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.”
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| Beautiful Mornings! |
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.
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.”
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Traditional Thukpa Soup
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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!”
We thank her for sharing her story with wanderers like us!
