by A.C. Cargill

What better way to spread the joy of tea than through a tea gift? And what better time of year than now? As one who lives the “tea life,” I tend to advocate for others to learn more about tea and thus improve their enjoyment of this beverage imbibed around the world. So giving tea gifts is a natural thing to do.

Being a tea drinker, I receive gifts of “tea” from well-meaning friends and family, usually consisting of a box of teabags from a local market. Their intentions are good and much appreciated, but the tea is often stale and virtually tasteless. Sometimes, the “tea” is actually an herbal infusion, most frequently chamomile. Definitely, this is an opportunity to do a turn-about, that is, give these well-intentioned gift givers a gift of tea to help them learn and appreciate what you, the tea drinker, already know.

What makes a good tea gift, one that is both tasty and edifying?

Books on tea are the first things that come to mind. You may think that books are a boring gift, but tea books can be exciting — really! They can give the prospective tea drinker much needed information to navigate the murky waters of tea drinking (ooh, bad pun). Some good options:

• Tea-Time at the Inn by Gail Greco, full of great menus and recipes for teatime
• The Story of Tea by Mary Lou and Robert J. Heiss (review)
• Tea (Aromas and Flavors Around the World) by Lydia Gautier, with lots of basic information about tea (review)
• The New Tea Companion by Jane Pettigrew and Bruce Richardson

Something basic, like a tea sampler set, is a good accompaniment, so the fledgling tea drinker can try teas as he/she is reading about them. A good set might include a few ounces each of these loose leaf teas (in airtight containers):

• A black tea such as English Breakfast or PG Tips
• A green tea such as Chai Green Tea loose leaf
• Possibly a white tea like Stash White Christmas Tea
• Maybe a blend or two such as Holiday Spice or Apple Spice naturally flavored black tea loose leaf

As an alternative, you could stick to just one tea type. If so, make it something special such as Darjeeling or Ceylon. Be sure to include brewing instructions. It’s not rocket science, but brewing techniques are essential to enjoying tea properly, especially one that is new to the preparer.

Don’t forget some tea “hardware,” such as:

• One of those oh-so-cute teapot/cup combo sets (great for a single “cuppa” tea)
• A decorative mug, especially one having a holiday design
• A tea strainer and stand (essential for loose leaf teas)

Or go all out with tea party items, such as:

• A porcelain or fine bone china tea set (teapot, 4 teacups and saucers, creamer, and sugar bowl)
• A tea strainer and a little dish to sit it on
• Four teaspoons
• Optional: a scented candle or two

You might want to throw in a honey pot or some honey sticks for the honey-lovers on your gift list.

Teatime is never complete without something to munch. Scone mix, gingerbread mix, etc., are good possibilities. There are also candies like peppermints and chocolates that go well with teas.

Don’t forget a wonderful basket or other container to hold it all (not to mention being reusable — the gift that keeps on giving). Then, wrap it all up in pretty holiday paper and lots of shiny ribbons.

Whatever you select, I’m sure the receiver of this tea gift will be pleased on opening it. If you present it in person, this might be a good time to try one of the teas with them (and a treat or two, of course). Your gift becomes not only a teachable moment but also a great excuse for an impromptu tea party!

Congratulations — you’ve just shared the joy of tea with a friend or family member.

Happy shopping!

A.C. spreads the joy of tea through her blog, Tea Time with A.C. Cargill!

AMRUT TULYA CHAHA

Tea Town Pune Special

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Pune is a Tea Town.

Yes, when I was a small boy, Pune [or Poona as it was known then] was a “TEA TOWN”.

During those days, in Pune, everyone drank tea, except some quirky upaas type aunts who always insisted on sweet milky jaiphal spiced coffee and were “fasting” most of the time on yummy delicacies like Sabudana Khichadi and Wade, Rajgire, waryache tandul, healthy fruits, nourishing milk, calorie-rich pure ghee sweets and similar lip-smacking upasasache padartha. [By the way DALDA, quite popular in those days, made from hydrogenated oils was mysteriously “permitted” for upaas as it was considered “ghee”].

At home tea was made in typical Puneri manner as described in HOW TO MAKE A CUP OF TEA

Outside your home, there were chiefly two types of tea for the laidback discerning gourmet Punekar to relish – AMRUT TULYA CHAHA at the ubiquitous Amruttulya Tea Shops at every nook and corner of Pune, and the peerless IRANI CHAI served by the numerous Irani Restaurants all over Pune city and camp like Café Naaz, Lucky, Good Luck, Volga etc. Indeed Amrut tulya Chaha and Irani Chai are an important aspect of the culinary heritage of Pune.

Irani Chai is the most rejuvenating beverage I have ever had. They keep the steaming rich tea brew and hot milk in separate containers and mix it in just the right proportion to get the terrific inimitable gulabi Irani Chai.

Drench in a fresh soft bun-maska, place it on your tongue, and close your eyes – aren’t you in seventh heaven? Even a cup of piping hot Irani Tea by itself is sheer bliss. 

Of my favourite Irani Restaurants, Naaz, Lucky have disappeared, and only Good Luck remains.

Amrut Tulya Chaha tea shops are fast vanishing too like the one nearest to where I lived on Tilak Road in Sadashiv Peth in the 1960’s next to Ashok Bakery [also disappeared]. Further down the road past SP College towards Maharashtra Mandal there still exist the legendary Ambika and New Ambika Amruttulyas [a friend of mine used to say that the morning tea was superb in one and the evening tea in the other].

It’s really sad. The culture of Pune is fast changing. The youngsters don’t drink tea anymore – it’s infra dig, isn’t it?

The young and the restless prefer Coffee. No, not the peaberry-plantation filter coffee served by the Udipi Restaurants which we used to love, but the expensive stylish international coffees served at posh Baristas, CCDs, and high-falutin coffee shops proliferating rapidly all over Pune.

Just imagine, the other day I couldn’t get a cup of tea in a multiplex, but there were plenty of varieties of coffee all around.

Hey, it seems I am rambling away and have gone off on a tangent, so let me not digress from our main topic – The Art of making Amrut Tulya Tea.

Amrut means Nectar, and Tulya means Comparable, so “Amrut Tulya” means “Comparable to Nectar” and indeed, true to its name, Amrut-Tulya Tea is comparable to nectar –  sweet, ambrosial, like the elixir of life!

I loved watching Amrut Tulya Chaha being prepared. Amrut Tulya Tea is not brewed in the traditional Tea service style. It is “cooked” in front of you in a brass vessel which becomes “tastier” with time.

