I visited a Tea Plantation. Unfortunately because it’s winter the tea factory was closed. I was allowed to wander around the tea gardens which was rather lovely. Darjeeling tea is very specific to this region and has a particular taste that make it a speciality tea.
Like the lemon, there is no truly wild tea plant because it has been cultivated for so long. Anyway tea is a Camellia, (Camellia Sinensis mostly) and it was probably eaten as a vegetable or herb originally. I think the Dutch were the first to bring it to Europe in the 1600’s and India is the largest consumer of tea in the world, followed closely by Turkey I think!
On the way back to the hotel I have short a visit to Ghoom Monastery, the poorest relation of many of the Monasteries I have seen and one of the largest housing up to 60 monks. Reading about it afterwards it’s had an interesting history built in 1875 by a Monk and astrologer, there are conflicts about Buddhist practices here and now its struggling financially. I was allowed to take pictures here of the Maitreya Buddha (I think he’s the future Buddha) seated and about 15 feet tall. There is a faded glory about this place and I left my donation in the hope it will help to retain it. The interior is tired looking much like the Buddha himself, so you must imagine what the others looked like in all their splendour and glory.
Now it’s goodbye to India and I return to Nepal and I wonder what is in store for me next?
The Travelling Bee 
Stunning views. I would think your wishes should come true with Darjeeling tea on offer and maybe a chutney with paneer or something?
Keep safe and well done on the communication 👍
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Hi Debs…..hopefully this will reach you instead of disappearing after last night’s effort only my finger tips weren’t up to re-writing everything again!!
Sorry about Kansar’s name being misspelt as iPads changes word without you noticing so somehow he became a state in the US! It’s a shame you were disappointed with the town of Darjeeling however the up side was the plantation was interesting along with maybe the future Buddha and all the other wonderful scenery……I think this adventure must be one of the most interesting and historical….even if I haven’t laughed as much as when Lee was with you in NZ.!!!
Going back to the mid 1600’s and 1700’s only the rich could afford tea then and now look affordable to most people although maybe not drunk as much as usual due to the astronomical economic price rises. I think my great grandma (different product) had the right of it when using newspaper squares hung on a nail in the outside loo in the back yard instead of the outrageous prices of loo paper…..( for which having heard your description of experience we still have a need to be grateful) to my own grandma;s bungalow where she had infamous boxes of Izal !! Yuk to both.
We are very much enjoying the ride along with you on your journey and I am sure at times may even be a spiritual event…..although you may not think so at the moment.
We are all glad that you are enjoying the up and downs and the quirky ways of a different culture and educating us at the same time
Much love
L xx💖
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Hahahaha, the loo paper made me laugh. I think a bucket of cold water is preferably to Izal or an ink stained bum!
Yes it’s been quite a journey so far!
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