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

Inomoto the architect

Kevin had earlier mentioned this Buddhist monastery that had been designed by a Japanese architect. Sophie, Kevin and I started walking to it. It was about an hour’s walk. We soon realised that we’d be walking on the main road, which had no paving. It was noisy and awkward avoiding the traffic. So we jumped … Continue reading / view photos Inomoto the architect

In search of Dalle Khursani

Steve, my US friend, messaged me. He said that our Kolkata homestay owner (in Turquiose Letterbox) had contacted him. The owner asked Steve to buy some Dalle Khursani for him. Steve told him I was in Kalimpong. Dalle Khursani means “round chillies” in Nepali. It’s grown in Bhutan and Nepal. In India, it’s grown in … Continue reading / view photos In search of Dalle Khursani