I love the “special” chaha. Milk and water are boiled together, with plenty of sugar, masala [comprising crushed cardamom, ginger], and tea leaves, stirring continuously to make sure it doesn’t overflow.

Come, my dear Tea Lover, let me tell you how to make Amrut Tulya Chaha – The Art of Tea – Pune Style. 

Assemble the following Ingredients for Two cups of Amrut Tulya Tea “Special Chaha”

Assam CTC Tea or, if you live in Pune, get the famous CTC+OP “Family Mixture” Tea Powder from your favourite “Tea Depot” in the heart of Pune City.

[By the way, the acronyms are: CTC – Crush, Tear, Curl; OP – Orange Pekoe; BOP – Broken Orange Pekoe].

Full Cream Buffalo Milk [I like Chitale or Sane dairy]

Fresh Water

Sugar

Fresh Ginger Crushed [Better still you can crush the juicy fresh ginger with the chimta directly in the water-milk concoction to let the ginger juices flow out and blend in smoothly]

Cardamom – peel, crush and powder the pods

Before you start, dear reader, here is a note of caution: Please remember that Amrut Tulya Tea is not your traditional Masala Chai so please don’t add any Tea Masalas or spices like clove, cinnamon, black peppercorns or herbs like gavati chaha (lemon grass), tulsi leaves etc. and neither is it the “khada chamach” or “cutting” Chai so please don’t boil away to glory – remember, you must achieve Amrut Tulya Chaha of just the right consistency!  

Now let us start “cooking” amrut tulya tea – we will make two cups, one for you and one for me.

In a brass vessel [or stainless steel, if you can’t get a brass vessel] mix one cup of water and one cup of milk.

Add four teaspoons of sugar.

Put on the stove on medium heat.

Squeeze in a bit of fresh crushed ginger and add a pinch of cardamom powder and the freshly crushed peel.

Lightly and lovingly stir the concoction, let it warm, and bring to a boil.

Smartly add two teaspoons of tea powder and keep stirring gently to ensure the boiling concoction does not spill over.

Keep boiling till the tea attains beautiful bright golden-orange colour – the moment you see a reddish tinge, give the heavenly brew a loving last stir, twirl the vessel, and sieve the Amrut Tulya Tea Special Chaha directly into the cups.

You can drink it from the cup, or better still the saucer sucking and pulling in the yummy liquid with your lips and let it deliciously emulsify on your tongue for that heavenly elevating feeling.

Sip the delicious tea slowly and mindfully, roll it on your tongue, let it mingle in your palate, close your eyes, absorb, discern the flavour, the rich taste, relish every sip lovingly.

Amrut Tulya Chaha is truly lip-smacking tasty and soul-refreshing – blissful ambrosia, an experience of nectar – you can take my word for it.

Now you know why they call this refreshingly delicious and nourishing tea Amrut Tulya “comparable to Nectar” Chaha.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2009

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve

Appetite for a Stroll

http://www.indiaplaza.in/finalpage.aspx?storename=books&sku=9788190690096&ct=2

http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

http://books.sulekha.com/book/appetite-for-a-stroll/default.htm

vikramkarve@sify.com

here you go clovique, mademoiselle
ive laced that cup of darjeeling with two acid tabs
would you like some scones to go with that ?
ive baked them in the shapes of a heart
broken in three
oven fresh
crushed thyme and jackys babies in the bread pudding
savouries in sweets
lets make the tips of our tongues go
tingly tingly hoppy hop o !
dont worry, thats not too much butter
on your cucumber sandwich
just an extra layer of love, monsieur univers noir
to go with the liquid e
in your hot chocolate, care for two balls of melty marshmallows
to dunk in your lake of sorrow ?
tante anya, welkom
i know youll get blackouts from even a little pot
so ive strained you a special brew of hashish
it came with a magic carpet you can take away
on your witches’ getaway, dont forget to pack a torch
to shine on yourself when danger, a vampire, or really
just a general feeling of helplessness beckons
edophilippa, dont worry lah, havent forgot ya,
just stay in the corner, wait for your gingerbread men
ill make one with slits for eyes, tiny ideas of breasts,
and a pretty a-line skirt one can only get in senen
or portobello market, whenever love is in season
danarski, where are ya ? ah, there you are
step into the spotlight, thats where you belong ma’am,
no curtains for you !
oh hang on, dont be such pigs, not yet,
lets put our heads down
and pray to the lord above
our father who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name
thy kingdom come thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven
give us this day our daily bread
never starbucks its too milky and expensive
nor oh la la its undrinkable
excelsos cappuccino toraja is the best
but i dont wanna push my luck
were pretty happy with what weve got now
dya hear us o, yoshi(not)mi, my lord of sweetness & light ?

(later that afternoon : « tea-master bitch ! vous m‘avez abandonné ! »
tea-master bitch ( wiping sleep off his eyes ) : « pardonnez-moi, mademoiselle,
le thé et les amitiés sont la chose la plus dure à maîtriser ! »

by Stephanie Hanson

There are Christmas Tea parties, and then there is the Christmas Cookie Exchange Tea, a new tradition in our family. This is a wonderful occasion for the ladies of the family to get together (although you don’t have to ban the gentlemen if you don’t wish to do so) without the pressure of gift giving.

The idea of the Christmas Cookie Exchange Tea is to exchange cookies and recipes. Each guest bakes cookies to exchange at the party, as well as to share at the party. If the party is smaller than eight people, guests can bring a dozen cookies for each guest, as well as a dozen for the party table. If the party is larger, then a half dozen cookies per guest makes things rather more manageable. The cookies for exchange are packaged along with a recipe. Last year, we had more than eight guests, but we counted the exchange by family or household, which worked out quite nicely.

In addition to cookies, I prepared several savory snacks, and Costco prepared some mini quiches. As much as I love to cook, Costco can be invaluable during the hectic holiday season. From my own kitchen came the classic cucumber sandwich and chicken salad sandwiches. This year, I plan to add scones and a cheese plate to the menu.

For teas, I served peppermint for the caffeine-free crowd, Darjeeling because it shows up at all my parties, and a holiday blend of orange and spice for something festive.

I had the tree decorated already, but tree decorating would make a nice activity for this type of party. Of course we played Christmas music in the background. Lala.com has streaming music from many albums and allows you to create playlists, if you don’t have a large collection of holiday music.

