The saga continues

Well, after 5 days without electricity but with intense cold in Darjeeling, Mom and I descended down the mountain to prepare for her departure. We stayed at a very interesting, very black-mold infested, hotel in Siliguri. But since there was 1) electricity, 2) warm weather, and 3) foam mattress beds...we were very happy.

I ended up flying out about 15 minutes before mom did. Our original plan was for me to drop her off, watch her fly away, then head over to the train station and take the overnight train down to Calcutta. However, three things happened. First, there was a major bombing of a train in Western India. Very far away, but I know my father and know that he would have flown all the way from the US just to kick my butt. Second, I had been given many lectures by my Indian friends about the dangers of train travel alone (although I kind of enjoy it). Third, the flight to Calcutta was so delayed at the airport that I would be leaving after mom anyway. Didn't totally work out like that, but at least it was close.

It was very hard to say good bye to mom. She has been an amazing travelling companion during these past four weeks. More amazing than all the OTHER travel buddies I've had. So ladies and gentlemen, if you ever need to go on a trip somewhere...take her! Although be prepared for her to ask you to tie her shoes once in a while as a sign of respect.

So I'm now down in Calcutta. Its warm--low 80's as compared to the 20's and 30's of Darjeeling--and I've been spending most of my time sleeping (had a fever the last two days) and working on a paper for my committee. I am heading to breakfast to meet a friend of a friend and then head to the West Bengal State Archives for a few hours. Then back to the hotel, nap and shower, then out to a movie with some other friends. Luckily, I love Bollywood films (ok, not all of them...but some are brilliant). We're going to see Guru tonight.

Don't have much else to report here. I'm heading back up to the Darjeeling area on Sunday. I have a few things to pick up before I go all the way up the mountain, but then I should be there for the next few months. I so prefer Darjeeling to anywhere else (it is home afterall!), and I don't really like to leave unless overwhelmingly compelled to do so.

That's it. I'm off to Park Street for breakfast. Stay well and keep the emails coming. I can often read them, but not respond!

Chelsea