Kalimpong orchids, monasteries and tea

April 2-6, 2010

Kalimpong is another foothill of the Himalayans and not quite as big or developed as Darjeeling. The town itself is not very nice (kind of like a shanty town jam packed with beeping jeeps and cramped sidewalks), but once you get off the main streets (always an hike uphill) it is a beautiful region with mountain views and small villages. There is a lot of haze this time of year so we are not able to see the famous Kanchunjunga in the Himalaya mountain range. We are staying at an orchid nursery – needless to say Steve is in heaven – all native species orchids and no stinking hybrids. I really like where we are staying except for the rock solid beds and occasional critter; but my opinion changed once I heard that Richard Gere stayed at this hotel. By the way, the room only costs $25 per night.

Once again we thoroughly enjoyed the weekly market with totally different looking people - many of the people here are Tibetan, Mongolian or Chinese. The area is speckled with brightly colored Buddhist monasteries. We sat in a prayer session the other night and were blown away by the haunting chants, horns and drums. Between our visits to the monasteries and long conversations from our Buddhist host, we now have a much better understanding of Buddhism and Himalayan orchids.

An added bonus here is the communal dining in which we’ve met several interesting people. All in all a wonderful stay with wonderful mountain views, orchids, monasteries and old British architecture. Oh, and I can’t forget that this whole region is trying to become their own state in India as they are the famous Gorkas. Everywhere you look there is propaganda for Gorkaland independence and from what we’ve heard; it gets quite heated and violent at times.

Tomorrow we drive to Bagdogra, and then fly to Delhi. From Delhi we fly out on the 8th to the States. We already are thinking of our next extended trip, even though it may be a year or two down the road.

Laurie