Darjeeling, A home a way from homes:)

Darjeeling was an amazing trip and we were sad to leave! I think we all loved the familiar climate, semi - cleanliness and serenity we miss so much from our normal lives. To be completely honest, the traveling to and from Darjeeling was terrible but the spectacular views made the trip more than worth it:) The first day we got there was kind of shot b/c we took the 11 hour overnight train to NJP (the local train station) and then from there we had to hire a jeep that took us up the mountain to Darjeeling - lots of sharp corners and hills but the dramamine kept us alive! So we arrived in Darjeeling in the evening and went to schedule our white water rafting and our 4 day trek. That night we met some fellow travelers from Australia and Denmark and they decided to meet us in the morning to go white water rafting. So the next morning at 7:00 AM we got into another jeep that drove us to the start of the white water rafting which was another 2 1/2 hours ride and we broke down along the way which added another hour but it wasn't bad b/c the town happened to have an awesome look out point:) White water rafting was sooo sooo much fun - we were a little hesitant at first b/c our 'guides' were 10-14 years of age - thank gosh the other guys we met the night before were with us! We are hoping to avoid any more jeep rides for the rest of the trip - on the way down the mountain Danielle said "No matter how many times you feel like you are going to die you just never do!" This is something we can laugh about now and to all of our parents - these drivers are absolutely insane and crazy but they are good at it, if that makes any sense!

The next day we did all of our shopping - and we bought lots and lots of scarves and the famous tea Darjeeling is known for. We also went to the Tibetan Refugee Center and that was also one of our favorite days. The Tibetan refugees explained the conflicts going on with China and Tibet which helped us realize why they lived and Darjeeling and how happy they were to have a home. They had several workshops around the center with elders hand-making shoes, boots, purses, sweaters, paintings, woodcrafts and beautiful rugs! We bought several handicrafts from the refugees and all of the profits went straight to them! They were all so nice to us!

The next morning we got up and headed out for the trek - the first day wasn't to bad only 11 km and several stops for tea and snacks, our guide was very good to us. The first night as we walked across the road to dinner we looked up into the dark night and saw the most amazing stars any of us had ever seen! The next day we went 19 km which wasn't terrible but the last 5 km was very steep and gave us a run for our money. The 2nd night was the coldest but we also had the most amazing views of some of the tallest peaks in the world including mt. everest - the views were breathtaking! We took lots of pictures and can't wait to show everyone! The last day we trekked 22 km and it was supposed to be the easiest b/c it was downhill - to our surprise it seemed to be the hardest b/c our legs were weak from the first 2 days! But we finally made it too our destination and what an accomplishment! The week was a success - relaxing but challenging at the same time leaving us with a sense of accomplishment! We are now back in Kolkata getting ready to start volunteering at the Mother House on Friday. Hope all is well in the states and I miss all of you and can't wait to see you on Turkey Day! xoxo B