12-5-2010 Day 1, Varanasi - New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
I like sleeper class on the trains more than the upper AC Classes. The people here are more of my style. Down to earth middle class citizens, who after striking up conversations appear to actually work for a living... novel idea. I met two girls on the train from Vancouver, and I seem to question why I only meet female travelers here... weird... I will be spending the next few days in Darjeeling enjoying some tea with great mountain views. Without my camera I am unable to share this experience, (I have tried talking some of the other travelers I have met here to share my pictures, maybe they will oblige.)
I plan on taking it easy for the next few days. Doing a little shopping, reading, drinking, and overall relaxation. I am really saving my energy for the Everest trek next week. Currently reading Edmund Hillary's Autobiography, and reading this makes me really want to explore the less traveled parts of the world with a backpack on a shoestring budget. When Nick gets here in March or so, we will have to discuss some of our options, as I feel this trip is really going to show me the opportunities of travel that I have yet to see. Little list of possible adventures to save for:
Mongolia
More Nepal
New Zealand
Switzerland
India
Canada
Alaska
Antarctica
How to accomplish this: Live Cheaply, work two jobs, saving up a tidy sum of money in a few years. However, focus on enjoying the next few weeks of travel and challenges, who knows maybe someday you'll summit Everest.
2-6-2010 Day 2, Siliguri-Darjeeling
Arrived into Siliguri at 2:30am and we found a reasonable accommodation for 210rps a piece (between the two girls from Vancouver) Took my first hot shower in a month and a half. Couldn't get a hold of Uma and Ava (girls I will be traveling Nepal and Everest with) this morning after getting up at 8:30. Found a really cheap shared jeep for rp50 (found out later that this price is more than half of what everybody else paid...SCORE) The toy train was not running due to political tensions in the area. (Search Gorkhaland info online) I got a little motion sickness on the way up, but nothing too serious. This place is absolutely beautiful. Staring at those snow capped peaks, the third highest mountain on the planet, is quite amazing. I will climb one of these peaks someday, maybe all of them!!!
Sitting here in with my first cup of Darjeeling tea. The mountains are my home. I can feel them calling me all the time. Finally found my part of India to love.
Day 3,
Last night was fun. After meeting the girls from Vancouver in the street we decided to go for tea. I also finally reached Uma and Ava, and we sat and chatted as well. Long walk to a pub, but the atmosphere was good. Met these french fellows who have been traveling through India taping a profession french skateboarder named Sebastien? (Ring any bells Shawn?) Got a bit 'tossed' with these guys. Still think that I don't need to drink all the time, binge drinking in college really is hard to get over... working hard not to let it control me. Pretty chilly here throughout night, now heaters in our hotel room, only heavy blankets. Everest is going to be miserably cold,and I can't wait. -20"Celsius, 0''F...
Today I visited the Himalayan mountain Institute (HMI) founded by Tenzing Norgay himself. They offer a two month mountaineering course for $1300. Can I talk Nick into doing this with me? We'll have to wait and see. For nearly 60 days of training with everything included, with an attempt at a peak over 6000m, the cost is less than $25 a day.
In the same compound as the Institute is a Zoo. This Zoo holds many different endangered animals. From the Himalayan wolf to the Bengali Tiger, to the famous Snow Leopard. These animals have been hunted to near extinction, and the only thing that keeps them alive is to put them in a 20mx20m cage. Sad story. Maybe we should put those caught hunting these majestic animals in the cage with them. Give them a taste of their own medicine.
Day 4,
Today
Spent today hanging out around Darjeeling with some new friends. Revisited the zoo, totally worth the return trip. Mmmm... Momos are now a new favorite food. I heard this morning that a bomb blast went off in Varanasi, and I just want to let everyone know I am just fine and so are my friends. The only casualty at this point was an 18 month old child, and 32 people injured. It is such a shame that people find violence to be there answer things. Really sad and disappointing.
Head off tomorrow for a jungle safari by elephant and an overnight stay in a treehouse.Pretty sweet deal for $40, plus they throw in three meals as well. Grrreat! Friday we will begin our 2 day journey to Kathmandu. That will most likely be my next update for you folks. Hope your Thanksgivings went well! Say hello to everyone in the families for me!
Yours always,
Craig L. Koller
