Tasty tea, amazing animals and a birthday bash in Darjeeling!

January 3, 2013 by Karen

Tasty tea, amazing animals and a birthday bash in Darjeeling!
We finally arrived in Darjeeling after a delayed plane and a few road blocks.
It was a relief to arrive at our beautiful hotel, The Mayfair .
Our first morning in Darjeeling was spent at the zoo.
Some visitors were more interested in us than the animals!
After the zoo we headed for the plaza and main street to have a look around.
Some of the gorgeous locals sunning themselves in the plaza.
Waiting for Our dinner at The Park

Our second day was Leslie’s birthday.

Les celebrated his birthday in style with lots of hand shakes and a Khata from the staff. I am sure you can guess who gave him the glasses!

Is that Burt Newton or Dame Edna?

We spent the birthday morning walking down to ‘The Happy Valley Tea Estate ‘ where we had an amazing free tour.
Saw this for you Cal!
Tasting some great Darjeeling tea!
The birthday boy seems pleased with his cup of tea.
We needed a rest on the way back up the hill. It was a good excuse to take some photos.

The birthday boy was a little concerned when he saw where his surprise birthday activity would take place!!

More birthday greetings and another Khata.
Les relaxed after we told him we were going to do a momo cooking course.
We were given the comments books to read while we drank tea and waited for the course to begin.
This was my favourite.
Les and Nick with Rumba before he set off to the pub!
A special apron for the birthday boy.
Lily, our patient and encouraging teacher!
The finished product, our vegetable momos ready to be steamed!
Ready to be eaten!
Sampling the local homemade millet beer!
Back at the hotel a cake was waiting for us!
The mist finally cleared up for us on our final morning. It was great to be able to enjoy the spectacular view of Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world.
No roof rack so some one had to sit in the back of the car with the luggage!

I love Indian traffic signs and saw one of my best ones ever on the way back down to the Bagdogra airport. Unfortunately I did not get a photo of it.

Hurry Burry

Spoils the curry!

We sadly left Danielle in Kolkata where she waited for her flight to Phuket. Next stop for the four of us was Varanasi….

 

Comments

  1. Les Condon says:

    Unforgettable trip and birthday. Your blog captures it really well. Great photos and comments. Thanks Nick and Karen for your patience and terrific organizing ability and guiding us through the trip and making my birthday so special. I thought Lily was going to be a belly dancer. I’m glad she turned out to be a great cook and teacher.

  2. Mmm, momo…wish I could have some right now!

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