Temperamental Darjeeling

by **Chip** » Mar 4th, '11, 21:59

Re: Temperamental Darjeeling

by Chip » Mar 4th, '11, 21:59

honza wrote:Some trouble in Darjeeling - "Darjeling under pressure" http://blog.darjeeling.cz/2011/02/24/da ... od-tlakem/ ...

Each year there is some drama coming from Darjeeling. I sometimes think this is their marketing strategy.

by **Tead Off** » Mar 6th, '11, 04:25

Re: Temperamental Darjeeling

by Tead Off » Mar 6th, '11, 04:25

Chip wrote:
honza wrote:Some trouble in Darjeeling - "Darjeling under pressure" http://blog.darjeeling.cz/2011/02/24/da ... od-tlakem/ ...

Each year there is some drama coming from Darjeeling. I sometimes think this is their marketing strategy.

There is tremendous political tensions in NE India. Almost all the states want autonomy and have grass roots movements, some armed. After years of numerous riots, strikes, protests, violence, diplomacy, Gorkhaland, the name that they want it changed to as an autonomous state may be imminent. Many people told me this was going to happen fairly soon. We'll see.

One of the things you notice almost immediately when you begin to journey up towards Darjeeling from the lowlands is that most of the people are not Indian. They are Nepali/Tibetan/Tribal people who look more Chinese/Southeast Asian. The whole atmosphere changes and the serious Indian look on people's faces give way to an easier, relaxed, happier demeanor in the people, especially the women. Very friendly. This is a very picturesque part of the world with the 8600m Kanchendzonga Himalayan range standing sentinel over the area.