Yup you have probably never even heard of Siliguri. I don't recommend visiting. There isn't much to do except wait for the hill train that goes from here up to Darjeeling! So far the traveling has been going pretty well and with no major problems- no trains missed, no flights canceled, we have managed to sort hotel rooms with no problems so far. I am feeling quite exhausted from all the traveling. Today alone we have done an overnight train, two plane flights, plus taxi and auto rides. I finished one whole book just because we have done so much waiting around! But tomorrow morning we head up to Darjeeling which I am really looking forward to. To be honest, the whole touristy thing really isn't for me at all, but I have enjoyed the last few days anyway.
We spent some time in Kerala and went on a houseboat which was fantastic. Really, really beautiful and peaceful. And then we spent some time in Jodhpur, a very 'Indian' place in the sense of the stereotypical culture people think of when they imagine India. I did get to ride a camel there! After Darjeeling, we head back to Delhi and Agra to see the Taj and then to Mumbai to catch our flights home. I am exhausted just thinking about it!
Our last day in Chennai was the best and the worst day. Saying goodbye was terrible, especially to the Jacob's Well girls. There were a lot of tears. It is so hard because you just don't know when you will see them again! The staff did a really nice leaving afternoon for us and we had a huge cake fight. While I was sitting on the train pulling out of Chennai that evening, I realized how un-ready I was to go home. We had been working right up until we left, and my heart and head were still very much wanting to be in Chennai. In that sense, it has been really nice to have this holiday. It gives us a good in-between time and I am now feeling quite ready to come home! A comfy bed, no mosquitoes, three square meals a day...sounds like heaven! And that's without even mentioning the bath.
Anyway, I just figured I would make a quick post for anyone who wanted to know how I am getting on. Looking forward to seeing you all very soon!
Love Kan
