Darjeeling

For the past week I've been living in Darjeeling, a hill station famous for its views of the Himalaya. A view that until today was denied to me by some very English weather. Fortunately, the town has plenty of stuff to do and can get pretty lively. The town has a big Ghurka population who want an Independent State. Theres always demonstrations and strikes going on, and the odd political assignation is'nt unheard of either. My local bar that plays Hendix, Stones, Doors etc, has a doorman outside armed with an old Lee Enfield rifle! Not sure why, nowts happened yet, guess Ghurkas just like guns and knives, must be why the British Army like to employ them.



In the Darjeeling Planters Club, with temporary membership! A place with hunting trophies on the wall, tea on the table and a slight wiff of Empire in the air. Ended up playing snooker with some guys that were on 'The Rickshaw Run'. A race in rickshaws from Kerala in the south to Kathmandu! I won, so 1-nil to the bikers:)



Tibetan Refuge, where Tibetan exiles make carpets, textiles and handicrafts.



Young monks. I'd like to think they know at least some kung-fu.



View from Tiger Hill, with Darjeeling in the fore ground and Kanchenjunga in the background. Kanchenjunga is the 3rd highest mountain in the world, and I can confirm that its fucking massive! Its 60miles away in the picture! Also saw Everest, zoom wasn't strong enough.



Me and Kanchenjunga. Apologies for the hat, but its cold in the Himalaya in winter. Who'd have thought it!