My home Darjeeling- Alison's Story

All of us feel like we are looking for our home and sometimes end up finding a place that stays with us for the rest of our life! What happens when you find a city that you can call your home and connects with you in ways that no one but you alone can understand! Alison talks about finding her love and much more in Darjeeling. 

“Who knew that my simple quest of Darjeeling tea would inspire me to stay in Darjeeling!” said Alison who decided to travel to Darjeeling, India after her retirement. She had decided to travel all the way to Darjeeling which is a tiny hill station amidst the Himalayan hills. It is considered as the hidden gem in the northern part of India. Alison was tired of the commercialized “natural cities” and desired to explore the “unexplored” in her words. She found solace in the unexplored hills of Darjeeling and moved to this Himalayan bliss from America. “I had done my research on Darjeeling before coming here and I still remember one particular book that described Darjeeling tea as the champagne of the east that has sophisticated, complex flavors with hints of apricots, peaches, Muscat grapes and toasty nuts. Well that description had completely blown my mind and I could not imagine watching the clouds hovering beneath me on a mountain while I relish my cup of tea. Well that is exactly what I do every single day, I love it so much.” She says that Darjeeling is so much more than its fragrant tea, especially during the night the tiny town turns to exceptional space that transcends every idea of beauty that she ever learnt. “The city has an exceptional quality to make you fall in love every single day.”

Beautiful Mornings!

Serene Life
Found on idiva.com

Darjeeling is a tiny isolated city in the far northern part of India located among the high mountain peaks amidst the Himalayas. The closest place to reach Darjeeling is ‘Bagdogra’ which is a 2 hour flight from Delhi. There are tall Sal trees and white fields of tea along the picturesque landscapes and mountains. “I still remember my first visit; cycle rickshaws, bicycles, goats, long trees and typical tiny houses on the mountains. I was apprehensive about the climate during the summers but I was pleasantly surprised with an average 20 degree Celsius temperature which was perfect for me. $250 for a beautiful rented house of 3 rooms and food was like a dream come true for me.” When asked about the medicinal facilities Alison says “I like how there are private doctors who pay visits and the availability of private clinics makes it really convenient for me. I really like how my body has responded to the natural environment and I have hardly fallen sick. I really like meditation and yoga so I make it a point to join these small clubs that practice yoga every morning on the hills near my home. There are Buddhism schools and mediation retreats at Dali monastery. I will definitely try enrolling there.”  There are several opportunities in Darjeeling like teaching in schools that are attached to monasteries. Dali Monastery in Darjeeling has a lot of foreign teachers. It is easy and convenient to open a bank account in Darjeeling with a passport. The price to buy a land depends on the distance of the land from the township. Pole unit is used to measure the area which is 272 sq. ft. The price ranges approximately from $ 40 to $ 250 per sq. ft. The locals are friendly and peace loving which makes this place really safe.

Found on guioteca.com

Found on corbisimages.com

 When asked about her favorite delicacies of Darjeeling Alison said, “I have learnt to make mouth watering momos recently which is the most loved delicacy here.” Momos are tiny delicious steamed dumplings stuffed with pork, chicken, vegetables and spices that are very popular. There are tiny restaurants located on the mountains that serve ethnic food made by the locals. There is an influence of Tibetan and Nepali culture in the cuisines of Darjeeling that reflects diversity in this region. “Ask me to make thukpa and momos that is the delicacy of this region, I have mastered the technique. Rice noodles and Naga Cuisines like Himalayan pickles, desserts made from yak’s milk and Tibetan tea are popular in Darjeeling and I am learning to make them.”

Found on indianfood.about.com

Traditional Thukpa Soup

 She always wanted to visit Darjeeling for the picturesque and scenic beauty; especially the Teesta Tea festival had captured her heart. Alison like many other tourists who gather at the tea festival from distant places for a perfect tea culture experience was impressed by the exotic tea variants offered at the tea ceremony and food carnival. “It was a treat for a tea lover like me who always wanted to visit the tea festival and staying in Darjeeling during the unique festival made me extremely happy about my decision of settling here. I have always been an ardent admirer of exotic locations and scenic beauty. The cold climate and rich cultural experience attracts me to this place every single day. You can say I found my home in Darjeeling and it is indeed a hidden gem that very few people talk about.” Alison spoke about meeting the love of her life in Darjeeling when she had almost given up on meeting anyone post her divorce. She said “This place has given me so much yet this year when I met the love of my life I hardly knew how much more this place can still give me! Can you imagine I am actually living the life of absolute bliss amidst the mountains and the peace loving vibe among the locals is what brings a smile on my face every single day! I run a small business of cakes here with my partner that really makes me happy and helps me to also earn decent amount of money. My idea of a perfect home has been fulfilled for sure!”

Found on stevemccurry.wordpress.com

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Found on panoramio.com

We thank her for sharing her story with wanderers like us!

