a spell, look at my pictures, ask me questions about Shimla, if you wish. I shall try and answer them as best as I can. Let's be friends for a while....

10 February 2008

Chandrataal

Magical, mystical Chandrataal. Enchanting. Breath-taking. Giver of epiphanies. Depriver of adjectives. You-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it Chandrataal.




At Lossar, through Kunzum La, I crossed over from Spiti to Lahaul. The destination was Chandrataal. The walk is not long, but is alluring in terms of sights & the crispness of the Himalayan air refreshes not just the lungs, but also the soul. It is not possible to have walked on this route and not have run out of adjectives!!


Given its supply of crystal-clear, sweet water & lush grass, this area is rather a favourite with shepherds. Seen below, some interesting strcutres by the lake-side. Wonder what these were....


Legend has it that fairies can be seen dancing on the surface of the lake on full moon nights. But alas, a freezing midnight vigil did not yield any success!

Moniker:

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