Remember, during this hectic holiday season and party planning, to sit back and enjoy your cuppa, don’t just gulp it.

Don’t forget to check out Stephanie’s blog, The Tea Scoop!

I have been living outside Calcutta for sometime and seldom feel the urge to return to the city. An occasional trip or two is fine, but not permanent settlement.

Having said that let me add that living in Uttar Pradesh isn’t special, neither. Once you’ve uprooted yourself, most other places you go to stay in appear the same — distant and impersonal.

True, it takes time to build an attachment and make friends. Three years aren’t long enough for this. But then I don’t feel the urge to drop anchor, at least not here. Neither can I prime myself to go out and seek people I can befriend.

Frankly, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the city I live in or its people — just that I can’t imagine myself dying in a concrete jungle full of big cars, human beings forever on the go and fast drying greenery. Many years ago, Bhupen Hazarika had sung Aami Ek Jajabor (I am a nomad). Well, I don’t exactly call myself that.

I can’t run my life out of railway platforms and must have a place to call home. I can’t do without the comforts of life — a car, air conditioning in summer, a clean bed to sleep in and a clean loo.

Since a nomad never craves for any of these, I am not one of that tribe. Some years ago, I went to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Shillong. A quaint little house in any of these hill towns would be wonderful. A cabin by the river at Corbett or Renukaji in Himachal would be a dream come true.

Would that happen, ever? There’s no harm dreaming. But what about the concomitants — medical facilities, children’s education and a steady source of income.

Precisely. Think of them and you’re jolted out of your reverie. Somewhere down the line, the practicalities always take over. I am driven by my expectations from life, also by the requirement to fulfill others’ needs.

I don’t have a business seeing myself in a peaceful mountain existence, at least not now when there are miles to go and commitments to honour, bills to pay.

But this doesn’t discourage me. There will come a time when all will be done. The children would have grown up, loans repaid and no elders to take care of.

The mountains would still be there and hopefully they’d be just as alluring as they are now. Nothing would have blemished Renukaji’s pristine beauty and the view of the Kanchenjungha from the Mall in Darjeeling would remain as spellbinding. Darjeeling’s rumbling meadows wouldn’t have gone bald.

Someday, this small-town man whose journey began from a faraway Orissa village in the woods would find a place to rest, removed from the rush and storm of tinned-air existence.

Till then, this traveler would pitch a tent wherever life takes him and call it home — just waiting for the right port to drop anchor.

#10 – Jungpana Autumn Delight

Dry Leaf: Very small bits of leaf, deep dark brown. The scent is slightly muscatel-ish and also just a bit plain malty.

Wet Leaf: Muscatel notes perk up a bit, but there is an Autumn leaf quality with a bit of a tang as well. There’s something present which is familiar but naming it escapes me on this one. Hopefully it will come to me. I can only name clay and a tang.

Brewed: This one has more of a wine-y front with a bit of the vegetal notes that I found in yesterday’s Castleton, but not so strong, and it turns into a more muscatel back end which makes a bit more appealing package. I think the Jungpana Imperial Muscatel may have ruined me for good.

There’s nothing wrong with this tea, but for me I couldn’t see choosing this over the Imperial in any instance. It has a nice depth and complexity and a whole direction of it’s own which may appeal more to others, it is certainly not very bitter and the astringency is a bit higher with more subdued muscatel characteristics so for those who any of that appeals to this is a great tea. The one thing that struck me was how two teas from one estate could be so different in scope and flavor. The other thing, that to me, is always a bit of a deal-breaker has to do with the very small leaf and broken bits… as much as I hate to admit it, I’m a sucker for nice pretty leaves. I’m even OK down to 1/4″ pieces, but once it gets much smaller than that I have a built in aversion that I rarely can get past. Again, that’s a personal thing, many could probably care less.

This one reminds me of a dark den with a roaring fire, a high-backed leather chair and a good book. Classy and comfortable.

On arriving at Jorethang, I treated myself to a couple of Samosas and a deep fried boiled egg. Trust me, it tastes better than it sounds, especially when dipped in a bit of chilli soy sauce. Andhow, I needed to get back to Darjeeling. And the sun was setting fast, had I missed te last bus. Well, the bus service does not really run in this part of India.

Okay, a little explanation is needed ere for anyone who is unfamiliar with Asian travel. This is the world’s most populated landmass. Six in every ten people live on this continent. They need to get around. Of course, buses will ply the major routes, the densely populated areas. But Sikkim, and other ’sparsely populated areas’ do not have regular bus services, there is no money to be made. Plus the roads are almost impassable. We are not talking about long straight highways, or even metalled surfaces. We are looking at twisting hairpin bends in the Himalaya. So, there is a plethora of options available to supplement (and even surpass) the local bus service in most of Asia. Unregulated, untaxed and infinitely more fun, for those that travel regularly in Asia, hanging onto the back of a moving vehicle is not some unique thrill, but a way of life.

Being India, there was a cartel. Or a ‘taxi driver’s’ association that controlled the route between Jorethang in Sikkim and Darjeeling in West Bengal. Some guy in a booth (in this case, a man with a pony tail) would take your money. This was one of the few times that I pretended I was from India (I can get away with it). I did not feel like getting conned and I was too tired of answering questions about where I was from. So this time I was a native of Cochin, that could speak Tamil, Malayalam and English. I do this in a lot of countries, pretend I am from a neighbouring region, just to get better prices or sneak in and out on local transport. We waitied, the other passengers and I. Oh, this is another thing to expect with travel (especially road travel) in Asia. A lot of waiting about.

Eventually ‘Humlae’ appeared. That was not his real name but our driver really looked like the character of Humlae from the film Ong Bak (the locals in this part of the world have exotic looks). The best way to describe our driver was easy. He was ‘the dude’. Quite simply, he was one of the coolest people ever. Shaking hands and chatting loudly as he approached our vehicle, everyone knew him, and he knoew everyone. He said hello to me, easily seeing that I was not a foreigner, and leaped into the driver’s seat, ready to take us back to Darjeeling. Any kids reading this (why?) do not worry about careers or cash, just be the coolest person you can be. And this person was definitely cool.

And we were off. Jolting up and down in the jeep, you must realise that any time spent waiting about is not in vain. It gives the driver a chance to floor it. Of course, ‘flooring it’ means no more than 40km/h on the roads of the Himalaya, and that is at a push. But this was Humlae’s turf, as he greeted the border guards of Sikkim (more on that next month), he knew every bump and pot hole on this road, every twist and turn. Well, most of them. The sun was setting fast and there are no street lights in this part of of the world. You needed a guy like Humlae, you needed a cool person at the wheels.

