Is this India - Where are we?

Thought that we'd set you a challenge this evening. We have had the most extraordinary un-Indian day. Brilliant, not only as we are somewhere pretty special, but because it feels so unlike the India we have come to call home for the past 2 months that we really do feel like we are on holiday.

So - some clues:

The journey from Kalimpong was stunning. Running alongside the Teesta river, the road took us up gorges and through valleys where tropical appeared to meet jungle next to a boulder strewn torrent of what looked like crystal fresh water. Vibrant flowers and vivid greens assault our eyes. It's as beautiful a journey as we have done so far.

We arrived to the most extraordinary sight. I say that, but had it been the UK, then I might have thought that we were on Swansea high street or similar. A pedestrian zone, litter bins, modern shops, and so clean. It felt very awkward while at the same time so very familiar! So much so that we escaped into a distinctly western cafe for a hazelnut latte! The plot thickens.

It's Diwali, the next religious festival in the Indian calendar. So where we are, as lovely as it is, resembles somewhere between a flower shop and a war zone. Thousands of garlands of marigolds are displayed for sale to decorate houses much as we would put up Christmas decorations. At the noisier end of the spectrum, massive bangers on sale to tiny kids are set off constantly. Grown men grin like children as they light huge red sticks and throw them from their doorways into the street. I think Sarah has shell shock, while tinnitus is setting in for me. The effect is not unlike a night in Al Amarah in Iraq! The little buggers will very happily throw lit ones in your path for fun (no malice though!), and as it got dark they started their own version of Guy Fawkes night. I pity the poor chap being accused of being responsible for the M5 crash on bonfire night last year when you see the utter recklessness that takes place here. Catherine wheels, rockets, and Roman candles set off not in some cordoned area as you might expect, but instead in people's doorways. The ensuing dance as they try to escape the errant missiles is simply hilarious...

We're now in a lovely restaurant. The best so far on our trip in fact, which is matched by the prices. Some of the main courses are nearly £3! It's named after a common type of orange, and the hue on the walls is similar. On arrival I thought that perhaps we were entering a night club. Down five floors from the entrance, towards the sound of 'Offspring' rattling out one of their heavier tracks. We're sitting on the floor on cushions picking from a menu which ranges from bamboo shoots, fiddle head fernshoots and nettle cottage cheese through to fish and chips and creme caramel...

Most importantly we are relaxed and looking forward to the next few days off. We are heading somewhere pretty spectacular so watch this space for photos!

Now, where are the Wallies?

Pictures:

Marigolds everywhere outside the town's main market...

Coloured powders add to the lovely variety of colour here.

Sarah admires the first public litter bin and pedestrianised street (they actually adhere to this rule!) we have seen in 2 months...