Travel Journal

Yet another strike in Bengal, by all accounts a regular event and of course just happens to be during the last few days I have left in India. This has meant having to leave Darjeeling 2 days earlier and go down into the hot plains to be close to airport. Siliguri the town where I now find myself is described in the Lonely Planet as ' vibrant, crowded trading hub.........jumping off point for north west states, for most travellers ( except me!) Siliguri is an overnight transit point........" I've seen little evidence of any vibrancy and as with any transit place, be it a town, station or airport its largely about filling in time.

All those loyal readers of this blog will undoubtedly have already formed some sort of picture regarding the diversity of people and culture, I realise I'm running the risk again of repeating myself but have to say that when most people visit India they are guaranteed to see some unbelievable sights that will amuse, sadden, disgust and astound - living up to the national slogan "Incredible India'. Love it or loathe it and sometimes both! one thing for sure - never a dull moment. Just when you think you've found a nice quiet space - lo and behold up pops either a curious group of children, lonely goatherd or wandering cow to shatter the peace!!.

What have been the challenges?? - just a few! recently its been the heat especially the double whammy of coping with 'time of your life flushes' and electricity cuts when the fan stops working!.

What has been learnt? - alot! particluarly about trust- 99% of those Indians I approached for help didn't fail to be as helpful as they could ( though including map reading in their school curriculum would be so good !).

What were the highlights ?- too many to mention !

Worst time ? you've guessed it - bout of D&V

Any future tips?

Get motorbike and driver - especially for Rajasthan and see the real India

Visit in months of Sept, Oct or Nov

Get your head around the train booking system before leaving UK

Dont ever lose your sense of humour - you'll need it for those wonderful moments in dealing with Indian logic!

And finally....If you are the sort of person who has to be organised, in control,have everything well planned in advance and feel compelled to stick to your plan then India will sorely test you and iron out any traces of inflexibility in your character. At times you will have little option but to capitulate to the Indian way with all its wonder, frustration, bewilderment and learn to live with uncertainty. If you can do this the rewards are plenty.

There have been many contrasting experiences from the magnificant historical sites within Rajasthan to the relative tranquility of the Keralan backwaters. Above all it has been the people who will make the most lasting impression, whether walking through the busy markets or sitting on a crowded bus - making eye contact with those shy Indian ladies and then watching as their faces light up with a friendly smile. And there has been alot of smiling going on over these past 4 months - what could be better than that?

The End!!