We are officially in the "dog days" of the trip. We have visited many temples that are starting to look the same, we have spent many hours on winding, back-breaking roads battling noisy and polluted traffic, we are eating food that is tasting the same, and our last view of the high mountains was days ago. As crazy as this might seem, we're starting to get a feeling that this trip, after a great start, has fallen into the "over rated" category. We hate feeling this way, but it's the truth.
That's not to say that there isn't beauty around us: there is. But we're 13 days in and haven't been "wowed" for a long time. Since Bhutan, I suppose. Maybe India has beaten us up and we're a little punch drunk. Let's hope Tibet restores us.
Today, we had the usual visit to a monastery, which was nice, then to a Christian private school where we met some teachers and were enchanted by the kids ... but I wondered what the point of the school visit was. This isn't Indian public education, this is for the affluent. Then, an interesting walk through Kalimpong's market and a good lunch with Subash at a genuine, non-touristy restaurant ( we need more of this! ). Then, another bone crushing ride that lasted forever and featured more crazy hair-raising traffic until Siliguri. We drove through the apocalyptic chaos until a gated area opened for us and .... blessed peace and quiet until our hotel. Early wake up tomorrow! 4 am !
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| Temple interior |
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| Temple devotees |
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| Charming school kids .... wonderful children ! |
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| West Bengal countryside |
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| Fun lunch ... John and Sheila |
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| Fun lunch ... Lou likes her soup ! |
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