It took 4 1/2 hours to cross the border from
Pakistan to India; these countries have much
antipathy towards each other. We witnessed the damage due to riots and
chatted to locals about the situation. Reports of self-immolation by
students protesting about college numbers based on caste system. The main
dangers on the road were sacred cows and the Tatas; trucks driven by
suicidal maniacs. Despite it's size, there always seemed to be people;
there was never any sense of privacy. India is hard work but it has many
wonders; temples are strewn all over. The Hindu religion is fascinating.
The Taj Mahal is breath taking. The overland trip then headed for
Nepal; the last stage of the trip.
From
Nepal we headed back to
India for a classic British India experience. Darjeeling is the hill
resort which is famed for it's tea and toy train. The English stayed here
to avoid the worst of the summer heat. An express train took us from
Darjeeling to Calcutta. This incredible city crawls with life. I remember
a large black rat walking down the stairs of our hostel as we ate
breakfast. Cricket is the main sport; every open space was taken with
cricket games. We were tempted to visit the Andamen islands but instead
flew to
Thailand.
Our Honeymoon continued from
Singapore
as we flew to Leh via Delhi. Leh, capital of Ladakh, is set at 3500m and
is over looked by a Buddhist monastery. The area is unique with a strong
Tibetan influence. We survived the 8 day Markha Valley trek; the altitiude
made it hard work but the stark scenery was stunning. The last few days
were spent visting Agra and chilling out in 5 star luxury in the amazing
city of Delhi.