6 Must Visit Tea festivals around the world

Tea looks Calm
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/299137600222025554/

It was a perfect morning today unlike other days when I am preoccupied by too many things. Maybe the video of 'School of Life' on Rikyu who explored the role of a cup of tea for calm life changed my mindset. The idea that the Japanese tea ceremony and 'wabi sabi' brings forth; appreciation of simplicity and acceptance of imperfection in life is the inevitable beautiful truth! I seemed to enjoy my tea differently today; dive into the unique flavours and fragrance that filled the room with tranquillity. All I thought was nothing but only this moment; my being at this very moment. I suddenly realised how much I wanted to make a list of the best tea festivals around the world that I can visit to experience tea culture and history that is so underrated! We are the tea lovers who are proud of its rich colourful history and unique cultural tradition around the world which has allured admirers throughout centuries. 

Tea has been enjoyed as a popular beverage since 2000 years and there are several festivals around the world that encourage the experience of exclusive culture of tea. The word has derived several connotations and served as a romantic getaway in history to exotic places. People are looking for unique travel experiences and if you are looking for unusual ideas and experiences to try then tea festivals are worth it! It is a classic experience that can be cherished and remembered as an exotic outing. Here goes my list that I have pinned down on my board! 

Found on scribblescrabblescrawl.wordpress.com

6. Tea World Festival

Where: Seoul, Korea

When: June

This festival has become popular as the largest tea exhibition in Korea. The festival consists of events, performances and tea brewing ceremony. The festival began in 2003 and has been a tourist attraction for all these years. There are several themes explored in the Tea festival that lets tea enthusiasts grasp the essence of oriental tea culture. People can taste exotic tea from all around the world and learn the art of brewing tea which is considered an essential part in the oriental culture! Tea lovers can also shop for tea equipments, tea products and attractive tea crafts at the festival. It is a must visit festival for every tea lover who is planning to visit Seoul.

World Tea FestivalFound on budgettravelerssandbox.com 

5. World O-CHA (Tea) Festival

Where: Shizuoka, Japan

When: May

Shizuoka is considered as the Tea capital and it will be 6^th World O-CHA Tea festival in 2016. The festival aims to create a unique tea culture and experience. The festival encourages people to be moved by 5 senses while experiencing tea. The Japanese Tea art has been appreciated all around the world and there is an increasing curiosity around it. The festival has several events like music to help people discover the harmony in tea experience. It aims to bring a healing space for people to experience tea ceremony with all their senses. There were around 28 countries that participated in the 4^th World O-CHA festival. Your family can enjoy the charm of tea in a harmonious way in the tea capital Shizuoka. There are several events like tea tasting, blending and a unique tea ceremony. There are baking demos organized along with workshops that can be enjoyed by the kids too. They will totally love the exquisite desserts served to them.

World O-CHA FestivalFound on imperialfamilyjapan.wordpress.com

4 Tea & Tourism Festival

Where: Ooty, India

When: January every year

The three day tea festival in the tea hills is very popular in India. The festival has dance and music along with other cultural activities. It is a popular tourist destination for families because of the serene Blue Mountains that cultivate ‘Nilgiri’ tea. It is a scenic tiny hill station that becomes a popular tourist destination every winter for the tea festival. The festival is popular for its tour to the tea gardens, safaris, cultural activities, music and delicious food. The place is festival is organized amidst the scenic rivers. The festival serves special tea from different parts of the world. You will be treated to exotic tea and get an opportunity to interact with the locals in the hills. There are several cultural activities associated with the tea festival which includes interesting carnival, music and dance festivals. The festival is organized amidst the dense forest and natural scenic location that brings the charm of tea ceremony alive!

Lost in absolute bliss
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Scenic Hills of OotyFound on travelpackage-india.blogspot.in

3. Teesta Tea festival

Where: Darjeeling, India

When: November every year

The tea festival is celebrated on a grand scale in the hilly areas of Darjeeling that has splendid stretch of tea gardens. There are many tourists and locals who gather at the tea festival from distant places. Darjeeling has scenic beauty and cold climate that serves as a perfect getaway for Tea culture experience. The festival has unique experiences like food carnival, film festival and toy train ride that are important tourist attractions apart from the tea ceremony. Tea is rightly called the “Champagne of the east” in Darjeeling as the tea flavours are unique and exotic. It is a treat for every tea lover to witness the grandiose tea festival. You will get the opportunity to take a tour of the tea gardens and taste exotic variety of special Darjeeling tea.

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Mystic beauty
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2. Sydney Tea Festival

Where: Sydney, Australia

When: August every year

If you are looking for a contemporary tea experience in Australia then it is time to discover the best artisanal teas. The tea festival celebrates specialty loose leaf tea in specially organized tea ceremonies, food pairing and workshops on tea basics. It is an interesting festival if you are looking to discover the history and benefits of different tea variants around the world. There are unique activities like tea meditation and tea dessert pairing if you are looking for unique workshops. There are tea art contests, appraisals, tea auctions, fairs and tea art talks organized for the tea lovers.

Sydney Tea FestivalFound on makerssociety.com.au

1. Tea Festival Jorhat

Where: Jorhat, India

When: November every year

The tea festival of Jorhat is organized in the northeastern state of Assam in India which is situated amidst extensive tea gardens and forms the backbone of tea industry in India. The tea festival is an exciting festivity for warm and traditional experience for the family. Several music festivals, sports and cultural activities are organized for the tourists. People can also taste traditional food items and several new variants of tea. River rafting and other adventure sports can also be enjoyed by the family. The festival serves special tea from different parts of the world. It is a must visit if you like an unusual tea festival experience amidst the natural environment.

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