LITTLE BIKER ANKUSH

Amazing Ankush is the son of my close friend Bapi Datta. At his little age of 3+ years, he can effortlessly ride big bikes on busy roads.

Ever since he started walking, his father tried to make him an expert bike rider. We saw Bapi making him sit on the petrol tank of his bike and leaving the handlebar control to him now and then. Gradually, the duration of balancing the bike increased. Initially, he let him ride only on empty roads. Once his control over the bike increased, he let him ride through busy roads. Of course, the foot brake and gear was controlled by Bapi sitting on the pillion seat. Ankush's little feet cannot reach the controls.

Now, in his most outstanding feat, he made a two way trip to the hills of Sevoke and Kalijhora, covering a distance of about 50 kilometres. More so, he made the trip atop a 225 cc Hero Honda Karizma bike, an enormous bike for a 3+ kid.

GPRS & EDGE CONNECTION THROUGH YOUR CELLPHONE

As you all know, travelling is my passion. Another of my passions is the internet. I used to miss the internet a lot during the course of my travellings in remote corners. Yes, mobile internet was available for quite a long time in this region. But they were way too costly. But not any more. There are a number of affordable mobile internet services provided by different service providers like Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Mobile, Tata Indicomm, Vodaphone, etc. And don't underestimate the power of mobile internet. Browsing is not limited to the cellphone screen alone. You can easily connect the cellphone to a laptop or PC through a data cable or a bluetooth connection and browse happily on the big screen.
Hereafter, I am limiting my discussion within this post to unlimited GPRS plans only. Airtel provides the cheapest solution, with their NOP scheme calling for a meagre sum of Rs. 104/- per month. But there is a catch. You will understand it once you expand the name of the scheme. NOP stands for "net on phone". With this scheme, you are allowed to surf on the phone's tiny screen only. If you want to browse in a PC, Airtel has a costlier scheme called Mobile Office which comes at Rs. 498/- a month. However, there is a buzz that there is a wayout hack to get even the NOP connection on PC. The cheapest full fledged unlimited GPRS scheme is from Reliance Mobile. They charge Rs 150/- per month (for prepaid). BSNL has an unlimited GPRS plan of Rs. 199/- only for their postpaid customers. Prepaid customers has to pay 2 paise per kilobyte(KB). The plans for other service providers are slightly costlier.
Next, let us learn about the process of channeling the internet connection from your handset to your PC or laptop. You can use three types of connections, data cable, bluetooth or infrared. The last one is really worthless, for its meagre rate of data transfer. The fastest connection is possible through a USB data cable. Corresponding software depending upon the manufacturer of phone is required. For Nokia phones, there is the Nokia PC suite. For Sony Ericksson phones, they provide the Sony Ericksson PC suite. There is the EasyGPRS software for Samsung phones.

MY FIRST ADSENSE PAYMENT

I never believed my tours and adventures are going to pay me off someday. Yet this unbelieveable has happened. Google has sent me my first payment of 102 dollars (Rupees 4067). I received the cheque today. This adsense program from Google is really great. Now I shall write my blogs with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Do you want to earn some money by writing about your favourite subjects? Then start blogging now. Be patient. Success will come. Contact me if you want to learn more. Cheque out the picture of my cheque yourself.

Biking Expedition: Gurudongmar

Under the leadership of Bholada, from NESPON, Siliguri, a couple of dozens of adventurous guys planned for a pathbreaking adventure to the Gurudongmar Lake, North Sikkim, near the origin of river Teesta. The terrain around Gurudongmar remains snow clad throughout most of the year. We set out in our expedition in the month of August, for the simple reason that the region remains free of snow in that month. Strategically, August falls just after the heavy monsoon and before the onset of winter. We could only hope, but could never be sure, that the torrential rains will stop during our journey.

Most of our bikes were Royal Enfield Bullets. Ours and Somit's were Bazaz Calibers. Two more were from the Hero Honda stable. Only a lone make was a Suzuki Shogun. Our most valued member was Mr. Sahabuddin, ace bike mechanic. Because of his presence in our team, we were free from the tension of a mechanical failure. Spare parts required for every conceivable problem were kept at bay.

