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 by backtracking, like navigating a maze.
Eventually, I found the place. The owner recognised me despite the fact that I’d gone there a few days ago. I said I was looking for the same torch. He put his hand amongst the variety of torches and immediately picked out the same model! I bought this again because it was light, had narrow or wide beam, was rechargeable, and had a lamp too. The usage time was about four hours, which was perfect.
My homestay owner had recommended going to the Tharpa Choling Monastery. It was a 30-minute uphill walk from the market.
The monastery complex had a museum, library, a large Buddha and temple. A monk immediately took me to the museum and switched on the lights so that I could see the exhibits. These consisted of photos of the current and previous Dalai Lamas. It also had various artefacts, such as ornaments and weapons. There was no explanation of how this random collection was connected to the monastery.
I walked up to the next floor, where the library was. There were some books, including English language ones. I sat for a while before descending the two floors to the exit.
The guide was waiting for me. He took me to the temple itself where, unlike the museum, I was allowed to take photos. It was ornate and colourful.
As we exited the temple, the guide pointed me in the direction of a large Buddha statue. I walked over to it, where there was also a panoramic view of the town.
The homestay was about 20 minutes from the monastery. I walked back.
Yakob was arranging a taxi to take me close to Bagdogra airport tomorrow. I was staying there one night before my flight the following day. I didn’t want to risk driving to Bagdogra on the day of my flight. Kevin and Sophie had taken five hours to do the journey. Steve had taken longer, six and a half hours! Normally, the drive takes two and a half hours. However, construction works and traffic had increased the time.
I was not time-constrained. So Yakob said he’d ask my taxi driver to take the scenic route. When there’s traffic on the normal (“highway”) route, the scenic route, though longer, can be faster. Steve told me that taxi drivers avoid the scenic route. They do this even with delays on the highway route. All things being equal, the highway route is faster and shorter. When there’s traffic, it’s slower but still shorter! Petrol being expensive, taxi drivers would rather spend less money. Spending more time on the road is less important. They prefer more money than more time. If you want the taxi driver to take the scenic route, they charge more.
Yakob had already told me that I’d have to pay more. To compensate, there would be some good views if the weather turned out well.
I agreed to this over dinner. Dinner was again simple and tasty. It started with nettle soup — made from the nettles Yakob bought from the market when I went with him!