We passed another checkpoint. It seemed that this part of West Bengal had its own unofficial, private police force. Unlike the Sikkim border gaurds, Humlae was more coy with these people, more fawning. They let us pass and onward we went. We went through our first village, dropping off a couple of passengers and on meeting another jeep coming towards us, it was Humlae who stormed through! We were the winners, and Humlae had the wheels to prove it as we raced through tea plantations and forest upwards towards Darjeeling.

Dusk was upon us, as Humlae decided to stop the jeep in the next village. he engine (unusually) was kept running as Humlae jumped out of the jeep, cigarette in hand, and took a bag with him. He lifted the bonnet and took his bag into someone’s house. There, Humlae started chatting with the locals, and flirted with all the chicks of the village – hey, who can blame him – they’re cute!

Humlae then came running out of the house with ONE jug of water and poured it into the radiator. Cap closed, he went back into the house and we could hear the lively conversation taking place alongside the illicit consumption of beer. Prohibition, whether enforced by the unofficial police or the real Sikkim border guards is useless. The village became a party zone and Humlae was at the centre of attention. Jovial and in his element, it seemed that everyone (except for the passengers in the jeep) knew his name. But Humlae was only there to kick off the party. He had brought the booze along, stayed for a drink, but he had a job to do! Off to Darjeeling we went!

Into the next village we arrived and Humlae knew everyone there too! As a jeep driver approached in the opposite direction, Humlae engaged him in some witty banter that put a smile on his face. Smiles abounded and we were off. And then we stopped! An old woman leapt out in front of us! Screeching to a halt, the old woman ran over to the driver’s window and gave Humlae a letter. He was not just a transporter of goods and people but also the local postman! Whatever task you needed to get done, Humlae would do it. They chatted for a bit, Humlae as always, respectful to his elders before he floored it. And agan we stopped! A few more needed to squeeze in. We were probably the last jeep of the night, and obligingly, Humlae let them one, and we squeezed together, Humlae himself giving up his driving space to accommodate the extra passengers. Humlae was no mere taxi driver, he really was the dude, a pillar of the local community.

Kids, remember this, be cool, just like Humlae. Never have I seen a man more content in life, than our driver. It may have been the beer, but he was happily driving along. And his love was infectious. Whenever he passed someone by, he would stop and chat with them, putting a smile on their face too, before driving off. Forget about those crooked bankers, or idiots in suits that seem to be proliferating in this world. It is people like Humlae who keep the world going round. He may not have much, just the jeep and his wits, but he knew love, he knew how to spread it, and even though we were running well late, no one seemed to care. Hey man, this is India! Enjoy it, this type of thing won’t be around forever…

And so, Humlae continued. By now it was pitch black outside. The bends were sharper as we climbed up towards Darjeeling. Vehicles were coming the other way, the road got rougher (a legacy of the monsoon) and Humlae concentrated on the journey ahead. But alas, we got stuck. We grounded ourselves on one of the bends. Now, travel in Asia, is not always smooth. It’s the terrain, its pretty rough. And so we all jumped out, and all the men helped push the vehicle back onto the road surface. That was about ten minutes of revving and muscle, but at least I got to stretch the legs. Then we were on the way. Back through Lebong, the road that I had taken earlier that day looking familiar in the dark as we screamed towards Darjeeling.

And finally we arrived, in the lower part of town, where all the markets and stalls were located. Dusty from a full day’s hike, where I got to saw a world few other outsiders get to glimpse at, I stumbled out of the jeep. I wished Humlae goodbye, and he warmly shook my hand. I do not know who he is, what is his history or personal life. But he was a cool guy. He was the dude. Like many other journeys that I have taken on this magnificent continent, he provided with memories that were far more special than the destination itself. Ad you know what kids, spread the love. Be like Humlae. You may not be as wealthy as you had hoped, but you will be a lot happier. And that happiness is infectious!

Because that’s what the internet loves best.

Twice in a year, what a lucky guy I am and again to North East India. What a place to go, just go! Anyone (if there is anyone) who reads these posts must now realise how much I love India. Admittedly, I have only seen a tiny part of the country but what a country to visit! And the North East, what an undiscovered gem!

To be honest, most people (my own family included on their Indian trips) do not know much about the North East. Its isolation due to the geographical (wet and mountainous) and geopolitical (Bangladesh) reality means that it is a pain to get in and out of the region. So why bother when you can stick with the beautiful sights of the Golden Triangle, head south to Goa or take in the sights of eclectic Mumbai. And these are all great things to do, and activities that I will do one day. But for now, I am still captivated by the wonders of the North East.

Few Indians realise the beauty of this corner of their land and even fewer foreigners venture to this part of the world. Apart from the above mentioned difficulties, it is also a land that unfortunately that has had its fair share of internal turmoil. But move past these problems and you will see a magical land, untouched by the ravages of modern society. Traditions prevail here in the North East, proud traditions that have given the area far more advantages than the rest of India. Literacy in the North East is higher than the national average. Education and multilingualism is evident when traveling in North East India. Sikkim, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram do not have the problems with female infanticide that plagues the rest of India. Again this translates into more egalitarian roles for women. Unlike the rest of India, women are running businesses and controlling the wealth. Its location as well, at the crossroads of the North Indian, Tibetan and South East Asian worlds have given this area a fascinating backdrop and its people a richness in their culture that is unsurpassed in much of my travels. This is real fusion country, having a unique identity that is its own.

North East India, is not an easy place to travel round. Like the rest of the country, it is plagued by incompetence from upon high, and this area especially so as it is ‘in the corner’. But it is a rewarding place to visit, it is a stunning part of the world to experience. I feel very blessed that I have been able to travel around the North East of India so freely and openly, one of the advantages to travel as a whole round this country. Wandering like I did in the countryside of Sikkim or chatting with the locals in Meghalaya would not be possible across the border in nearby China, the police would swarm around you in a few minutes. And I am also very lucky to have picked the North East of India as the first part of the country to visit. I do not know what the future holds, whether or not I shall return to India. But if my path leads to the North East, don’t worry, I will be there in a flash.