After weeks of planning, one fine August morning of 2003, we set out for our journey from the Kanchenjungha Stadium of Siliguri. We took the National highway No. 31. The branch NH 31A runs all the way to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

Gorubathan Dalimfort

Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) has a wonderful tourist bunglow named Parijat Guest House near Gorubathan. It is also known as the Dalimfort Bunglow after the historical fort of the Lepcha king. The Lepcha king, in his struggle against the British army, used this fort on hilltop as his stronghold.
We four friends, along with our families went on a small holiday trip to Gorubathan on 21st January. The Team consisted of myself, Moon, Manas, Arpita, Biswajit, Seema, Sagarda, Gopadi and four kids. We boarded the morning passenger train from Siliguri Town station at 8.30 am. This railroute passes almost wholly through the wilderness of the Terai & Dooars. It is populated with all sorts of wild animals, the elephant being the largest. You can spot an elephant quite frequently or can even collide with one. Its true! Every year quite a handful of elephants die on this railroute by colliding with passing trains.
Just after crossing the beautiful Gulma station we entered the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Crossed the pretty river Teesta at Sevoke. Then we brushed aside the Mongpong picnic spot at the bank of Teesta. Just after Mongpong, we passed through two very dark tunnels at Pilansat. Such are the marvels of this wonderful rail journey.

Alighted at Odlabari station. Called my friend Sujit. He arranged a Mahindra jeep for us to take us to Dalimfort bunglow.

Latpanchar from St. Mary's - 2

We started late from the Rangers' College for our next destination Bagora. We took the path starting at the back of the huge college campus. The path started a steep climb right from the beginning. The sun was shining in all its glory. The sky was ultramarine with only a few wisps of white cloud.
Although we started late, we carried on with no great hurry, savouring our thirsty eyes with the startlingly wonderful surroundings. All of a sudden, we spotted a snake crossing our path. It was medium in size, with a peculiar red band on its head. We halted all of a sudden. Tried to take a snap, but it moved away swiftly and hid itself within the cracks between some rocks.

We moved on, until we reached our targeted landmark, the "Roller Point". Here, the track devides in two, and we were to catch the left hand way. The right hand way leads to Dowhill. The "Roller Point" is named after an abandoned road roller, lying there for many decades. With renewed vigour, we took the left track towards Deorali Busty.

Already late for lunch, we reached Deorali Busty at around 2.30 pm. Finished our modest lunch with vegetable momo stuffed with squash and soyabin chunks. It was the best thing available!
Reached chimney. Rested for a while. Reached Bagora. Called for Tshering Daju, retired forest guard of the forest rest house. He declared that he does not have the authority to provide us accommodation in the forest rest house as he had retired. Nevertheless, he took us to beat officer Mr. Rasaily. Mr. Rasaily turned out to be a very helpful man. He explained us that the main bunglow is undergoing decorations for the arrival of the chief conservator of forests on the next day. So he is unable to allow us in the main bunglow. But he arranged for our accommodation at the new drivers' cottage to the annexe of the main bunglow. It was totally made of wood, wonderful place to stay. Thshering daju arranged for our dinner at a local home. They provided us wonderful tibetan food. Most notable was salad made of Gundruk(dried Rai mustard leaves). The pickle (my favourite) was also delicious.

