Darjeeling to Amritsar

Yesterday was spent exploring Darjeeling which was very much hindered by the pouring rain but as intrepid traveller's and even more intrepid drivers we set off. First 2 stops were Hindu and Budhist temples high up on Cliff somewhere. Looking out all we could see was cloud so missed the stunning views over to Komchengo and neighboring mountains
Then it was onto the war memorial to the Ghurkas ( Ghorkas in India) it was a beautiful spot and a wonderful statue of a soldier with supposedly a wonderful outlook but we had mist although that made it quite striking.
Alot of Tibetan people were there in their stunning costumes.
More rain and driving along steep narrow roads with no seat belts for us sitting in the middle!
We then went to the " Zoo" which although sad to see the Bengal Tiger pacing up and down in its cage and a bg black bear looking a bit over it.
At the top of the hill was the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which was the highlight and great exhibits of Tenzings pack and icepick and lots of tributes to other mountaineer but Tenzing rightly was the hero of the exhibit. It was nice to see a few photos of Sir Ed.
They had the front page of the English ?Guardian announcing the incredible feat with news being given to the Queen on the night of her coronation. They then mentioned how wonderful the conqueror of Everest was of British " breed" Tenzing though did get a small mention.
Tenzing spent most of his latter years working there
So truly being inspired by these great mountaneers we carried on wandering through the gardens. Occasionally woman would want their photos with you in a selfie and one lady even blessed my shoe..maybe it would help my bunions!
Then it was onto the Tibetan refugee centre where the Dali Lama bought out the refugees from Tibet in 1959 as China was doing land grab and a lot more.
The place is now totally run down and all the young have left but these dear old people are still making crafts and selling them. How they can see in the poor light is a wonder. Of course us girls had to support them so I now have a been to India throw but love it.
With that the day out had ended and we were all very happy to get out of the rain and into the old world comfort of the hotel. Drinks around the pool table before dinner
I was amused the night before as Brian was trying to get the Olympic channel which was quite a mission as you scrolled along to Chanel 450 and no sooner had he settled into watching the sport and then the power would go off so after the 3rd attempt he gave up.
Today we left Darjeeling and still raining but no road blocks today although also no seat belts in the middle.
We stopped at a tea plantation and saw the process of making the tea which was fascinating and of course bought some tea. For any of you drinking tea bag tea let's just say I wouldn't when you see where that tea comes from..basically the floor. We also saw pickers on steep hills harvesting.
We have spent the rest of the day in transit and seeing lots of scanners and security guards.
With all this travel you realise how little you really know of the country and it's history but every day we learn a little bit more.
One highlight at the Delhi airport was that oldies were allowed priority boarding! Who were we to argue that call
We now have arrived to Amritsa a stronghold of the Sikh religion and only 30 km from the Pakistan border.
Just from bus observations it looks a more wealthy city. Tomorrow will be exploring.
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