And just in case, you have not realised from these posts, I love India. It is a tough country to visit, but man, is it a great place to visit. Everyone in their life, if they can do it, must see this land at least once before they die. You will not regret it!

by Stephanie Hanson

It’s been Christmas since August in the department stores, but now it’s getting to the point where normal people start thinking about holiday parties. We’re only a few weeks away from that crazy holiday month and constant holiday music everywhere you go. So, it’s also time to start thinking about having a holiday tea party.

First, let’s talk menu. What would any tea party be without tea sandwiches? You can always go with the traditional cucumber sandwich, of course, but try doing something a little different for the holidays. Think about traditional holiday foods: ham, turkey, cranberries, apples. These might work well for sandwiches. Try turkey, shaved very thin, on thin slices of wheat bread spread with a very thin layer of cranberry sauce. Cut into quarters. While not the traditional tea sandwich, ham biscuits would make a nice addition to a tea table, especially if the tea takes place at lunch time, or in the very late afternoon. Take white bread and add apples sliced as thin as possible, and sprinkle with crumbled stilton or use slices of white cheddar. Feta also works well.

But what would a tea party be without desserts? Pumpkin scones are nice and festive. Just follow your favorite scone recipe and add a generous dash of pumpkin spice to the dry ingredients. Or make apple scones, by adding chopped up apples to the wet ingredients and cinnamon to the dry ingredients.

The most important party of any tea party is, of course, the tea. Darjeeling is a lovely stand-by for absolutely any afternoon tea, but for Christmas, add in some nice spiced Chai or look for the Holiday Blend from your favorite vendor. Any orange spice tea will do nicely. For the herbal tea folks, peppermint of course.

Evergreens make lovely centerpieces, but don’t let yourself be limited by the traditional colors of red and green for the season. Green and gold or blue and silver also make lovely combinations.

Have a lovely holiday season, and enjoy the warmth of company, the best part of the season.

Get the scoop on all things tea from Stephanie’s blog!

(Continued from yesterday).

Refueled with Noodles, and with a spring in my spirit (a.k.a. stomach), I took my first steps on the road to Jorethang, the big ‘market town’ for this part of Southern Sikkim. Some 7km away, this would be only an hour or so by foot. Interestingly, this was the first time that the locals were unsurprised by the fact that I was prepared to walk it. Most parts of the world, people look at you strangely and even laugh that you are prepared to walk more than ten minutes. Here in Sikkim however, the walk to Jorethang was considered a ’short walk’. People after my own heart, they also had the same mentality a me. Why bother spending your cash on a four wheeled monstrosity when you can enjoy the scenery, keep fit and save that cash for some funky food at the other end. While walking from Majitar to Jorethang, I passed by people who were walking back from market and a few locals overtaking me on their walk to Jorethang (impressive for them, as I am a six footer, and my strides are a lot loner than theirs).

My path was a fairly easy one. The road to Jorethang was well paved and more importantly, followed the course of the River Rangeet upstream, meaning that it would be hard to get lost on the way to Jorethang village. As a true child of the Himalaya, the Rangeet had carved an impressive valley for me to walk through. Hard rocks, the foothills of the mountains to the north surrounded me as I meandered my way through South Sikkim. The river however, was always a raging torrent, although the valley it had carved was huge. I can only imagine what it would be like after the srping thaw or during the impressive monsoon season in this part of India.

The river is a hive of industry now that the monsoon is over. The rough pebbles in the bed of the river were being exploited by the local building industry, while the sand banks left behind by the meandering watercourse are utilised as paddy fields bringing rice to the local populace. And nets were cast throughout the watercourse, catching the many fish that populate this part of the river. The Himalaya gives a lot to the local land. Its fertility is a gift to India, and this part of Sikkim is one of the first places to receive its bounty. But it is also a harsh land. I was traveling in this area through the benign post-monsoon season. But during the rains, it would become almost impassable. Landslides are common, and the river itself is a dangerous child of the mountain, sweeping all away in front if it when the rains leave it full.

But life goes on. In amongst the landscape, the many trees and plants that sheltered my way during this sunny walk through South Sikkim, were signs of civilisation. This is one of the least crowded parts of India, but all through business takes place, people are living their lives and despite the many hardships and Blessings of the land, people are just that. People. Eating, going to work, loving, arguing, laughing and crying on their journey through life. One thing you learn very quickly in your travels, whether it is to the local shops or halfway around the world is how similar we all are. It is that rather than the differences which is the biggest eye-opener. And so I arrived in Jorethang, another bustling town on my wanders through life. A cross roads of sorts, nestled in the foothills of the Himalaya.

What a walk! Started in touristic Darjeeling, I quickly left behind all sense of backpackers and travelers and was truly by myself amongst the tea plantations of West Bengal. Crossing the River Rangeet, I made my first, tentative footsteps into Sikkim, a name synonymous with intrigue and mystery. Finally I made my way into ‘Real Sikkim’, and got to saw life first hand, without the help of a TV screen or a hastily written guidebook. I do not know when I will return to the North East of India, hell, I do not know when I will next come to India. But it is a land that I have truly fallen in love with. A beautiful country, filled with intrigue to satisfy even me, the most curious of all people. And if my path takes me to this country again, I hope to revisit this magical place, nestled in the shadow of the Himalaya.

—

My walk complete I managed to grab a space on a jeep heading towards Darjeeling from the ‘local cartel’. But that of course, is another story…

49kms from Darjeeling and 52kms from Siliguri lays a small yet beautiful place called Mirik, people call it the land of Oranges. Mirik is not a famous destination as Daejeeling and Siliguri, which makes this heavenly strip of land more significant. Unexplored nature is always the best place to spend peaceful vacations. This beautiful destination is surrounded by forests and flowers. Lake Somendu in Mirik is one of the major attractions there, it is a small lake surrounded by roads.  While boating through this beautiful lake, you can get a good view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The forest surrounding is filled with long arrays of Oak, Chestnut and Maple trees. Walking or horse riding around the lake is highly recommended. There are plenty of tea estates, cardamom and orange orchards in Mirik. Mirik Buddhist monastery is also a good place to visit. Kawlay Dara view point is another attraction here, enjoy the sun rise and sun set enjoy the view of snow clad mountains from here.

Bagdogra is the nearest airport and New Jalpiaguri is the nearest railway station. Mirik is assessable by road from the near by states. There are also a couple of hotels and resorts in Mirik.

#9 Castleton FTGFOP 1 CH SP

Dry Leaf: Dark and small pieces with hints of chocolate

Wet Leaf: Aroma is very vegetal like cooked spinach. Small broken leaf pieces of no uniformity. Peppery.