Latpanchar from St. Mary's - 1

Our stay at the Rangers' College of St. Mary's Hill was largely an accident and we are thankful for that. Our original plan was to stay the first night at Kurseong. The Inspection Bunglow of Electricity Board was booked for us. But in the last moment, at about 3 pm I was kindly intimated that our booking has been cancelled due to the arrival of the honourable Governor of West Bengal, Mr Gopal Krishna Gandhi. I was frantically searching for other places for night stay. I requested my friend Arup(who made the I.B. reservation) to arrange for an alternative place. He then introduced through phone to his colleague at Kurseong who made an alternative staying arrangement in a local hotel. Bata Tapash, one of our friends in the agents' circle, suggested a better place which seemed much interesting to us. On his proposition, we contacted Pankaj, who works in the Ranger's College of St. Mary's Hill, Kurseong. I have never heard of the place before. It was only on Tapash's recommedations that we risked to go there. But the place turned out to be a hidden treasure.
After leaving our office early, we started from our home at 4:30 p.m. in rikshaw. Reached the Jeep/Sumo stand for Darjeeling. It was already late to find a share vehicle. After much searching, we managed to find a Chevrolet Travera which was heading our way. Reached Kurseong via Rohini at around 7.00 p.m. Took a Maruti Omni for Rs. 100 to St. Mary's Hill which is a little above 3 Km. from Kurseong. Therfore at 7.30 pm, we found ourselves staring in awe towards the imposing stone structure of the Rangers' College. The splendid building was constructed by the British some 150 years earlier. Its huge wooden floored corridors reminded us of playfields. They were such huge.
It was one hell of a place to stay. Pankaj was not present then, but he was to meet us on the next morning. He arranged everything for us. All four of us stayed in the same room, two on beds and two on the floor. Having dinner at the huge dining room was another memorable experience. We were the only diners present at such late hours. I found the 'Rasam' to be most delicious, which is a South Indian appetiser soup.
Had a nice walk into the surroundings at dawn. Visited a wotnderful church. Had some tea. Pankaj arrived in the morning. We were introduced to the other staff and the principal of the Rangers' college. Had a long chat with the principal Mr S. K. Mitra. In fact, due to this courtsey visit with the principal, we had to start late for our trek. We started at about 11.45 am for our next destination Bagora.

ELECTRIC CAR (GREENCAR - II)

Remember my first electric baby car last year? Well, I admit that my progress is very slow. But nevertheless, I am going somewhere. In my last post about electric vehicle, I expressed my wish to work on a new project of electric bike.
Well, I tested my first prototype on 22nd June 2006. It was fitted with a motor used for running a windshield wiper for a bus or truck. I tested it with a very small motorcycle battery and it carried me fairly well. The speed is still painfully slow, but I am confident to evolve it into an electric vehicle for everyday use. I mounted the 12 V DC motor over the rear wheel but I think that using a hub mounted motor will improve its performance. Then I realized that the power of my wiper motor is not quite sufficient to carry an adult person. So I kept the electric bike at bay for the time being and concentrated to improve the baby car.

This is the next version of my baby electric car. It is a part of my ongoing projects of electric vehicles. I put the same wiper motor on this baby car. The motor comes with a worm gear pre-fitted with it. Now the motor is sufficient to pull the small car. I used a bicycle chain sprocket assembly for transmission and reduction. It was intended for my friend Samir Baraik's son. But before Samir took it home, my daughter took advantage of the situation. Here is she having a trial joyride on our rooftop.



Please visit my picasa web album to view other photos.

Panighata Top Bunglow

The British tea planters left their sign throughout the Darjeeling hills and the accompanying Dooars area. Panighata is such a place. Its main attraction is an old British bunglow on a hill top and the accompanying deciduous forest. The bunglow is also known as "Saheb Kuthi" or simply "Top Bunglow".
This tour started from Siliguri on 2nd June 2007. Tour convenor was Biswajit who works at a bank at Panighata. Our other members were Parthoda & Sagarda. All arrangements were done by Biswajit, after much anxious persuation by Sagarda.
Went by Sagarda's WagonR car. Kept the car inside Panighata police station. Shyambihari, a worker of Biswajit's bank, accompanied us as an escort to show us to our destination. Languid walking accompanied with much resting took us to the top in 1 hour 30 minutes. We were heartily welcomed at the top by Kaley Tamang, a local resident of Panighata hilltop having his residence nearest to the Top Bunglow.
Fooding and other services were provided by Kaley Tamang. It was a warm day. The Bunglow did not have any electric supply. The wind was very very refreshing. So we decided to spend the night outside on the verandah. Wonderful night view of Siliguri and accompanying plains. Parthoda took a few experimental night shots with my digital camera. Sprinkled carbolic acid (Pheneol) around our sleeping spot as an antidote to keep away snakes. The season being summer, and the spot being an abandoned bunglow, there was every possibility of meeting some snake. Even in the peak summer month of June, the breezy atmosphere was very cool. At night I had to fully wrap myself with a bed sheet to protect myself from the cool wind, which was no longer a breeze.
Went for a dip at the Changa khola rivulet on the next morning. Kaley's son and grandson accompanied us to show the way. The water level was hardly sufficient to drown our bodies. Two of them constructed a small dyke of sorts to enclose the water. The level of water rose a bit to enable us to dip.

