Darjeeling: People of the clouds

We are now in Darjeeling, but before I talk about our trip here, I'll continue where I left of last time.

Agra was nice, with the Taj Mahal, The Fort, Baby Taj etc. But pricey, probably because of all the tourists. Anyway, the Taj Mahal made it all worth it. We took the train back to Delhi in the evening and arrived at 22.30. The train took only 2 hours, and we passed the birthplace of Krishna on the way.

The train personnel were very cute in their little uniforms, mustaches and semi-turbans. Meals and drinks are included in the train prices. One problem I find though is that you're supposed to eat with your right hand here, as the left is for toilet duties. I struggle with this, because I'm left-handed.

Anyway.
Yesterday we went to the Lotus Temple (The Baha'i House of Worship). It was very beautiful! Oh, and we had to remove our shoes again, which was fine because cleverly had the pair of socks in my bag! In the afternoon we strolled around the busy streets of the Main Bazaar in Paharganj.

This morning we woke up early to go to the domestic airport and go to Darjeeling. Or rather, to Bagdogra, and then to Darjeeling from there. The flight was only 2h, the stewardesses very beautiful, and the view simply amazing. We flew next to the Himalayas for over an hour, above the highest clouds, alongside the beautiful mountains.

We had met a Belgian girl at the airport who was also going to Darjeeling, so we shared a jeep to Darjeeling from Bagdogra. The 90 km ride took over 3 hours on the godforsaken roads, but it was the most amazing car journey I have ever been on (bear in mind I'm extremely carsick). We just went higher and higher up, up up in the clouds and the mountains. People emerged from the mist just meters away from the jeep and no one seemed scared or even bothered. The views were incredible all the way to Darjeeling.

Once in Darjeeling, we easily found our hotel and checked in, and then took a stroll down the streets of Darjeeling, with all the schoolkids on their way from school, vendors, animals, and the odd backpacker.

It is cool and nice here (we're even wearing long sleeves). It's indeed a nice change from Delhi and the heat.