Darjeeling & Kolkatta

Greetings all! (here follows another back-to-the-future post!)

i write from Changi Airport in Singapore! Mel has done a great job of capturing our last few days in India. Darjeeling was such a "cool" experience as we all (Mel, Kristin and I!) enjoyed the lower temperatures, scenic greenery and rafting trip along the Teesta River. Kolkata was an incredible experience for me. Walking the streets that Mother Teresa once roamed, and visiting her place of residence where she served the poorest of the poor in Kolkota was inspiring, to say the least. I wept my way thru the museum as i saw images of her and other sisters of the MIssionaries of Charity helping people, and read vignettes from her diary regarding her personal journey of faith. i had the privilege of returning later on that day to attend Mass (church service). for pics and Kristin's thoughts on our trip, please visit her blog

i can't really believe that the India portion of our trip is over. it seems like it was only just the other day that we were in Changi Airport getting ready for our flight TO Mumbai!

While waiting in the departures terminal in Kolkata to board our flight to Singapore, i was approached by a tourism official and was requested to fill out a survey about my experience in India. i found that fitting, as i sat and pondered about the last few weeks in India. we went thru a flurry of questions ranging from what sorts of transportation we took, to the average cost of food, shopping, accomodation, what we thought about the airports etc...and then came the question, "what was most impacting thing about your trip for you?" Without hesitation, i seem to spit out the words "the hard working people have made this country into what it is today...good work ethic is hard to come by." whether motivated by poverty, sincerity and diligence, bartering and taking advantage of tourists... i have to say that people's work ethic here are of a calibre i have never seen before...determined, persistent, and in most cases, very helpful.

i have been privileged to share the last month with Mel. she has been a dream to travel with. there are few people in life you can share 25 days with, straight. and i'm glad she put up with me for that long! we have lots of pictures, and stories, and new recipes, so looks us up when we're back...we'll do visits as a pair, by request :)

thanks for journeying with us. it's been pleasant to take this trip along with our readers.

much love,
dL