1. From the moment the first rays of the sun come up, you can tell there's something different about Shillong. Something serene.
2. If you have your doubts, just take a stroll around the place.
We won't say we told you so.
But we did.
3. Don't forget to stop for a warm bowl of chow noodles, along with a piping hot cup of tea. Best breakfast ever on a chilly morning.
4. Or straight up abandon all table manners and launch yourself into a plate of jadoh. Any given time of day.
5. When you've had your fill, take some time out to appreciate the wonderfully quaint architecture around the city.
6. The schools aren't just highly respected, but they're picturesque as well. Just walking to school every morning is a treat in itself.
St. Edmund's School & College.
7. Sure, you could take your car, but why wouldn't you walk if the road to school looks like this?
8. Sometimes it rains so hard that this becomes a normal occurrence in many a house in Shillong.
9. But that just means you have a reason to go out for a family excursion around Shillong Peak or an impromptu monsoon picnic to Cherrapunji!
10. If you're looking for some bliss closer to home, head on down to Hydari Park. Play games, run around or laze on the grass for hours, and nobody will tell you a thing.
Keep off the flowers, tho.
11. And if you're more about the bustling city life, just pop by Police Bazaar any evening.
12. But really, although the city has plenty of "happening" stuff, Shillong has always been and will always be more about the tranquillity.
13. So if you're really looking for some calm, drive out to places like Barapani Lake on the outskirts of Shillong, and drift away.
14. And if you're one of those who find their peace of mind by walking, simply wander down Police Bazaar, or any place in Shillong, any time after 10 p.m.
15. Which, admittedly, may sometimes lead to ensuing hilarity like this.
16. Sometimes it seems like every Shillongite is a natural born musician. And they're really good at it.
Which is awesome, because then you have people like this living right next door to you.
17. Not to mention their phenomenal proficiency in playing sports. Especially football.
18. They love their culture and their traditions. And they love dressing up for the occasion.
19. But that doesn't mean the youth of Shillong isn't hip as hell.
Seriously, whatever it is you're wearing these days, chances are the kids in Shillong have been rocking it for the last five years or something.
20. Christmas time isn't just another holiday here. IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME.
AND SO IS EASTER. REAL FREAKIN' EASTER EGGS OMG.
21. And finally, the people of Shillong. They are as beautiful as the city itself.
It doesn't matter if their family has lived here for generations, or they're one of the many who have embraced Shillong as their new home.
They are one and the same.
Everyone knows everyone.
It doesn't matter if you're Khasi or Garo, Bengali or Marwari. It doesn't matter if you go to St. Anthony's School or Loreto Convent. It doesn't matter whether you love or hate momos.
Seriously though, how could you possibly hate momos?
And they're always smiling.
Never change, Shillong.
You're the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
