Lost in Translation
If you ever find yourself in need of entertainment in Shillong, forget Netflix or Prime, just eavesdrop on a conversation between a tourist and a half-Hindi-speaking taxi driver. The sheer determination on both sides to make sense of each other is nothing short of a live comedy show, but also wholesome at the same time. A recent episode of this unscripted sitcom unfolded during the Ed Sheeran concert, where a lost tourist attempted to get directions to his hotel. The taxi driver, armed with a mix of Hindi, English, and pure guesswork, was determined to help. Miraculously, they figured it out, but the real show was the bystanders trying to keep a straight face. Google Maps would fail when one has patience, hand gestures, and a crowd enjoying the chaos.
Shillong’s Two-Season Days
By now, Shillong’s residents are well-versed in the city’s daily weather drama. Mornings feel like pleasant summers in Goa, where you regret wearing anything remotely warm. But wait till the sun sets, and one is transported through an open portal to the Arctic.
The real challenge isn’t the temperature drop, though; it’s dressing for both climates in a single day. Too many layers in the morning and you’re sweating; too few in the evening and you’re braving winds that seem personally offended by your choice of clothing. Either way, Shillong’s weather keeps you on your toes, sometimes literally, as you shiver your way home.
