Trains and Mountains

Part 1

I`m writing this blog from the back of a jeep to Darjeeling. After these 2 minutes I already suspect it will be an interesting journey. For once I have an excuse for poor spelling. The road is a bit bumpy for touch screen typing.
We've just experienced Indian trains for the first time and aren't they a million miles away from Virgin Trains? Imagine a first class compartment, air conditioned, beds, blankets and a ready supply of Chai tea and coconuts.
And now put in a lot of people. The king of the area was our neighbour who talked, advised, lectured, ate, then declared at 9pm that it was bedtime, put down the bunks, here are your sheets, turn off the light please.
Now also add into the mix the constant hawking of goods. We made a list of 32 things its possible to buy. This includes toe nail clippers, screwdrivers, religious statues, etch-a-sketch and string. I wonder how many people buy these things?
Now put in some cockroaches and a mouse and two girls, feet up on the seat to avoid them. The girls check their shoes before putting them on.
And then its time to sleep only to find the king is not only a burper but a snorer too. And what a cacophony of snore sounds he has too. You get used to one tone and then he surprises you with another. If he is married I'm certain his wife hasn't slept for years. We were, however, early which is more than British Rail can manage. And it gives you such good stories and slightly hysterical laughter. The next train we are due to take was supposed to be sleeper class (lower). We are changing our tickets. You know, I did not intend to write so often but there is so much to say. But now: on with the journey.
(Posted and corrected a couple of days later)

Part 2


Now we are in Darjeeling. Quite a weird town. To look at the view is incredible...Himalayas, snowy peaks, tea fields. B-e-a-utiful.
And then you smell it. Not the fresh mountain air you'd expect but a noxious mix of car fumes and wet tarmac. So much for escaping the bad air of Kolkata.
It's ok though. Today we went trekking...away from town. And the air was good, although I would have liked a little more oxygen. And fitness. Note to self: get some stamina before Nepal or I might die and I'm too young for a heart attack.
We've made some friends here and they came trekking with us. We pretty much split into two groups: the guides, the Indian man and the German (who we've named Tom-Tom in honour of his in-built GPS)  were the athletes and miles ahead of us. The artist (us, and a couple of Slovenians, architect and sculptor) were slooooooow and stopped every few minutes for photos, eye-spy and fairytales. We are serious hikers, no?
And then back to Darjeeling in a tiny van that played The Venga Bus at full volume. Party bus. Whoop!!
And now, as we can't walk, I post two blogs in one as we sit wrapped in blankets. Cold here. Shiver.