Our time at the Rainforest Retreat had come to an end. It was a shame to be leaving. We had enjoyed the surroundings and food, and met some interesting people. We’d been recommended to see the Tibetan Golden Temple, which is on the way to Mysore. So, we asked for an early taxi. We had … Continue reading / view photos Tibetan Golden Temple
Category: Travel
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