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(06/24/10 (Suzanna and Richard) 

What beautiful scenery and cooler temperatures we enjoyed on a recent trip to Darjeeling, India!  It took only three days to make the journey, using trains, auto-rickshaws, airplanes, buses, taxis and jeeps.   Darjeeling is located nearly 7000’ high in the Himalayan foothills with a gorgeous view of the Himalayan mountains.



We have enjoyed Darjeeling tea for many years.  Who would have thought we would someday go there and see tea being harvested and then buy tea on location?

We enjoyed an afternoon of walking the narrow streets and browsing in shops.
 

Near Darjeeling is a well-maintained zoo with a variety of Himalayan wildlife, such as bears, wolves, leopards, red pandas, deer and tigers.


This zoo had the very rare Himalayan Red Panda


From the zoo we could see Darjeeling spread across the Himalayan foothills.

Behind the zoo was a Mt Everest expedition training center and museum, which contained the climbing equipment from the first ascent of Mt Everest.

After a visit to the zoo and Mt Everest museum, we enjoyed parched corn from a street vendor.
  

Our hotel had a lovely view of the mountains as well as lovely gardens with statues and ornaments.

As with many South Asian countries, our country is experiencing increasing political unrest.  On the last leg of our return trip home, the window of our train was shattered by a rock!  Loud arguments erupted along with shoving and one man slapping another as they accused opposite political parties of being responsible.  Thankfully, no one was injured.

Penny found herself a corner where the “cool” air from the fan hits her better!