Brewed: The scent is very interesting, it’s got a tiny bit of the muscatel from some of the other Darjeelings we’ve tasted but seems much more mild and balanced with a touch of the vegetal/spinach and peppery quality of the wet leaf. The flavor is very different, and actually the vegetal notes are right up front in the flavor. It’s actually overpowered to the vegetal side for my tastes in a Darjeeling. Spinach is what I got from the wet leaf and spinach is what I get in the liquor, also a bit slippery in mouth-feel which rounds out the thought and taste. It has that deep, mineraly, peppery, leafy green quality of a spinach or kale but the scent of the cup coming up for a sip fakes you out into expecting a bit more standard Darjeeling/muscatel experience. Surprise!

This one isn’t so much in my wheelhouse, personally. I can see how some may like this departure and unique flavor, but it’s an odd combination for me and one I can’t force myself to get over or particularly enjoy. I’m actually one who swoons for the fishy notes in a good Japanese green tea, so I wouldn’t have thought my reaction would be as strong as it is in this instance. Again, before this tasting, I normally stuck with the very strong muscatel Darjeelings only, and often that meant Margaret’s Hope, so my view of the category is a bit narrow admittedly. However, this is a flavor profile I have never had before in a Darjeeling, in any capacity, so it could just be the surprise of it that has formed my opinion. I’d like to believe that but I don’t think this one will even come to grow on me. There’s a tea for everyone, this one just doesn’t bear my name.

The Gorkhas/Gurkhas form the fighting units of five countries. The UK, India, Singapore, Brunei and their native Nepal. In the UK they have been treated intolerably. While much of the world has moved on from the racist attitudes of the colonial era, the British Government still decides to act unscrupulously when it comes to the Gurkhas.

India also has its fair share of Gorkhas, many residing in and around the Darjeeling region. As a result, thee are calls for a separate state within the republic, which may occur depending on Central government. Like in the UK, the Gorkhas of India have fought for their adopted country in many wars.

War is a futile excuse for humanity to practice, but for now, we humans are still mistrustful of our neighbour and so war is a direct consequence of that. I never mock those who are in the armed forces, I only wish I had their bravery. I don’t. But I do despise the politicians who send people off to war. While their own children are safe and sound, it is the children of others that has to fight in battles that will be forgotten in the future. Enemies become friends, new priorities take place and the cycle of war takes place elsewhere. And the lists of the dead get longer…

The war memorial at Ghum is a beautiful place. Located in the hills surrounding Darjeeling, it is a well maintained kept area, and a sombre reminder of the number of Gorkhas that have died in conflicts. The scary thing is the number of names on the memorial and the space left for future names.

Today is Armistice Day. To commemorate the war to end all wars. It has been hijacked for political reasons by politicians as always, by sections of the media as always. Some like to use it to wave a flag, an arbitrary symbol of identification. I have never lived through a war, I have never fought in one, but I have visited a war zone, but luckily, I was able to get out. War is nasty, it is terrifying, and the only winners are the arms dealers. War will continue for many years to come, we as a species have not overcome our mutual distrust of one another. But it is important to remember, that behind the names on these memorials, scattered around the world, are families left behind, in grief on all sides of conflicts. They are the names of real people on those memorials, and there are many more unnamed. It is tragic that these battles will still continue, more names will be added, more tears will be shed. It is important to remember this tragic loss of life before encouraging more destruction in the future. And it is important to respect the memory of those that have gone before, without the cheap politicising of such memories.

Note: Thus far I’ve just copied my tasting notes directly as I have submitted them for the tasting, this tea requires something more. The glowing “review” I bestow upon this tea is almost not enough. This is one time where words cannot capture the real story here. This was one of those rare moments where a tea is just magical. I was almost distracted to the point where getting the thoughts from my head to the screen was impossible. There are some times where writing about a tea is so secondary to the personal enjoyment that I’d almost like to not even try to put it to words, this was one of them but I have done my best.

#8 Jungpana Imperial Muscatel 2009

Dry Leaf: Reminiscent of a good loose tobacco. Chocolate and wine notes are sort of deep and brooding. It brought to mind an Australian tobacco called Royal Port.

Wet leaf: A totally different animal, the muscatel characteristics instantly present themselves and a sort of “clean” cotton smell.

Brewed: The bouquet is actually very tame and doesn’t give up many secrets on it’s own besides the slight muscatel notes. Wow! A grape flavor that actually made me shiver. Seriously. It is like a concord grape bred with muscat, deeper and stronger without being overpowering or just perfumy, this is the real deal. There is less in the middle and finish than some others but it is just a huge peak up front and a steady decline to a fairly short finish that just draws you in for another ride. This without a doubt is one of my new favorite teas, and has unseated my long-held love for Margaret’s Hope in my top 10 list… all from one round of tasting! That is probably the best endorsement I could give any tea.

This is my first time with Jungpana Imperial Muscatel, the muscatel part was attractive to me from the name alone, and it has firmly entrenched itself on my constant stock list showing itself to be so much more. I have only had a moment like this one other time and it was the first time I had Gyokuro prepared for me expertly. It was trans-formative. This has been a very similar experience and I went into this totally blind.

A few posts ago I read where Steve had jumped the gun and tasted this one by accident, but had made a comment about how excited he had been to finally get to it properly. I fully understand why. I’m having a hard time keeping my enthusiasm inside long enough to sit and type this. He was spot-on. This is a very special tea and one that again has shown me that you have to break out of ruts and try something new to continue the journey. I would have been content to have known only Margaret’s Hope, and while not a bad thing by any means, I would never have uncovered this gem. Of this whole tasting, if this is the highlight, I can only say I am so grateful for this experience and to Lochan Tea for turning me on to an amazing tea. This is not to be missed, and in my opinion, a gold standard of the category.

Best.  Shirt.  Ever.

A cowl that becomes a hood … made of fleece … with a kangaroo pocket … AND thumb holes.

The Darjeeling Shirt from Gaia Conceptions at etsy.com.

Bring on winter.  I’m ready.

Waking up to a view of Kangchenjunga, the allure was just there. What was north of the clouds, a land of mystique and intrigue. I consulted my map, and the Sikkim border was only a 15 miles or so away. An easy distance to walk, and somewhere I have always wanted to go. To mystical Sikkim, to the land of Shangri La. Come on, this is me, ‘El Director’, if there is one tenant of my personality that is predictable, it is my sense of curiosity and wanting to see what is beyond that next ridge. So after a hearty plate of momo’s (top picture in that link), I set off towards the Rangeet River, the water course that was the border between the states of West Bengal and Sikkim.

