17/05/09 - 20/05/09 Darjeeling, India

It was lovley and a great place to relax for a few days. We can see why the British picked this hillside 7,000ft up - the climate is very similar to home with mist and rain and sub-zero temperatures in winter. It also has the most amazing view of Khangchendzonga (India's highest mountain and the 3rd highest in the world), but I'm afraid we have yet to see it as the aforementioned mist ruined our chances.

The Scottish (not so much British) have also left their mark across town. We saw a very presbyterian St Andrew's Church, the 5* Elgin Hotel, Frank Ross's Cafe, Highlander's Inn, Glenary's Restaurant and a house called Gleneagles! There's also a "Big Ben" like clock.

But we couldn't come to Darjeeling without indulging in sipping tea and eating cake - so we went for High Tea at the Elgin - very posh. We also took a tour round the Happy Valley Tea Estate to see how the "old brew" is made (before this particular variety is sent on to Harrods). We bought a little - so once we get our hands on a tea strainer we can make it on the move!

Another must here was the Toy Train. This was where the Indian's came into their own as our fellow passengers were so excited about being on a steam train that doesn't get over 10 miles per hour!! It was hilarious - and the wee kids were loving it. It seems to be a "must do" for the Indian tourists as well.

We also sampled Indian bureaucracy at its best here (but thankfully we had the time to find it amusing). We are going north to Sikkim next but it is in a key location as it borders Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan - so they keep strict tabs on who goes there and who comes back! But for us Westerners they've made it simple - firstly you have to get a taxi across town to the Office of the District Magistrate to fill out a form and get it stamped. Next, you go back across town to the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office so they can write your name and passport number in another book (have they not heard of the phone or fax, let alone email?). So now its time to go back to the District Magistrate for the actual permit - by this point you're wondering why you're bothering. But after all that effort we're definitely going, Sikkim here we come (loaded with all the necessary paperwork!).