Tatopani

Lot of barebodied men of all ages skin dipping in a pool of water. The water is rather warm than hot. An appearance analogous to a fish market, where a large number of live fishes are kept in a barrel for sale. This, in essence was my first impression of the Tatopani hot spring site.
Our next adventure was to Tatopani of Sikkim. Night hault at our earlier favourite place Bijanbari I.B. As usual, our trusted Mahindra jeep was ready for a backbreaking trip. The day was 26th January 2007. Initial plan was to go to Rangpo, Sikkim. After reaching Rangpo, decided to visit the hot spring at Tatopani, at the insistence of our host. He was a contractor of S.E.B. According to him it is a very auspicious, 'must see" place. On the way to the famous tourist spot Peling, it was a calm and serene place on the bank of Rangit. After reaching there, we discovered that the place is a real treat to the eyes as well.
Firstly there is a near vertiginous climb down a narrow flight of steps. Then we had to cross a worn out suspension bridge over the crystal clear river water. Walk for about 200 metres to reach the spot of hot springs. It is a very small pool of water just above the main flow of the river. Hot water overflows from this pool into the river. It was so full of people that we lost the interest of dipping in it. Just above the hot spring, there is a cave. It is considered very auspicious by the local people. Mystic Sikkim at her best!

Mungpoo with Ashok

Ashok is a nice and friendly guy working at our Darjeeling branch. He bought a brand new Maruti Swift car. Previously he was with us at a trip to Mirik, where Debasisda was present, but then he did not have a car of his own. This time we planned to test his new car and also bring back some oranges from the famous orange orchards of Mungpoo. The time was the middle of December (20th December to be precise), peak time for the oranges to ripe.
Myself, Mrinalda and Ashok started off early from Darjeeling. Took a left turn from Jorebangla. We rode on through the quite Peshok road towards Mungpoo.
Gyalshen (Ashok's agent) was waiting for us. He showed us the various attractions around Mungpoo Bazar including the famous Rabindra Bhawan. Various writings, photographs, paintings and artefacts of the world famous Bengali poet are displayed here. Articles used by him are preserved with utmost care.
I had a feel behind the wheels of Ashok's brand new Maruti Swift. Took it to a few fast rounds around the large ground of Mungpoo. Ashok treated us with a modest lunch at a small restaurant overlooking the Mungpoo bus stand. Mrinalda had a taste of the local drink Chhang. After lunch, we set of towards the orange orchards of lower Mungpoo.
Oh, such oranges! Large in size and very tasty. I regretted to have taken so heavy a lunch. I could have stuffed my stomach solely with those oranges. I tried my best to pluck the largest of them. The orchard was located alongside the residence of the owner, on a hill slope. Because of Gyalshen, the owner of the orchard treated us with much respect. He himself showed us the proper way of plucking oranges. Since the orange trees were already sold out to traders, according to local convention, we could eat the oranges there, but could not carry them home. So we bought some oranges from the local market for our homes. They were very cheap there.

Bijanbari & Rammam -2

We set out for Rimbik in the trusted Mahindra jeep after having a nice breakfast at the I.B. The road was backbreaking. The jeepable road was curved on faces of steep slopes above deep gorges. We crossed the Rammam khola river by a very narrow hanging bridge. Few hours of bumpy ride took us to the Rammam hydel project I.B. It was just before lunch time. We secured our rooms and ordered our lunch. Waiting for lunch, we wandered nearby and took photographs of the river Rammam flowing through a deep gorge just below the bunglow. After almost an hour, lunch was served.
Continued our journey to Rimbick. Old memories kept on coming. Tried to compare the present Rimbick with the past. Visited Sherpa Hotel. It seemed more beautiful. Went to visit the home of Arup's co-worker.

