March 24-27
More rhinos, elephants, birds and bison in Gorumara National Park and region, still in West Bengal. Staying at a much, much nicer hotel here and enjoying the pampering and food fit for two Kings. We are the only guests in a five star hotel outside of a very rustic (huts) town (and yes we feel guilty). We went on several more “safaris” as they call them here, which mainly consist of having your driver and guide go to the park entrance and pick up another guide so you can drive to a tower and watch wildlife come up to a water hole or mineral lick, with 20 or 30 other Indian tourists that who don’t seem to realize that loud voices and ringing cell phones prevent wildlife from approaching. However, we did see herds of bison, another elephant in the wild, one-horned rhinos, peacocks and numerous exotic birds like the chestnut headed bee eater, hornbill and kingfisher. This is still the best areas we’ve been to observe authentic village life by going to markets and folk dancing in the forests, in addition to fields of tea plantations.
We’ve had long discussions on every possible topic with our guide who made an unusual request yesterday. Come to find out, he is a huge fan of Michael Jackson and thought highly of his conservation initiatives and lyrics. Now our guide is conservative, Indian and 67 years old, so you could imagine the jabbing Steve and I were giving each other in the back seat when our guide was expressing his fondness of MJ. So, he asked that we put in a special request in our blog, for all MJ fans to plant a tree or plant in MJ’s honor. What the heck, if you are a fan or not, it’s always good to plant a plant. Very interesting, don’t you say?
Laurie
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S&L, Well, once again your Bengal National Park and extreme wildlife sitings have overshadowed ours...and I was just about to brag about seeing aligators in the Everglades last week...never mind. We had a great trip to Florida, though, in addition to the alligators. Weather was PERFECT every day 75-80 with a constant sea breeze. I thoroughly enjoyed south-Florida, who knew? South Beach was ok, a bit loud and honky-tonk for our tastes...like the staggering 4 am singers outside our hotel. We spent two days in Key West, which was the highlight of the trip for both of us...we defintely will return there. I think the water everywhere just lowered my blood pressure. We spent the last 2 days (Wed & Thur) in Ft. Lauderdale & Palm Beach, lots of kids in Ft. Lauderdale and lots of money in Palm Beach. At least we now know where we can't afford to live. So glad you're soon to return to reality...not that we're jealous or anything, of course. But get to work, will ya? Love from the wilds of Bowie, DK
ReplyDeleteDean,
ReplyDeleteNow don't underplay your trip to Florida - it sounds fantastic and everything is a state of mind no matter where you are. So maybe you'll be retiring in Florida afterall.
Can't wait to see you. We get back on the 8th after 30+ hours of being awake. May take us a few days to recover.
Love the comments.
LH
Steve & Laurie,
ReplyDeleteJust checked your latest photos, the market colors were incredible and the shot of Steve smirking amongst the goats was the best...the senior goat, plus one of the two sheep butts in the back of the wagon...National Geographic is on the line...Happy Easter...hurry home safely. xxoo DK
MJ was my era. I will plant a tree.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter!!!
ReplyDeleteWish you were here celebrating it with us!!!
Karly
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for planting a tree. Ranajit will be very pleased.
LH
Dean,
ReplyDeleteThought you knew, Steve loves goats.
See you soon
Love
LH
I will plant a plant:-)
ReplyDelete