The flight, keeping up with traditions, was late. Adding to the grief of returning from a vacation, the delay hijacked my plans of shooting Dubai skyline under golden light. Maybe that was too much to as for. As the flight touched down on the tarmac, mobile phone touchpads came alive, and I, officially, was on mundane routine mode. Weather in late March was still pleasant thanks to the rains from cloud seeding.
Weather in Pune the day before however, was hot and unbearable. March, two decades ago seemed a lot cooler. The city had grown exponentially and once again I felt like a foreigner.
The heat was even more severe in Shani Shignapur.
Wheat ready for harvest
But more than the heat, the ride back to Rahuri from the temple in a Force Traveller is what left me perspiring. I happened to be lucky as the last person to board and occupy the front seat which saved my lumbar. Driven by a superman, the vehicle disposed all the craters and speed breakers aplomb at unrealistic speeds shown in the speedometer.
The other leg of this short journey was even more entertaining in the local red bus (not the app). Every single part of the vehicle vibrated at maximum frequency and the aural engagement tested the limits of human perception. Once out of the bus, even the noise of peak evening was tranquility to ears.
Exhausted, I head straight to the lodge room, which fortunately had an A/C. A bit of cooling down and rehydration, I took a stroll to try the newfound love of the fowl in the town and satiated with oily fries, retired early. Thoughtful packing ensured an extra bedspread, which went on top of otherwise stale bed.
The day had been of very humble existence. A simple breakfast of Pohai, vegetarian Punjabi thali for lunch and sinful street food to wind up the day.
The simple, humble, healthier breakfast
As the night thickened, the struggle to tuck my six-foot figure under a bathroom towel was in stark contrast to the heated blanket and duvet in an impeccably clean and luxurious English Cottage in Darjeeling two nights before. Waking up to the sumptuous breakfast spread of toast, bacons, meatballs, omelets, all served by ever so loving Mrs. Plant, that saw us through the late afternoons and to end the day with a late lunch at Glenary’s.
English Cottage in Darjeeling is a destination itself especially for someone who wants to unwind and spend time away from the madness of the town. The property has a charm not found anywhere else in a commercial place. As more and more daily data evades the memory, only Kanchenjunga and English Cottage stays.
Flowers from English Cottage's garden
The living room of our cottage
Beautiful bonsai in the living room
Sunrise from the deck of English Cottage
Sunrise from the deck of English Cottage
A bit of birding
Birding
The last day at Darjeeling was a kind gift from the airline just before it went to bite the dust. Knowing our interests, our host proposed the idea of Lloyd Botanical Garden and it did not disappoint.
The Lloyds Botanical Garden
A walk through the market was an unique experience.
Streets of Darjeeling
The loads we carry
The lifeline at the mercy of politicians which even God's cannot help
An old library
A dry fish seller
Flags at the Monastery
Life line and joy train line
Streets of Darjeeling
The Municipal Building
Mother's love
Japanese Pagoda
Never been to Shanti Stupa in Leh? Fret not.
Japanese temple
Japanese temple
For a change, we had our late lunch at Kunga’s. Absolutely loved the food at Kunga’s and would highly recommend them. But do mind the space constraints and specifically as them to turn down on the spice levels. And also order only what you can eat as the portions are quite large.