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
Tag: Kalimpong
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
Art Cafe in Kalimpong
In Namchi, taxis are parked in two places. One is for local journeys, the other for longer journeys. A few days ago, I met a driver and took his details just in case. Having extended my Sikkim permit yesterday, I decided to go further south — to Kalimpong. I arranged the trip with the taxi … Continue reading / view photos Art Cafe in Kalimpong