Bijanbari & Rammam -1

Arup is now my closest friend at Darjeeling. He works as an assistsnt engineer at WBSEB, Darjeeling. He took me & Asis Biswas(Bank Babu) to a wonderful trip to Bijanbari, Rammam & Rimbick. We spent the two nights of the wonderful weekend at the Inspection Bunglows of Bijanbari & Rammam respectively. We started after saturday office on 14/10/2006. Three of us took a trip on a commander jeep service from Darjeeling to Bijanbari. In this journey we climbed down by a very nasty road along the hilly route on the hill facing the town of Darjeeling. We found that Bijanbari is at a much lower altitude than Darjeeling. Temperature is much warmer and comfortable. Arup's collegue and friend, Mr. Maity welcomed us there. He showed us the Incpection Bunglow(I.B.) which was our place of stay for the night. The I.B. was small but quite cosy and homely. Even at the late evening, Maity took us on a visit to the tiny Bijanbari hydel power plant. We went there in his official jeep. He also took us to the catchment area for the water which runs the power plant. It was a lovely place flanked by an orange orchard on one side and a steep hill on the other. The gushing water gleaming in the moonlight was a lovely sight.
Early next morning, we all went for a walk to have a glimpse of the surroundings. The I.B. appeared to be residing atop a ridge, flanked by mountain streams on both sides. The two streams meet to form a wider river after just a hundred feet or so. On the other bank of the left stream, a chilling plant of HIMUL milk and a trekkers' hut can be seen right from the bunglow ground. Firstly we searched the bazaar area and had hot tea and "nimki". We crossed the wider river by a hanging bridge and went to venture the other side. There was a big banyan tree on the other end of the bridge. Beyond the banyan tree, a stony path goes winding through tea plantation area. Lot of birds could be seen there.

Mirik from Darjeeling

On 9 th September'05 I went to Mirik with Debasisda. Although I had been to Mirik from Siliguri several times, this was the first time I went to Mirik from Darjeeling. Firstly, the scenic beauty of the route is breathtaking, one of the most wonderful in this region. Secondly, we had the program of night stay at Mirik, which I had never done before. Our friend and fellow colleague Ashok Rai went there on the previous day to make arrangements. He works as a Development Officer in our office. One of his objectives was to arrange a business meeting of his agent organisation. The other objective was travel.

The morning was as bright as it ever could be! The bright sunlight and fresh morning air was intoxicating. Me and Debasisda stopped at several places to savour the flavours of nature. Greenery of the purest colours covered both sides of the road. The large conifers such as Cryptomaria(Dhupi) and Pines were at their most virgin colours. Some stretches were covered with a very small and slender species of bamboo. This particular bamboo is used for ornamental hedges and is also the favourite food of the Red Panda. Black rocks mottled with the white and grey lichens give ample proof about the freshness of the atmosphere.

We saw some uprooted conifers on the roadside before Simana. Simana is the border with our neighbouring country Nepal. Pashupati is a market place on the other side of the border. Here you can find winter clothings at a bargain. A strong wind passed through the area on the previous night. Few trees were uprooted and the electric supply of quite a large area on the hills were in jeopardy.

We passed the well-known Okayti tea estate where my friend Mukul works as the garden manager. Before long, we reached the lakeside picturesque town of Mirik. Ashok was very enthusiastic about our visit. He promptly met us at lakeside Krishnanagar and took us to "Sadbhavna" hotel where our room was booked. Soon, ashok took us to a quick tour to a large Buddhist monestery overlooking the hill station. Major expansion work was going on at the monastery. It was standing with all its splendour of rich brown and golden colours. We had a panoramic view of the Mirik lake from its terrace.

Next, Ashok took us to a very remote location with a bird's eye view of large surrounding area. He started to identify and describe the far off hilly locations to me and Debasisda. After his description, I started to fill in the gaps with a lot more detailed information about the terrain. I started to tell the facts about many a nook and corner. Ashok was quite impressed to learn about the depth of my personal experience. Then he pledged ignorance about the limitations of his travelling compared to mine.

All afternoon I had nothing to do when Ashok & Debasisda were busy in a meeting with some field workers in the hotels conference hall. So I spend the afternoon reading a book and taking a small nap.

We spent the evening together, crossed to the other side of the lake. Had a wonderful dinner at a small inn of Ashok's choice. He is a frequent customer there.
Started our return journey on the next morning. Visited Mukulda's bunglow at Okayti. Visited Jorpokhri lake. Took a brilliant shot of the swimming swans. Joined office just in time.

