Destination: India

Photos: David_photogallery_Kalimpong5

Fri, 25 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Photo Gallery

In Kalimpong a day too long?

Fri, 25 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Views [508] | Comments [1]

I am probably at my lowest ebb yet on this trip. Nothing terrible but I'm feeling a bit lost and lonely.  I could have titlled this blog Facing Mount Kanchenjunga but fear it lacks originality. Yesterday I took a taxi (300 rupees) to the top ... Read more >

Tags: gompas, loneliness, monasteries, mountains, panoramas

Not Facing Mount Kanchenjunga

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Views [488]

Today I asked Kamal, the caretaker at Deki Lodge, where Mount Kanchenjunga lay. Not to my surprise he pointed behind me. So it seems that, unlike the title of one of Sangharakshita's memoirs, I am backing on to Mount Kanchenjunga of which I have only ... Read more >

Tags: resting, rupas, shopping

Photos: David_photogallery_Kalimpong4

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Photo Gallery

Photos: David_photogallery_Kalimpong3

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Photo Gallery

Rock on Kalimpong

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Views [408]

This evening I am peeved. Yet another email from my conveyancing solicitor (I am selling my flat) with news of yet more enquiries from the buyer's solicitors. I'm not fond of any of them at the minute. ANYWAY, today I stumbled upon an event held by ... Read more >

Tags: festivals, gompas, indiginous people, viharas

Delhi

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 | By elcastleberry | Views [578]

The chaos of the developing world, all of its stark contrast, reigns here. A child's grimy hand tugs my skirt. I hear the tap-tap-tap of a woman's fingernail on the taxi window, and turn to see her kissing gathered fingers to her mouth in a begging gesture, ... Read more >

Tags: chaos, culture, delhi, developing world, india, india

It's a Small World (It seems)

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Views [459]

One of the best things about writing this blog is choosing the accompanying photograph. Today it is from the Pineview Nursery where I spent a very pleasant hour or so in the end. It did not start out so well as, having vaunted my new found ability to ... Read more >

Tags: churches, nursery, walks

Photos: David_photogallery_Kalimpong2

Sun, 20 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Photo Gallery

Photos: David_photogallery_Kalimpong1

Sat, 19 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Photo Gallery

Kanchenjunga

Sat, 19 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Views [482]

I have been waking up most mornings around 4-5 am with the sounds and lights of taxis below my 6th (not 5th) floor window as they prepare to take tourists to Tiger Hill to view the sun rise over Kanchenjunga. This morning was no different. Yesterday, ... Read more >

Tags: contemplations, journeys, mountains

Slow Train to Ghoom

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Views [428]

Having aborted my mission to Ghoom the previous day, I was up early and down to the train staion to book my ticket on the Toy Train by 8.30 (ok not early for some). This time the purchase went through without a hitch, though at 1100 rupees the fare seemed ... Read more >

Photos: David_photogallery_Peace_Pagoda

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Photo Gallery

Photos: David_photogallery_Yiga_Choling

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Photo Gallery

Photos: David_photogallery_Ghoom_Shakya_Choling

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 | By davidford | Photo Gallery