Decisions

The past two weeks have been slightly disappointing.  I have been busy with work and travels and haven’t done enough for my trip.  Although I hope to check some things off my list this weekend.

Two weeks ago, I heard about 6 WWF volunteers abducted in northeastern India in the state of Assam.  I had previously heard that no one goes to Assam because the political situation is not good.  Now I understand why (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/07/wwf-volunteers-kidnapped-_n_819461.html).  I really want to do some trekking in Sikkim because it is much closer than going to Nepal, but with this news, now I wonder what to do?  I have been in touch with a friend of a friend who knows a Sherpa in Nepal.  His name is Pemba and has a website.  I have been browsing the treks I could do.  We have emailed and he said it would be all guest houses versus camping and due to the time of the year I would be there, it may just be he and I!  This sounds very tempting.

I started the Chinese visa application.  I need to finish that next week.  I also made an appointment to get my shots for Thursday.  I have connected with a few more people that have visited this area.  But again, all the final decisions rest with me.  Should I get some help via a travel agent or go it alone?  Hopefully it will all become clear soon.

India Visa

A few things have been checked off my huge laundry list this week.  I got my visa for India.  In San Francisco a company called Travisa outsources this task.  You complete the visa form ahead of time and also schedule your appointment online.  However it is very important to “read” the instructions as to what additional information is needed.  I showed up for my appointment on Tuesday at 9:00am and was turned away because I didn’t have a copy of my birth certificate.  I thought that was really strange.  I have gotten visas for other countries including China, Australia, and Taiwan.  I never needed to provide anything except the application form and my passport. 

Well, last night I re-read all the instructions and I realized I also needed a copy of my driver’s license showing my current address.  Otherwise they charge you $2.00 to copy it.  I guess I wasn’t the only one that didn’t read the instructions because I recognized a few people today that were also there on Tuesday!  The entire process was very efficient and including the one mile walk from my office, waiting in line, and walking back, it took one hour and ten minutes.  The visa was ready to be picked up between 5:30 and 6pm this evening!

Another exciting item to have checked off my list is that I am staying in Kurseong (just south of Darjeeling) for one week.  I will be staying with a family that works on the Makaibari Tea Estate.  The daily fee is around $13 which includes 3 meals (including all the tea I can drink) and modest accommodations.  Kurseoung is south of Darjeeling.  Besides Makaibari, two of my favorite tea estates are in Kurseoung (Castleton and Jungpana).  I need to research whether they accept visitors as well.  If not, I will definitely stay in Darjeeling for about a week before doing some trekking.  April and May are the prime tea plucking months for first and second flush teas so I am thrilled!

One disappointment, is that a good friend recommended a hostel in Beijing.  When I checked it out on the web, it looked nice, was in a great location, and was cheap.  But unfortunately it was completely booked.  So I’ll have to try to find a place nearby that is just as good or keep checking back for cancellations. 

Next week – China Visa and decide whether to go to Nepal or not.