 |
| Buddha in Ghoum temple |
 |
| Michelle and Natalie hiking |
 |
| Map showing the ridge south from Darjeeling to Ghoom to Kurseong |
Mr. Aloke picked us up at Loreto at 9am to start our track. Les and Jane were not able to join us. Today's trek took us through woodlands, villages and tea gardens southward from Ghoum. It was cloudy but rainless. After a lunch stop, we continued south through the scenic countryside. The jeep picked us up and took us to a nice hotel in Kurseong where there was even TV in our rooms -- such luxury!
Sunday's hike was more strenuous as we walked over steeper ground under sunny skies. Some of us had sunburns by time we finished the trek. On our way home, we visited a Buddhist monastery in
Ghoum. They had a giant, imposing statue of
Maitreya Buddha. The hollow insides are said to contain thousands of pieces of paper on which are written the Om Mane Padme Om mantra. By the time we arrived back at Loreto Convent, we were exhausted. Nevertheless, Nicki went up intoi town to meet up with her friend Beth who was also travelling India. The rest of us had a quiet dinner with the sisters.
No comments:
Post a Comment