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 morning, I went to the market to buy a torch. I needed it for a future trip. I found a good small, light one with a USB-C rechargeable battery. Then, not too far from the market, I went to some shops selling tea. One of them had the Tulsi tea and another, a specialist shop, had the Darjeeling tea. The first flush Darjeeling tea was expensive. So, I bought the second flush, which would be good enough for a non-tea-drinker like me.
Shopping completed, I headed to the Art Cafe to meet Kevin and Sophie. They were sitting in the back room. We chatted and had a light lunch. We ordered potato wedges, chips, and phambi, a local speciality made of mung beans. The sauce was the perfect complement to the delicious lightly spiced phambi.
Steve messaged me to say he’d arrived at my homestay, where he was also staying. Later, he made his way to the cafe. He briefly popped into the room we were in to say hello before leaving for a meeting. He was bringing together two cafe owners!
For dinner, Kevin, Sophie and I went to Za Khang, a Burmese restaurant. This was another place Kevin had found. The spiced veg dish was tasty and it was a pleasant surprise to have some buckwheat pancakes.
In the evening, Kevin had a conference call. So, we left the restaurant and went to a place with good Wi‑Fi, the Roxberry Pub & Cafe.
Kevin’s call was brief. We spent a long time chatting and, before we knew it, the pub was closing! It was after 11pm. At some point, Yakob messaged to ask if I was back at the homestay and, if not, whether I was OK!
Kevin, Sophie and I stepped out of the pub. We strolled together to a junction where the road split. Our time together was coming to an end. We were heading in different directions. We hugged each other, exchanged a few more words, then hugged each other again! I was grateful that I’d met these two lovely people and sad that we were going to part ways. I had very much enjoyed their company during the few days we’d been together in Kalimpong. Tomorrow, Kevin and Sophie were heading east, to Assam. And soon, I’d be heading south. I will miss them.
Despite being in their twenties, Kevin and Sophie were mature and wise for their years. They had many varied interests. That might be why we got on so well. Sophie had ventured to Southeast Asia on her own. Her planned month-long trip had extended to several months. She had caught the travel bug. Kevin had been travelling longer. They met in Southeast Asia and reunited in India. They too would be splitting after Assam.
I made my way back to the homestay. It was dark. The torch I’d bought earlier was useful. For the final 100m, a dog blocked my path. Dogs are everywhere in India but they usually leave you alone. This one kept barking every time I tried to pass it. Someone suggested switching off my torch. This made no difference. The dog was still barking. Someone else appeared and said he’d walk with me. He picked up a stick, which frightened off the dog.
I walked into the homestay. Yakob was waiting and smiled with relief when he saw me!