A day in the life in Southern Africa

[BLD]

The Indians might be finding Zambia a hard nut to crack? Tbf the only good thing about bajaj tuk tuks in India was the driver usually sold you a Tollah Of hash along the way

[taxexile]

Tbf the only good thing about bajaj tuk tuks in India was the driver usually sold you a Tollah Of hash along the way

ever make it to manali bld?

All About Manali Hashish.

May 1, 2024.
Nestled in the picturesque Parvati Valley of the Indian Himalayas, the small village of Manali has long been renowned for producing some of the world’s finest hashish.



This potent cannabis concentrate, known as Manali cream, Manali hash, Malana Cream or simply Manali, is hand-rubbed from the resin glands of live cannabis plants and often considered the cream of the crop among hash connoisseurs.

manali hash.

The region’s long history of selective breeding has resulted in distinctive local landraces prized for their high resin production and complex terpene profiles.

When expertly hand-processed using traditional techniques, the result is a malleable, aromatic hashish characterized by a creamy color and consistency.

While its international transport remains illicit, the hashish continues to be widely produced and consumed locally in India where it plays a role in some traditional and spiritual practices.

I’m lucky enough to have visited the area some years ago so can attest to the incredible quality of the hashish coming out of Manali. Or Malana.

Manali-style hashish produced from high-quality genetics remains among the most sought-after artisanal products.

Despite this, and now proven medical benefits, the drug war against people continues in India. And the local police do not apparently welcome tourists these days.

The History of Manali Hashish.

The history of Manali hashish is deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Indian Himalayas, particularly in the Parvati Valley region of Himachal Pradesh.

For centuries, cannabis has played a significant role in Hindu and Shaivite practices, with references to its use as a sacred plant appearing in ancient texts like the Vedas and Puranas.

The Parvati Valley’s unique geography and climate have made it an ideal location for growing exceptionally potent cannabis.

The high altitude, fertile soil, and abundant sunlight and water create the perfect conditions for cannabis plants to thrive and produce large amounts of resin.

Over generations, local farmers have selectively bred the plants to enhance their desirable qualities, resulting in distinctive landraces known for their high THC content and complex terpene profiles.

Hashish production in the region dates back hundreds of years, with knowledge of traditional hand-rubbing techniques passed down through families and communities.

The process involves carefully sifting dried cannabis flowers to remove the trichome-rich resin glands, which are then gently heated and pressed to create a dense, malleable substance with a characteristic aroma and creamy consistency.

In the 1960s and 70s, Manali and the Parvati Valley became popular stops along the “Hippie Trail,” a well-traveled route through Asia frequented by Western travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and alternative lifestyles.


Many were drawn to the region’s ancient cannabis culture and the legendary quality of its hashish. This influx of foreign interest helped to spread the reputation of Manali hash beyond India’s borders.

Despite its cultural significance and long history, hashish production and possession remain illegal under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985.

However, enforcement of these laws varies and the practice persists, with Manali hashish continuing to be widely consumed locally and exported illicitly to other parts of the world.

In recent years, as attitudes towards cannabis have shifted globally and more countries have moved towards legalization and regulation, there has been growing interest in traditional hashish production methods and the unique qualities of regional varieties like Manali cream.

Some legal cannabis companies have sought to recreate the characteristics of these traditional products using modern cultivation and processing techniques.

Seeds are available though only through extremely specialised companies.

Today, while the legal landscape surrounding hashish remains complex and varies widely by jurisdiction, Manali and the Parvati Valley are still widely recognized as one of the world’s premier regions for high-quality, artisanal hashish production.

The area’s unique history, culture, and terroir continue to be celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts and researchers interested in preserving and understanding the plant’s rich heritage.

The Effects of Manali Hashish

The effects of Manali hashish, like any cannabis product, can vary depending on factors such as the individual consuming it, the specific chemical composition of the hashish, the amount consumed, and the method of consumption.


However, there are some general effects associated with the use of high-quality hashish like that produced in the Manali region.

One of the most notable effects of Manali hashish is its potency.

The ideal growing conditions and selective breeding practices of the Parvati Valley result in cannabis plants with high levels of THC, the primary psychoactive compound in hashish.

When consumed, this can lead to a strong, long-lasting high characterized by feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.

