June 25: Darjeeling

Vinod, our taxi driver had punctured tyres and hence reaches 45 minutes late. Siliguri weather was clear; we passed sukhna military base which made me nostalgic. Papa was posted in Siliguri during 78 and I'm sure I would have to these places as a kid.

We passed the first Tea estate, Samuel badi. The climb after that was very steep and rough. The road was narrow and I was amazed with the skill that. Imps drove the vehicle. I paased my favorite tea's home. Makaibadi in Kurseong and was tempted to stop by but it was raining. The road after that was really bad, and reminded me of the discussion the day before on unhealthy political situation in Darjeeling. It was apparent in form of Gorkhaland displays when we reached darjeeling. The place was filled with amazing charm.

We were famished and headed to the Mall to eat. After realizing that Dhriti may not be willing to compete with us in exploring, I put her on my shoulders. This would be the regular feature for next three days. Our meticulous planning had ignored alcohol and on top of that Mondays were close days for liquor shop.

We decided to return to hotel for dinner and retired to bed early. The uphill climb had left us weary.

June 24: Kolkata

We started our trail today. Had heard about Flury's a lot and had the pleasure of going there for the first time. What's more, it was drizzling today. Priya ordered the English breakfast and I scrambled eggs and chicken envelope with amazing coffee.

Next we went to the Oxford Book store. The idea of not buying anything was futile. Best part was browsing through the latest and old Bengali cinema.

Dhriti fell asleep on my shoulder on the way to old market. Though the market was closed, the flower shop were open. Priya picked up steal deal dried flower and pot purrie.


Satisfied with our purchase we went for lunch at Peter Cat and ordered Chelo kebabs.

We came back to catch some rest before catching the train to Darjeeling and an amazing Bengali Raanna- lay chingri, patrajhor Mach.

Happy b'day Chinu

June 23: Kolkata

Priya said "visiting Kolkata is like meeting your Ex with a feeling, was it him that I was in love with". I have the advantage of not having an ex. We came to Chachas house in a almost a decade old Ambassdor ( in this part of the world they still make them) through the Howrah bridge.

We went for a stroll at 5 crossing Vivekanand park. Which had so many people playing cricket and football. We were heading towards Dolly's cafe, priya's hang out. The place was started by an editor of The Telegraph, Ms Dolly and I wasn't surprised why Priya took me there.

We met Addy at the southern avenue Kali badi and has the amazing phukcha. Our idea was to go to Park Street, however we ended up in Underground, the discotheque of HIH, where DJ Ma Faiza was playing. What an amazing way to end the day with.

Will be supporting Germany for the Euro 2012. Just watched Spain Defeating France.

June 23: on route Kolkata

Dhriti wasn't able to sleep well, and we have finished with our breakfast. We have crossed Madhupur city; since the station name was written in Hindi we are still in Bihar or Jharkhand. Dhriti has had her cornflakes job is half done. The coach is surprisingly clean and the attendants are helpful.

The landscape is looking lovely with rains.

June 23: on route to Kolkata

We have boarded the second ac of Rajdhani and the train is about to depart in 3 minutes. The train looks clean. Our co-travelers are two elderly gentlemen. Since our seats are at the end of the coach, it is going to be very disturbing. A group of college folks are also there and should be fun interacting with them. The only problem is the toilets which are in Indian style and therefore we have Dhriti in diapers.

22 June 2012: our Kolkata homecoming

We begin a journey tomorrow; our train Rajdhani leaves the station at 5 in the evening. The train will pass through 5 states. A train journey after a long time and looking forward.