We are in Darjeeling since 2 days. It's wonderful up here. We enjoy the wonderful climate of the mountains, the quiet of the Buddhist monasteries and the nicest people we have ever seen in our lives.
For those who want to know, we didn't take the toy train. It was not running, yes, but it was because of a landslide.
Even thought we heard (even from some Tibetan monchs we met on our way) that strikes are very common around here, some of them lasting more than two weeks. In these periodes, nothing is open, and one can't buy even food. The reason for all this is that Darjeeling region wants to get independent from West Bengal and have their own territorry, Ghorkaland. Banners supporting the independence mouvement are everywhere, as well as Brazilian flags (some of them homemade...) By the way, even Tibetan monchs support Brazil in soccer, and when they come to know where I'm from, it's a sensation!
Two months ago, one public leader has been assassinated in public here in Darjeeling. A German/American couple living here that we met told us the political climate has become even more tense ever since. We, as good tourists, don't notice any of this.
After the stress of big cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata, the Himalaian air made us feel so good that we changed our plans and are now going to Sikkin. It was an independent state until the 80's, so we heard, but has been annexed by India for being a doorway to China (Tibet), Butthan and West Bengal. Everyone says this is the most beautiful piece of land in India. We are going to check it out soon, and then go to Nepal.
We are loving the Himalaia. Food is great, hotel is perfect and our room has a view to Kanchenjunga, Indian highest peak. It's wonderful!
Now I have to rush... the couple I told you about invited us to a lecture, given by the reincarnation of an important Lama, in a monastery outside from Darjeeling. We are pretty excited, they said this must be an once-in-a-life experience! :D More soon!
PS: thank you for posting comments, if I know people are reading this, I get more motivation to keep writing! =)
For those who want to know, we didn't take the toy train. It was not running, yes, but it was because of a landslide.
Even thought we heard (even from some Tibetan monchs we met on our way) that strikes are very common around here, some of them lasting more than two weeks. In these periodes, nothing is open, and one can't buy even food. The reason for all this is that Darjeeling region wants to get independent from West Bengal and have their own territorry, Ghorkaland. Banners supporting the independence mouvement are everywhere, as well as Brazilian flags (some of them homemade...) By the way, even Tibetan monchs support Brazil in soccer, and when they come to know where I'm from, it's a sensation!Two months ago, one public leader has been assassinated in public here in Darjeeling. A German/American couple living here that we met told us the political climate has become even more tense ever since. We, as good tourists, don't notice any of this.
After the stress of big cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata, the Himalaian air made us feel so good that we changed our plans and are now going to Sikkin. It was an independent state until the 80's, so we heard, but has been annexed by India for being a doorway to China (Tibet), Butthan and West Bengal. Everyone says this is the most beautiful piece of land in India. We are going to check it out soon, and then go to Nepal.
We are loving the Himalaia. Food is great, hotel is perfect and our room has a view to Kanchenjunga, Indian highest peak. It's wonderful!
Now I have to rush... the couple I told you about invited us to a lecture, given by the reincarnation of an important Lama, in a monastery outside from Darjeeling. We are pretty excited, they said this must be an once-in-a-life experience! :D More soon!
PS: thank you for posting comments, if I know people are reading this, I get more motivation to keep writing! =)
Eh bien quelle aventure! ça ne doit pas être facile tous les jours à vivre comme expérience, mais d'un autre côté heureusement vous vous nourrissez de merveilles aussi bien visuellement que spirituellement! ^^
RépondreSupprimerCela fait partie de votre voyage! Et nous lecteurs apprécions énormément chacun de vos récits!On à l'impression d'être dans vos bagages! :)
Can't wait for the next step!
here is a comment. keep writin' !!!
RépondreSupprimer'Course we're readin'! This is just like a romance, i can't stop readin' it and at the of a chapter i can't wait to start another one...i guess u guys should publish this when u come to Europe. It would be cool and i would buy it! think about it...
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