Users often report a heightened sense of well-being and a deep feeling of physical and mental relaxation. Some describe a sense of increased creativity, introspection, and philosophical or spiritual insight.

These effects can be particularly pronounced with Manali hashish due to its reputation for producing a clear, cerebral high.

At the same time, the high THC content can also result in more intense psychoactive effects, particularly for inexperienced users or those consuming larger amounts.

These can include altered perception of time, heightened sensory experiences, impaired memory and concentration, and increased appetite, commonly known as “the munchies.”

In some cases, especially with excessive consumption, users may experience less desirable effects such as anxiety, paranoia, or dizziness. These negative experiences can be more likely to occur in individuals with a low tolerance for THC or those predisposed to anxiety or other mental health issues.

It’s worth noting that the effects of Manali hashish, like any cannabis product, can also be influenced by the presence of other compounds in the plant, such as terpenes and flavonoids.

These compounds can interact with THC and other cannabinoids to produce what’s known as the “entourage effect,” modulating the overall experience in subtle but meaningful ways.

The unique terpene profile of Manali hashish, influenced by the region’s specific cannabis genetics and production methods, is often described as contributing to its distinct sensory and psychoactive qualities.

Many users report a complex, aromatic smoke and a high that feels particularly smooth and balanced compared to other hashish varieties.

Consuming any psychoactive substance, especially from an unregulated source, comes with potential dangers and health considerations that should not be overlooked. Be careful out there!

Charas Walas – The Hash Producers in Manali

The art of crafting Manali cream is a time-honored tradition that demands a deep understanding of the cannabis plant and a commitment to the meticulous techniques passed down through generations of charas walas.

These skilled artisans embark on their journey each morning, long before the sun’s rays have burned away the dew that clings to the leaves and buds of the cannabis plants.

Clad in their distinctive leather aprons, known as kurtas, the charas walas make their way through the dense fields of cannabis that blanket the slopes of the Parvati Valley.


The kurtas, which extend from the chest to the knees, are the key to the entire process. Made from thick, unfinished leather, they provide the perfect surface for the sticky trichomes to adhere to as the charas walas brush against the plants.

As they walk through the fields, the charas walas gently run their hands over the buds and leaves, taking care not to damage the delicate trichomes.

The resin glands, which contain the highest concentration of THC and other cannabinoids, stick to the leather, accumulating with each pass through the field.

The timing of this process is crucial. The charas walas must navigate the fields in the early morning hours when the plants are still wet with dew.

The moisture helps the trichomes to stick more easily to the leather and prevents them from oxidizing in the heat of the midday sun, which can degrade the quality of the final product.

Throughout the morning, the charas walas will pause periodically to scrape the accumulated resin from their kurtas using a small, curved knife known as a sickle.

The resin, which has a sticky, tar-like consistency at this stage, is carefully gathered and rolled into balls or logs.

This process is repeated until the entire field has been harvested, with the charas walas often covering several kilometers in a single morning. Once the resin has been collected, it is taken to a cool, dry place for processing.

The next stage involves kneading and pressing the resin to remove any remaining plant matter and to distribute the oils and cannabinoids evenly throughout the mixture.

This is a delicate process that requires a skilled hand and a keen eye for consistency and texture.


Finishing Touches
Finally, the pressed resin is rolled and shaped into the final product, which can take the form of balls, sticks, or flat discs, depending on the preferences of the charas wala and the demands of the market.

The finished Manali cream is then wrapped in plastic or wax paper to protect it from the elements and to preserve its potency.

The entire process, from the early morning harvest to the final pressing and shaping, can take several days and requires a level of skill and dedication that is rare in today’s fast-paced, industrialized world.

For the charas walas of the Parvati Valley, however, it is a way of life that is deeply ingrained in their culture and their connection to the land.

Despite the challenges posed by legal restrictions and the changing attitudes towards cannabis, the charas walas continue to practice their craft with the same devotion and attention to detail that their predecessors did centuries ago.

In doing so, they not only keep the tradition of Manali cream alive but also preserve a vital link to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.

The story of Manali cream and the charas walas who produce it is one of resilience, artistry, and a profound respect for the natural world.

It is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the indomitable spirit of those who have chosen to live their lives in harmony with the land and its bounty.

i spent a month there in 1983, it was full of silly hippies making fools of themselves, but the hash was remarkable as was the trekking in that area.