Tiger Hill Trek

On May 2006, just before the onset of the monsoon rains, we did a wonderful one day trek to the Tiger Hill near Darjeeling. Tiger hill is a popular sunrise point visited by large hoards of tourists. The trek started at 6.00 am from our Darjeeling residence at Toong Soong. We were four in the team. Myself and my Darjeeling friends Srikanta, Poulami & Moumita. We passed through the Senchal protected forest and also bypassed the Senchal lake. Its a pity, we did not see any wild animals except some mischieveous monkeys and birds. Most of our trail near the top passed through dense outgrowth of a species of very small bamboo plants. These bamboo shoots are the favourite food of the red panda. Since all the other members were first-timers in the world of trekking, we walked in a very leisurely manner. Thus we reached to the top of Tiger Hill in four hours. At 10 am, we did not find any tourists since they left just after sunrise. The weather was pleasant with a totally overcast sky. On the top, we made wonderful sandwitches made of mayonese, tomato, onion & cucumber slices. We also had some fruits and boiled eggs.
We are thinking about of some more treks of this type.

Tukvar Puttabong

Sagarda came to Darjeeling on one of his frequent visits. Though he came here on official trips, he always had time to spare. He stayed mostly at the Plaza Hotel. On his insistence, I had to stay with him at the hotel many a time. But this time he decided to stay at my place.

We decided to go on a short trek to Tukvar Puttabong, on the Sikkim side slope of Darjeeling. On 4th August 2006, we took a Maruti omni car which dropped us at the entrance of Tukvar Puttabong Tea Estate. Met the accountant with reference from my friend Supriya Biswas. He worked here once before joining LIC. The accountant showed us around. Outside the factory, there was a big sign announcing a declaration. It states that the tea from this factory made a world record by fetching a record price of Rs. 10,001/- per kilogram on the year 1992. The tea garden and factory themselves were heritage sites since they were established back in 1852.

Started our downward walk. Went to the base of ropeway tower. Started our upward walk towards Darjeeling. Chewed some dry fruits such as cashewnuts and raisins. It was a warm day. I was exhausted and sweating profusely. After a few kilometres walk, we got aboard a pickup van from the Tea Estate. Came back to Darjeeling.

Greencar (Electric Car)

Most weekends I return to my original home at Siliguri, in the foothills, about 80 kms from Darjeeling. Here I carry on my other hobby (other one is travelling) of tinkering with technology. My love of hobby engineering goes back to my school days, when I used to participate in different science fairs.
20th May 2006 was a memorable day in this regard. On this day I completed the first prototype of my Green Car (Electric Car). It runs on a 12 Volt DC motor and power is supplied by a 12 volt lead acid motorcycle battery. This is my first success after many days of trial and error. Although it is only kid size(designed for my two year old neice), I plan to make a bigger version in the near future. I will carry on with its development in the coming days.

Thats my cute little niece Rimjhim driving the Green Car on our roof.

Along with this, I am starting work on my next project which will be an electric bike.

