Happy Puja!

Trip Start Jun 19, 2008

Trip End Dec 17, 2008

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(Darjeeling hotels)

Flag of India Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
Sunday, October 5, 2008

Hello all! Just thought I would do a quick update. As some of you may now now is the holiday season in India, it is the month of the big Pujas and then Diwali at the end of the month. It's comparable to our Christmas. So school has been let out for most of October. Andrew and I decided to catch a train to Darjeeling and have been here for almost 6 days now, including one 4 day trek through the Himalayas with perfect views of Everest and everything. It was really spectacular. Tomorrow we plan to head a bit north to Gangtok and do the "Buddhist Monastary Trek" for about 5 days then head back to Delhi. Once I get back there I'll update properly (I've been keeping a journal) and post pictures! Just thought I'd let you know we were still alive!

PS (a day later...) we made it up to Gangtok today (Monday) and I have to say... it might take the title away from Darjeeling as my favorite place in India so far. It has a main market that is paved, with street lamps, and because of the puja season there are Christmas lights up everywhere. It's really amazing. The people here as so much different than everywhere else, for dinner I actually tipped the waiter because I liked him (usually I have to argue with them to get my change back). It's a real Indian tourist town, but somehow it's different... a lot better. Hopefully by the next time I update I'll be able to put into words how different this place is, for now you'll just have to take my word for it. Andrew and I are rethinking the trek... maybe we'll relax a bit more here and see some of the things to do around here (there is a high altitude lake at 14,000 ft that you can take a yak ride around for only 80 Rs...). Plus, we got a super sweet deal on a hotel that has a brand new TV AND WARM WATER! So we might be sticking around for awhile... but hey it's our vacation we're allowed to!

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Comments

bradandjan on Oct 5, 2008 at 10:47PM

Hello Heather !!!
Heather thanks for the update and great talking with you on the phone. Can not wait for the next blog update - understand how busy you are right now. Have fun, be safe .... talk with you soon. Lots of love. Dad

pilgrim2 on Oct 6, 2008 at 03:00PM

Wowzerz!!
Gangtok, huh! Sounds like an exotic, yet oddly familiar name. lol! You probably see a whole different flora and fauna, so it's not too surprising that the human life would be different, also. Perhaps the tourists that go to this area are so different, seeking different things, having different attitudes, that the local folks respond in kind. You might notice that you're in a better mood with the high altitude surroundings, the differences, the decreased crowding, the fewer out-of-shape, deconditioned tourists, etc. Plz take good care, see everything, hear everything and come back to tell us all about it. Namaste. Rog

cathie3234 on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:24PM

WOW!
Heather!
Sounds like you're having a lot of fun.
Reading about your adventures makes me want to go somewhere...we should definitely plan a trip when you come back.
I have so much to tell you.
Oh, one thing though: I'm actually studying now!
I spent Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at the law library with a friend studying 'til midnight.
Best part...I don't have midterms until next week.

Have you been to Mishka's before? We should go there to study when you get back. I think you'll really like it.

It's October already. I can't wait 'til you guys come back with all your stories!

vicdomrare on Oct 7, 2008 at 05:10AM

Happy Puja
Hi, Great to hear from you.

Sounds like a great vacation. I am eager to hear about your trip. We miss you. Can't wait until you are home. Stay safe.

Love Vicki