From Dusty Roads to Deep Valley Calm

Daily miles: 24.1 miles | Total miles: 10,765.08

I got up at 6am and slept well, which felt like a gift. My body was very tired, but rested. Coffee, packing, and then waiting for the owner to help me carry the buggy down the stairs. He said he’d be there at 7am—and he was. Simple reliability, and I appreciated that more than he probably knows.

Before leaving, I checked the location of the place I thought I might stay tonight and realized it wasn’t on the highway. After yesterday’s many failed attempts at finding a room, I decided to be proactive. I called a place that was fully booked anyway, just to ask if they might know another option. Aravind answered and said he’d message me on WhatsApp. That was enough to get me moving.

I started running and stopped at a stand for water. The first conversations of the day began, as they so often do here:

Where are you from?

Where are you going?

Why do you run?

After about an hour, I stopped at another stand where two women were standing. I joined them without thinking twice. From the very first moment, we had a great conversation—despite speaking different languages. It didn’t matter at all. I ordered a coffee, we laughed a lot, and the whole exchange reminded me of kitchen conversations with my sisters, the ones I love the most. Before I left, we took a few photos. A beautiful start to the day.

Not far down the road, I met a group of badminton coaches. Every time I hear the word badminton, I realize how badly I want to play again. Just a few meters later, another man stopped his car and asked for a picture.

Today had some serious climbing. The heat was on, and the ascent was steep at times—over gravel, through mud, and across uneven rocks. I ran and walked, fully focused on not rolling an ankle. The traffic was intense and sometimes chaotic, but everything worked out.

Along the way, I met a coffee grower who gave me some of his own freshly brewed coffee, still hot, for the road. A couple on a motorbike stopped and handed me two sweets. I was smiling the whole time—deep gratitude, deep contentment, just enjoying the beauty around me.

In one bend, two boys were changing a wheel, and I chatted briefly with their mothers. We all enjoyed the short exchange. Later, I bought water at another stand, and I couldn’t help but admire the women in their colorful dresses—so vibrant, so alive.

Just around the next bend, two men were waiting for me, clearly impressed by the run. One more mile, and then I turned left into a deep valley where Tashi Farms is located. The atmosphere changed instantly—serene, peaceful, tranquil. A place to breathe, to dream, to simply be.

Manju welcomed me warmly, showed me my room, and introduced me to the place. I then met Aravind, and we talked for a bit. Manju later took me down to the river—oh, so beautiful. I showered, prepared my laundry, and was told I could wash and dry it. What a luxury.

In the afternoon, I joined other guests for a short walk to the waterfalls on the property. Another gift. Later, I had some quiet time to myself, and at 8:30pm dinner was served. I felt completely spoiled.

Aravind, Manju, and the whole team make staying here incredibly comfortable and welcoming. Thank you, Tashi Farms—it’s truly wonderful to be here.

Thanks for checking in.

See you tomorrow. Andrea