[DrWilly]

Surely having a Mardi Gras in a country in which gay and LGBTQ is illegally is a somewhat risky endeavour?




⚡️������������ �������� ���������� ���� ������������! ����
Next week Friday, 11th April. Join us at our 2nd annual Mardi Gras costume party! We have an exciting lineup of DJ’s who are there to ensure we are kept up dancing all night long! ��
See you in your best costume and we will be awarding the best one! ������[at]������[at]♂️
—
��������������
��: Alliance Francaise of Lusaka
��:Friday, 11th April
��️:Starts at 8pm until 2am
��: @kreativenativez, @msselfieonly and @amma.djane��
��: Costume outfit ������[at]��with prizes for the best costume ��
��:Food + Cash bar drinks
��️: K150 entry fee - K100 for Alliance Française members/ All registered Students (bring your ID!)


#AFLusaka #LusakaEvents #MardiGras #Festival #DJSet #strongertogether

[Neverna]

The menu is trying too hard, they've got all the standard coffee drinks, but then they're pushing these special local beans with pretentious descriptions. "Notes of wild berries" and "chocolate undertones".

Those descriptions are not really pretentious, Willy. They are the kind of descriptions used all over the world for coffee, especially specialty coffee but also for beans and ground coffee beans. Even coffee sold in supermarkets use those kind of descriptions.

Coffee can come in a wide variety of flavours and those descriptions can help you buy coffee of the flavours you like and avoid those you don't like. I've even tried coffee that tastes like fruit tea and now that I've tried it, I know not to buy any more like that. Perhaps you're not a coffee lover, Willy, but for anyone interested, here's a coffee flavour wheel.

[BLD]

Never went to manali. Certainly tried the hash though

[DrWilly]

Main roads and highways outside of Lusaka are always a work in progress.



markets along the roadside



Good to be getting back into town.

[39TG]

Interesting photos. Some of those bicycles look older than tax.

[BLD]

Fantastic that you and your family are having an experience of a lifetime willy. not many folk get to do that. I think my expat days are limited to just me going somewhere. I wouldn't like to disrupt the kids education in Oz. They are going great. I put my wanderlust on the backburner for the sake of them getting schooled up. I will be satisfied with a couple of holidays per year. It's my new reality. Sure beats covid when for 3 years couldn't go ANYWHERE.

[DrWilly]

Sure beats covid when for 3 years couldn't go ANYWHERE.

That's the truth. But I certainly saved more money in those years when we could eat out every night, spend weekends at the mall burning money and flying everywhere each holiday!

[david44]

Interesting good quality pix as ever, keep em coming?

[DrWilly]

A golf day coming up




A pop up Market



Or could just go to an Easter roast (is that actually a thing?) And is Easter this weekend or next? I honestly don’t recall.

[cyrille]

And here it is in comprehensible English...

That's the truth. But I certainly saved more money in those years, compared to when we could eat out every night, spend weekends at the mall burning money and flying everywhere each holiday!

[DrWilly]

Sheriff TEFLr Cy at it again!

:salute:

[david44]

How many holes will you enter Dr?

[DrWilly]

An all hail King Willy banner on the 19th hole sounds good to me!

[DrWilly]

A couple of days down by the river.

[DrWilly]

The road down was a little bumpy, but for rural Zambia not bad.




just dodge the human and animal life that use the same roads.

[david44]

Good looking goats have you tried BBQ with jerk?

[DrWilly]

View from the bedrooms.



And barely 10 metres from us wandered this fellow.



Setting sun. There ends another perfect African day (most of it spent on the road and I only received one ticket).

[david44]

Almost the Elephant in the room, as common at happy hour in LOS

[DrWilly]

Watching the sun rise over the river is quite a pleasant activity too.

[DrWilly]

There it is.

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[taxexile]

There it is.

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100,000 posts and he's still struggling

[david44]

Tusk tsk helluvakhvnt in the room

Sundae rice earlWilly in da mournig

[DrWilly]

Speaking of elephants, we saw a few on a boat ride this morning.



Just down to drink before wandering back off into the forest.



Was time for a breakfast beer.



And another.



Loads of hippos around, but all you can see are their backs and eyes…



And then coming back we had to wait 15 minutes before being able to moor our boat.