From the Mountains

Darjeeling has been the oasis we have needed in order to regroup, relax and eat. The mountain town specializes in the Tibetan food, momo’s, that we could not seem to get enough of the last five days. Small markets line the thin streets with everything you need to stay warm; rupees flowed out of our wallets like water from the hot showers. Tea is everywhere and drank at all times of the day. Power outages are the norm and never seemed to slow anything down.
Darjeeling and the area surrounding areas are currently trying to separate from India and create their own state, Gorkland. Green yellow and white banners wave in the chilly mountain air and loud speakers announce their plea daily. This causes political issues banning the sale of alcohol and taxi and jeep strikes. Yet, the people are always kind and smiling.
We did little the last few days, besides walk around and spend money and eat. We visited a zoo that featured endangered Himalayan animals kept for breeding. The animals, in their natural habitat, seemed happy and even came up to greet us when we approached their enclosures. The tea plantation, one of the 84 here, was closed but we were still able to get a mini lesson and chance to taste and purchase some locally grown tea, next a trek to the botanical gardens that had a greenhouse with everything from cacti to orchids.
Tomorrow another 12-hour bus to Patna to catch another 5-hour bus. Moving again. Next stop Varanasi to witness the Ganges.