Ousted from my room

After quite a few months of stay, I realised that my room partner Varun is a strange guy. How could I make such a grave mistake? How could such misappropriation occur in my judgement? It could be due to my desperate urge to leave the hotel as soon as possible. This guy had the habit of making a lot of promises and commitments, but fulfilling very few. The very habit which I despise very much. However, I was still managing to coexist peacefully with him. But the most offensive incidents occured after his marriage was fixed. Firstly, he invited me to attend his marriage ceremony as a 'borjatri' and also his reception ceremony (boubhat). He also asked me to confirm my attendance so that he can book tickets and make arrangements for me. I confirmed that I will be unable to attend the reception, but will surely attend the marriage ceremony. Then he went to his home to make the arrangements. But when he returned back a few days before his marriage, he blatantly stated that my invitation to his marriage ceremony is cancelled and he will be unable to take me as a 'Borjatri'. I was stunned but could'nt mouth a word of protest. I accepted it rather sportingly.
The next incident occured after his marriage. I was at my home at Siliguri, as usual, during the weekend. He just informed me that he was on his way back to Darjeeling. I invited him to visit my home at Siliguri, since it will fall on his way. He said that he is currently visiting his friend at Bagdogra(a mere 8 km from Siliguri) and he will visit my home in the evening. I waited for him but he did not turn up. I was'nt surprised much since I was somewhat accustomed to his character. But he did not mention anything about his wife. On the next day I returned to Darjeeling. After a tiring journey and a full day's work at office, I returned to my room. A great surprise was waiting for me there. On my knock, the door was opened by an unknown woman! Just think of it, an unknown woman in our bachelor's apartment! Varun appeared after a few moments and shyly introduced her as his wife. I was both stunned and shocked at this situation. I was fast considering my options about where to stay the night. I stepped inside the room to encounter more shocking sights. Both the rooms were filled with alien objects. Even my bed was dumped with them. It seemed that they had brought the whole lot of marriage gifts with them. After the brief introduction, I changed my dresses. Then I excused myself and went to Srikant's room. Srikant offered me to stay with him in his room. But I acted stubborn. I wanted to show Varun that I also have right to that room. So I decided to stay right in my room until an amiable agreement is reached.
So that night I stayed in my room along with the couple in the other room. It was embarrassing for all of us. On the next day, when other friends learnt about the situation, two of them also offered me to stay with them. One of them was Debasisda, our ABM, and the other was Rupen, who is an LIC agent by profession. But after considering the facts, I accepted Srikant's offer, since thus I could continue my fooding at the mess. So I stayed the next part of my stay in Darjeeling in Srikant's room. I continued staying in his room till the end of February 2006 when he came with his wife after marriage.

Sherpa lodge

But I was waiting for my first opportunity to leave this place and move on to a better place where I can breath easily and move freely. In other words, have more freedom. The opportunity came at the end of the first month. At the end of may, one of my new friends, Dr. Srikanta(more of him later) informed me that there is a vacant room at a nearby house which may be just the thing I want. The house is called "Sherpa Lodge".
Subirda(One of my hotel acquintances) introduced me to Srikanta and suggested us to live in a single flat on sharing basis. But Srikanta was looking forward towards a marital knot as soon as possible. So he was unwilling to share a room for just a short period. However, he helped a lot in acquiring another room just opposite to his.
One fine evening, me & Varun (one of my hotel acquintances) moved on to our new home at Sherpa Lodge. It was a cosy little two room apartment constructed entirely of wood. We started staying here from the beginning of June. Sherpa lodge is quite a large house having five storeys occupied almost entirely by people of the academic community, mostly teachers & students. We got our room on the 3rd floor. Srikanta was staying in the room just opposite to ours. So our households carried on as a "milijuli sarkar". Here is a view of my room with Srikanta and Dibyendu from Jalpaiguri.

Begin exploring Darjeeling

My exploration of Darjeeling began right on the first month of stay. I have greedily noticed that one of my office colleagues, Mr Dorje Lama, owns a battered Yamaha bike. Nothing could be better than this and also beggars cannot be chosers. It reminded of my own trusted bike which I could not take to Darjeeling due to some problems. So I coaxed him one day to take me to a joyride. The weather was fantastic. I just took my trusted Sony camera with me.
We quickly crossed the North Point (near Saint Joseph School) and continued further forward. The surroundings gradually changed from urban to the rural and the conjested and overcrowded streets of Darjeeling gave way to open horizon. Soon we passed the enormous pillars of the now defunct Darjeeling Ropeway. I was thrilled at the change of the surroundings so soon! The undulating sea of tea plantation on our left stretched to the horizon. The slopes descended to enormous depths, on whose precipice there seemed to exist a river. Dorje Lama told me that the river marks the border between West Bengal & Sikkim. Then it mus be thr Rangit. All land beyond the river belongs to Sikkim. Instantly I decided to visit Sikkim through this way sometime in the future.
We went to the Lebong football ground and watched an ongoing football match. Football is a very popular sport in these hilly regions. I had often seen boys and girls walking several hours from faraway villages just to watch a football match. One can have a view of the Toong Soong approach of the Darjeeling Mall from this football ground. Then we carried on further through the desolate road towards Lebong.