Exploring the rainforest

At the Rainforest Retreat, the days are structured like this: Food is important! Yesterday was our second day here. After a tasty breakfast, we went for a walk down to the river. We had coffee at a chocolate factory. Walking back uphill was arduous because of the strong sun above us for the whole return … Continue reading / view photos Exploring the rainforest

From Bangalore to the rainforest

Again, despite waking up fairly early, I was cutting it fine to get to Bangalore’s central train station. I called an auto but belatedly realised the crazy Bangalore traffic was too dense. I would not get to the station in time. So I rerouted the driver to Indiranager metro. The metro in Bangalore is very … Continue reading / view photos From Bangalore to the rainforest

Good afternoon, Mr Kapadia!

During my previous trip here, the exhibition rooms were closed at the National Gallery of Modern Art. Helene, in the meantime, had been to Bangalore and the galleries were now open. The fastest way to travel in Bangalore is on the metro. I walked to Indiranager metro and got as close as possible to the … Continue reading / view photos Good afternoon, Mr Kapadia!

Bangalore, take two

The closer I’m staying to my destination, the more likely it is that I’m going to be late. I deliberately stayed in Bagdogra because it was 15 minutes from the airport. Despite getting up quite early, I was running late. When I emerged from my room, the homestay owner asked me when my flight was. … Continue reading / view photos Bangalore, take two

Bagdogra’s lively night market

The bulk of the journey from Kalimpong over, the remaining section from Siliguri to Bagdogra was short. The journey was occasionally slowed down by cows on the road! They walk around like inspectors making impromptu stops without a care in the world. Drivers defer to them and carefully weave around their bulky bodies. The Ridge … Continue reading / view photos Bagdogra’s lively night market

Through the villages to Bagdogra

My homestay owner, Yakob, instructed the taxi driver to take the scenic route through the villages from Kalimpong to Bagdogra. This turned out to be an excellent choice! There was no traffic. We had a smooth journey with plenty of stops to admire the scenery and take photos. The route wound its way down to … Continue reading / view photos Through the villages to Bagdogra

Tarpa Choling Monastry

The torch I’d bought the other day seemed good. Since I needed two, I went to buy another one. I thought I’d remember where I bought it but the stall was difficult to find. Paths and roads constantly split in two as I got closer to the market. I went backwards and forwards, eliminating paths … Continue reading / view photos Tarpa Choling Monastry

Haat Bazaar and paper factory

Today is one of the twice weekly market days in Kalimpong. The owner, Yakob, was going to the market, Haat Bazaar, with his son. He invited me. As Yakob walked around the market, he pointed out various things to me. For example, a particular fern plant was a good source of iron. Nettles were good … Continue reading / view photos Haat Bazaar and paper factory

Art Cafe day

Yesterday, I said goodbye to Kevin and Sophie. They were taking a long coach ride east, to Assam. Steve also left, making his way to Kolkata en route to Delhi. The morning started with this scenic view from my room: After breakfast, I made my way to the Art Cafe. Whilst in and around the … Continue reading / view photos Art Cafe day

Hugs and goodbye

In Kalimpong, I’d been introduced to two teas that I liked. Inomoto, the architect, gave me Tulsi Original tea. And, every morning at the homestay, I had a first flush Darjeeling tea (first pick of the season). Yakob, my homestay owner, recommended a few places I might be able to buy the teas. In the … Continue reading / view photos Hugs and goodbye