On I walked, downhill towards the valley floor, past tea estate after tea estate and through villages not often seen by foreigners in this much detail. While there are many travelers from beyond India’s borders, few of them avail of the opportunity to see what lies beyond the air-conditioned jeep that takes them from tourist honeypot to sight seeing opportunity. And while Badamtam or Lebong may not feature high on a visitor’s ‘to-do’ list, they are remarkably peaceful places in the foothills of the Himalaya.

This was Gorkhaland that I was walking through. If you are looking for a new Indian state, this will probably be the place to look out for. The government of West Bengal is fighting tooth and nail to hold onto its hilly areas, but the local people are firmly up for their own separae state. And it is a land of the Gorkhas, with symbols of the Nepali community everywhere and with hints of the lands further to the north, the Tibetan plateau is everywhere to see. As you walk through row after row of tea bushes, prayer flags flutter in the wind, villagers pray at shrines and temples and there is a sense of mystique in the air…

Onward I walked, continuing downhill, and all the time talking with locals. Just past Badamtam a group of children asked me where I was from. A range of ridiculous guesses (poland) and not so ridiculous guesses (Brazil) came forth until I told them the truth. There were a few surprises but after buying a bag of tomatoes I bid them farewell. You see, it is far more entertaining to walk than drive. You meet people, you feel the vibe in the air and you can nibble on some great local produce. The tomatoes were reviving as well as a great source of Vitamin C and a handy way to rehydrate myself on the walk. For you see I was descending further towards the River Rangeet. In the distance I could hear the water rumbling off the rapids. The tea estates had given way to tall forests as the climate became warmer. Yes, I had descended quite a bit towards the Sikkim/West Bengal border. Then I turned a corner and saw it, my destination. Just beyond the water, the fabled land of Sikkim…

(to be continued…)

Wow, wow, wow. What a place to go. Yes, it is the original tourist trap and for good reason. It was made well. And so welcome to Charlie’s official guide to Darjeeling town…

I arrived in Darjeeling after a day’s journey from Shillong. First a bus to Siliguri then a jeep for the four hour drive up to Darjeeling. On arriving in the town, I was not impressed. Dirty, chaotic and swimming in sewage there is no ceremony on entering Darjeeling. Bit I persevered. With a backpack filled with goodies and souvenirs, I trundled up the slippery concrete steps, my legs still aching from the trek in and around Nongriat Village. However, I came onto the main square of Darjeeling and I was suitably impressed. This looked more like a hill station of world fame.

I tried a couple of cheapie hotels, but they were full, it was peak season after all. Then I suddenly had a brainwave. This is Darjeeling, right? Sikkim was only a few kilometres away. I wander if there is a ‘view’ of this fabled land somewhere in the town, and a hotel nearby. So I hiked it, after a quick aloo chaat round the ridge of the town. Here I went past small Buddhist shrines carved into the mountain face. Darjeeling is located in between Nepal and Bhutan with Sikkim to the north and Tibet not too far away, the influence of the Himalayan cultures is strong on this town. You will probably find more authentic Tibetan culture here than in China, and certainly they are far nicer here than their compatriots to the north.

So onward I made my trek and suddenly I turned the ridge and saw a wonder to my eyes. Kangchenjunga – the third highest mountain in the world, located on the Indian/Nepal border stood proud in the near distance. The Himalaya, my first view of it since 2002 when I crossed the China/Pak border. Beautiful and breathtaking, there is a good reason why I love this part of the world. Acting as the buffer between the two most populated nations on Earth, there is an air of tranquility when you see the majesty of the Himalayan range. I found a hotel and could look out every morning at Kangchenjunga. But I wanted to do more than look. The land of the Himalaya was calling to me once again. Sikkim was in my sights…

General guide:

Darjeeling is a four hour jeep/bus ride or a (fun) seven hour train ride from Siliguri, the nearest town on the plains which is linked by train, road and air to the rest of India.

There are plenty of hotels to choose from but if you are really fussy then book in advance. The crowd seems to stick to the main area near the main square, but there are plenty of places to stay along the northern ridge of Darjeeling with (fantastic) views of Sikkim, instead of looking out onto the green tea estates that surround Darjeeling.

Food is readily available. If you want western sit down fare, you can find it here. The bazar in the lower part of Darjeeling is the place to pick up your fruit and veggies, fresh. At night however, it is the dirty, ‘lower’ part of town that is filled with hawkers trading their freshly made banquets onto a hungry populace. Avoid the advice in the guidebooks and head down to the more funky part of town for cheap and tasty bites.

Beware of the monkeys…

#7 Thurbo FTGFOP 1 CL TPY

Dry: Oaky/smokey hint of coconut husk and fuller leaf

Wet Leaf: Nutty and vegetal while brewing. A little melon.

Brewed: coconut on the nose and then a fairly lively brew that kicks off with a pretty strong almond note that turns into coconut and a little bit of bitterness through the middle and into the finish where the bitterness quickly recedes a touch of astringency and a nutty/coconut oil finish that gently coats and stays around for a nice long time.

This is a very good tea to be sure, however this one doesn’t hit any specific chords that resonate with me personally. All of the flavors and complexities are well balanced and there is no fault found with the tea itself. I feel that this is a tea that I will revisit off and on over time and eventually could even grow into a favorite, often initial indifference from me leads to a new addition to the stable. There are wisps of muscatel hiding and swirling behind the scenes and I think that makes me just want them front and center in a cup of Margarets Hope, but often the subtleness is actually a positive and becomes more desirable than just a full-on hit.

#6 Margarets Hope Muscatel

Dry Leaf: Not much to look at but the aroma of a nice moscato wine is amazing.

Wet Leaf: Again, no beauty pageant winner but now that wonderful moscato has transmuted into a rich Canadian ice wine.

Brewed: A tawny liquor produces a tea that can stand up to the finest wines of the world. Muscat forward, muscat mid, and muscat long after. It also rivals any perfume I’ve ever encountered for sheer intoxicating scent. There’s a slight hint of anise or black licorice buried deep in there which adds even more allure.

