Unchartered waters

Raymond

While being faced with the unfamiliar is becoming a routine part of our immersion, the past few days have given us the privilege of being the first tour in Darjeeling and Saraswatipur.

Nestled in the Himalayas. Peaking above the clouds. Surrounded by serene scenery. Sunshine. The cool breeze. An escape. Darjeeling is absolutely beautiful; so much so that you almost forget you're in India. As you navigate the steep, winding streets, every turn offers you another spectacular view of lush forests or the snow capped mountains neighbouring this settlement. Away from the bustling metropolis, the tranquil and peace is refreshing after a week of sensory overload. Less horns. Less shouting. Adding to the comfort of our experience is the clear blue sky, fresh clean air and abundance of sunshine. Smiles greet you at every corner. The aroma of food lingers around. And the tea is amazing. 

Sunrise to the backdrop of the Himalayas was simply unforgettable. Thunderous applause greeted the first blip of the sun as it moved above the crimson horizon. The night faded as the moon became a faint white crescent in the sky. Simultaneously, Kanchenjunga was transitioning from barely being visible to having a beautiful red facade. In the distance, Everest could been seen as well as villages lining the green foothills. Our day continued with further exploring where Matt and I had the privilege of visiting a temple sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. 

Saraswatipur was rather different from what I expected. Encapsulated by endless tea plantations and a wall of mist, the setting was mystical, isolated but incredibly calm and peaceful. Our welcome was especially humbling as the residents blessed us, presented us with flower chains, sang to us and danced with us to the heartbeat of a drum. I must confess, whilst I detest eggplant, the eggplant curry we had that night was one of the best feeds on this tour. I am pleasingly surprised at how comfortable coconut husk is to sleep on, or how difficult it is to play touch in sand. Their simple yet happy lifestyles reflect the resourcefulness and positivity of the little village. 

My days in Darjeeling and Saraswatipur were a different world compared to the week in Kolkata. I am grateful for the quiet and restful few days and look forward to Varanasi. Darjeeling has certainly been added to my bucket list and I anticipate to come back to this once unfamiliar place.