The Israeli Backpackers

Usually foreign tourists would first land in Delhi and then go to the typical famous touristy places in Himachal like Dharamshala, Manali, Kasol, Spiti valley, Bir billing, Dalhousie etc. Salli was situated deep into the forest around 50 km away from Dharamshala. Indian tourist would be often seen trekking in the high mountains of the Salli valley. But the place wasn't explored by the foreigners yet whom we were ready and excited to get introduced. Himachal mainly had an influx of Israeli backpackers as that was a second home for Israelis like Goa was for Russians. In the famous tourist places, one would find restaurant names, menu cards, shop names in Hebrew, the language of Israelis. Those places would look like mini Israel.

There was a big difference between a tourist and a backpacker. A tourist would be seen with big suitcases, staying in expensive hotels, dining out and visiting typical touristy places with a rented private car. One the other hand backpackers would be carrying a backpack, staying in hostels, sharing dorms, cooking their own food, travelling through local transport or just prefer to walk. The main difference was in the attitude. Backpackers were like free spirits, flexible in their plans, just flowing with the wind and enjoying life to its core without any checklist in their mind. They preferred living in raw and real life. Just by looking at them, one could figure out if they are backpackers or tourists. Their hippie clothes, tattoos, jewelleries, headscarves and a small pouch carrying THE STUFF would make them apart. Most of the backpackers would be in their 20s. These young high spirited Israelis were a very unique breed.

Just after finishing 3 years of military service those young ones would fly out of Israel to travel the world for 1 year. Military service was compulsory for every citizen of Israel after the age of 18. Brilliant law to ingrain discipline in the citizens before they take up their professions. No wonder Israelis were the toughest people. The whole world knew how they would fight to protect their land and dignity. I could only imagine the stress those people had suffered witnessing endless war with the neighbours. That one-year travel vacation was a must for every citizen to come out of that stress and be in nature & relax. They were friendly people who would talk about love and peace. I guess only the one who has seen war can be worthy of understanding love & peace. You need contrast in life to appreciate the other side.

Madhu was born and brought up among the Israelis right from her very young age. Her father's guesthouse and the restaurant were in Dharamkot, a place near Mcleodganj, Dharamshala. She was active in her fathers business since she was a small kid. Showing rooms to the Israelis, arranging them, taking payments, cooking & serving at the restaurant, teaching yoga and making lots of Israeli friends. She was a people person. An inborn high energetic extroverted Madhu had gotten the right atmosphere to grow her warm and outgoing nature. As she was surrounded by free-spirited hippies from her young age, one could see their strong influence on her. She was nothing like a typical conservative tribal woman from her community. Her talks would be blunt and in the face without giving a damn about others judgements. She had no filters while talking her heart out. To me, she seemed more Israeli than Indian. So I had no question of inviting any fights from her. Madhu was a class apart.

The Israelis Already Had Made Their Way Into My Life.