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 View Homestay was not easy to find. The owner had given me instructions but the taxi driver insisted he knew the way. Eventually he yielded and phoned the owner!
After checking in to the homestay, I went for a walk. A woman pointed me to a nearby tea garden. Then I crossed over the flyover that services Bagdogra Airport.
I drifted into a night market. Looking small, the market expanded the further I went in. The clothes section led to household goods, which in turn passed the baton on to the fresh fruit and veg. I bought some small bananas for tomorrow’s journey. I’ve never understood why there are so many varieties of bananas when you go to, say, India or South America. And yet, only one or two types are imported in the UK.
The market was a maze. I completely lost my bearings after walking around. Thinking I needed help getting back to the homestay, I looked at Google Maps. Somehow I’d managed to get back to the flyover, opposite the homestay. I explored further before returning.
Before I’d left for my walkabout, the homestay owner asked if I wanted to have dinner. I had a lovely simple meal waiting for me when I returned!
