Darjeeling

Next major stop was Darjeeling. Darjeeling was originally a hill station, and became rather well known for it's teas. It's situated at 7000ft, and is where my Grandparents lived and worked as school teachers (and principal) for 25 years. My Dad was born here, so we spent five or six days back in his home.

Tea Gardens

Darjeeling is growing and the city's infrastructure struggles to keep up.

This is a common occurrence all over India, and it's equally common to see elderly women so stooped they look as though they're still carting invisible boxes on their backs. 

We were lucky to catch a glimpse of the Himalayas while we were there! March isn't the best time of year for spotting them but we made the most of the small opportunity given to us. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain on the planet and is only 800ft or so smaller than Everest. 

Finn just before a case of food poisoning. 

Ghoom Monastery. Ghoom is a neighbouring town to Darjeeling. 

Alex and Finn at the Monastery.