Darjeeling, India>, Mar 12, 2010
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MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Btw my india
number is +919679889238 ( I think…or its 9679889238 plus the india code)
After a stressful first week at school, Kate and I managed
to “escape” to Darjeeling
to see Mike, Pete, James, Jen and Katie for a day or chilling, beer, good food
and brilliant company. We found a lovely little place called Glenarys – quite
western, but to be honest I think that tat was what we were all wanting by this
point!
We got the bus (eventually) from outside our school to
Kurseong (Rs.15/) very bumpy ride, but it’s not too long and has some
incredible views! When in Kurseong we looked about for a taxi – people were
quoting us Rs.900/ to Darjeeling
and we’d been told not to pay for more than Rs.50/!!!!! Eventually a nice old
man, with very good English pointed us in the right direction and Kate and I
squashed ourselves into the back of a share taxi (14people in one jeep!!) –
2hours later, and several bumped heads (the roads here are AWFUL) we arrived in
Darjeeling. It
was dark, and we had NO idea where we were, but the others met us at the train
station and took us for a little “tour”. We then plonked ourselves in Glenarys,
had some food an cold beer and had a good old natter!
Eventually (at about 10) it was kicking out time and we
started, slowly, to make our way back to the Sham Rock (very nice hotel that
was recommended to us). But not without a few hiccups!! First – James was
unable to hold his drink (about 3beers at such an altitude, and puked. Into his
fleece. It wasn’t pretty, and he’ll never live it down! Then…a little further
along the road we lost Mike and Pete – apparently a local called Sam took them
to an underground bar that continued to stay open after 10!! By this point it
was Pete’s turn to puke. And duly he did. Twice. Once out of a bathroom window
– why he didn’t just use the toilet I don’t know!! But Pete had an excuse…he
was…”spiked” (I think this is a metaphor for weak stomached =S ) Very funny. Sleep was consequently very good!
In the morning we gazed at Kangchenjunga over a breakfast of
fried egg, tomatoes, toast and coffee (very different to the curry and rice
that we’re used to!) and then pottered about taking in the sights and doing a bit of shopping! Have
found a lovely internet café also – which is brilliant =) and cheap!!!
Darjeeling
is lovely, all hilly and full of happy people and colourful stalls! The views
are also breath taking! Hopefully will get up to Tiger Hill at some point and
will be able to get an amazing 360 view of the Himalayas!
There’s also talk of going white water rafting near Kalimpong and doing a trek
to the base camp of Kangchenjunga! All fun stuff to look forward to!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Has now been
upstaged^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This weekend we arrived on Friday, as we had to register our
passports. After meeting up with some of the other volunteers (Rachel, Elf,
Cassi, Fabienne, Mike, Pete and James) we did all the boring admin associated
with being in India, the girls (not me) went to get saree’s (VERY VERY
beautiful) and we found a jem of a hotel called “silver cascade” right next to
a place called “hotel tranquility” which is in the lonely planet guide. It’s
amazing. We have comfy beds, hot water (24hour), en suite bathroom, balcony and
tv – all for Rs.150/ (just over 2pounds!!) After another dinner at glenarys
(sweet and sour vegetables and a garlic naan) meeting some nice people who were
drugs testing diarrhea patches and arm wrestling with locals, we trundled up the BIGGEST HILL YOU’VE EVER
SEEN, back to our hotel.
So…we’re jamming in the guys room with music…next thing I
know Elf’s fallen over and chipped half her tooth off and is requesting some
Bob Marley!….Moments later someones tried to shut the balcony door and it’s
come off its hinges and the top window has smashed EVERYWHERE! No a clue what
happened…clearly it wasn’t our evening!
And now…here I am! So all is good and enjoyable! Still need
to get some essentials (hair brush, vitamins, chocolate) but all in good time!
But yes…much love to everyone!!