Darjeeling

We arrived in Darjeeling after a one hour flight from Kolkota and a 3 hour car ride on a narrow, winding road that climbed to a height of 7,000 feet. The change in altitude would mean a 30 plus degree drop in temperature, atransition from 95 degree  heat to daytime highs hovering around sixty. But what we lost in heat we gained in beautiful mountain scenery. Of course, for a while there was a question of whether we would make it in the first place-- between the treacherous mountain road and our crazy driver. But make it we did, and earlier than planned.

Our hotel is called Nirvana. It is a cosy, 10 room place with small but elegant rooms. We were lucky to have a room with a view of the mountains. Unfortunately, we were engulfed in clouds that promise to continue for the next several days.

Darjeeling is a series of winding, twisted lanes, most of which head either directly up or downhill. We set out to find one of the restaurants in the guide, a inexpensive Tibetan noodle place. The young woman at the front desk told us not to worry about a map and just to ask anyone where you want to go and they will tell you. This, it turned out, did not or so well, and I soon resorted to my map and we found the place--a tiny place really, about 5 or 6 tables that at most could fit 20 people. Jane stuck her head in, didn't see a seat and headed out. A few seconds later someone opened up the door and assured us there were two seats.

It was good to go inside because the presence of a full house combined with the nearness of the kitchen meant the place was warm. We ordered a couple of bowls of chicken soup and some pork dumplings.

In the hotel room, a great view when it's not cloudy

Jane tries street food in Darjeeling

Jane gets a good deal on a hat and scarf at the Tibetan market