This is one of teas from the grouping that sings to me, and that I was looking forward to like coming home to an old friend. I often bypass the Darjeelings and many black teas in favor of more delicate and subtle teas like yellows, light greens, senchas, and gyokuros, but the muscat quality of this one is what makes me return a few times each year no matter what season or mood. It’s everything I want in a Darjeeling. I once had a Mlesna brand teabag which was actually “ice wine” flavored Ceylon and it struck me how all the added flavorings in the world can’t get you anywhere near the natural flavor of this tea. It’s magical and it is, and will firmly remain, in my own personal top 10 teas. I can’t speak highly enough of this tea, and it is a pleasure I hope any tea drinker experiences again and again.

by A.C. Cargill

Tea scents wafting my way are one of life’s great pleasures, especially since I have a very “sensitive sniffer.” However, that can be an asset and a problem, as I explained in Part I. While I avoid perfumes (and the people wearing them) as much as possible, rather than risk getting a migraine, I get a fuller appreciation for things that are better enjoyed when one experiences their scents as well as their flavor. Fine teas are certainly in this category. Enjoying their scents is part of the whole tea experience.

I store my teas in air-tight containers to preserve their quality, so the first tea scent to waft my way is from those tiny leaf pieces upon opening the package. The second scent comes from the teapot once the tea has reached its perfect brewing state. That scent carries over into the teacup and enhances every sip. Smell and taste are closely related (anyone who has had a bad head cold and, therefore, can’t taste food will attest to this). The better the tea smells, the better — most assuredly — it will taste.

Tea has a natural fragrance, but some processors enhance this to make scented teas. Probably the most recognizable scented tea is Earl Grey. That distinctive aroma is due to the addition of oil of bergamot (a type of orange). It used to be one of my favorites, but as I’ve marched forward in time (my euphemism for growing older), the scent wafting to me seems too much. Even the taste overwhelms. As I get more familiar with the wide variety of teas available, my nose craves the more refined scents and tastes of fine Oolongs and Darjeelings, although lately I am tempted to try a nice Nilgiri tea, and of course green and white teas.

Some of the “yummier” scents to grace my pointy little nose are vanilla teas and spiced chai teas. They are “full” scents that fill both my nostrils and my mouth with pleasure. They can be so fulfilling, that I forego my teatime treat.

Lots of terms are used by tea experts to describe tea scents and tastes. Some of the common ones are:

• “Bakey” — unpleasant taste resulting from firing leaf at too high a temperature but not quite as bad as a burnt taste.
• “Biscuity” or “Malty” — subtle underlying flavor, often associated with Assam teas.
• “Bite” or “Pungency” — affect of the tannins found in black tea, also known as astringency.
• “Body” — strength of the tea “liquor” plus its weight on the tongue; may be full, light, etc.
• “Brassy” — unpleasant tang resulting from under-withering.
• “Bright” — attributes of cleanness, crispness, or sparkle in fine teas.
• “Brisk” — lively taste as opposed to a flat one.
• “Complex” — blending of flavors common in the finest teas.
• “Fruity” — piquancy found in most good Oolongs and some Keemuns (not to be confused with fruit-flavored teas)
• “Peak” — when the body, flavor, and astringency of the tea “liquor” has been fully felt.
• “Pointy” — tea “liquor” showing a property such as briskness or fine fragrance.
• “Tarry” — smoky flavor of Lapsang Souchong.
• “Weedy” — when referring to black teas, usually indicates poor quality; for green teas, can refer to vegetable aromas and flavors and indicate good quality.
• “Winey” — used to describe a mellow quality in fine Keemun and Darjeeling teas that have been aged six to 12 months; sometimes also used to describe a tea that has been over-fermented.

Whatever terms you use, don’t miss out on one of the best parts of the tea experience — the tea scents wafting your way. Enjoy!

You can find more great writing on A.C.’s blog, Tea Time with A.C. Cargill!

The “brown envelope”, which has been the talk of the hills for the past week, has finally started reaching Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leaders asking them to refrain from in any party activity.

The move, apparently aimed to cleanse the party of corruption, could also be one of the biggest tests for the Morcha. The outfit has sent notices, slipped inside brown envelopes, to at least one central committee member who has been with the Morcha since its inception on October 7, 2007.

“Brown envelope” was a term used by the British press to imply below-the-table transactions of slush money or information that politicians indulged in.

Even though Morcha general secretary Roshan Giri refused to divulge the names until the list was completed, sources said notices have been sent to Bimal Darjee, the convener of the party’s Tindharia-Sukna unit, who is also a central committee member. According to well-placed sources, notices have also gone to Sujan Rai and Saran Lama, both from Liza Hill unit, apart from Praveen Tuladhar of Kalimpong.

Darjee admitted that he has received the notice. “I got the letter on October 28 and I will obey the decision taken by the party president,” he said over the phone from Tindharia in Kurseong subdivision.

Morcha president Bimal Gurung, while addressing a public meeting in Darjeeling on October 25, had said he was aware of some leaders who had bought SUVs and were taking “pact-money” from contractors. The Morcha president had urged the people not to speak on behalf of these leaders and instead mark them out as those who were not sincere towards Gorkhaland.

Darjee, however, said he had always stood by his principles. “I have not bought cars or taken pact money (for contracts). Anyone can meet me for a clarification. I am not against the cause of Gorkhaland and its people either,” he said.

Darjee, however, said since no clarification was sought by the Morcha from him, he would not explain his stand to the party leadership on his own. “The letter states that I should no longer interfere with party activities in the Tindharia-Sukna area and also should not participate in the workings of the development committee of the Morcha,” said Darjee. Technically, Darjee has not been expelled from the party’s primary membership if one is to go by the content of the notice.

“In future, if Bimal Gurung thinks I should take up some party responsibilities, I will definitely shoulder them to the best of my abilities as I am always committed towards the cause of Gorkhaland,” said Darjee.

Analysts believe that the move to send the notices, virtually sidelining some of the leaders in the party, could be one of the biggest tests for the Morcha. “If the dissenters manage to influence a section in the Morcha, which has had intra-party squabblings in some areas, the party could face some troubled times,” said an analyst.

However, other observers believe that given the overwhelming support that the Morcha currently enjoys in the hills, the leaders against whom notices have been sent cannot be a major threat immediately. “In fact, the political careers of some of these leaders could be doomed,” another analyst said. (The Telegraph)

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today announced that it would lock all the block development offices across the hills from November 7 even as the interlocutor for the talks involving the Centre, the state government and the party arrived here.

“However, we have decided to exempt those sections which deal with registration and issuing of birth and death certificates at the BDO offices from the agitation,” said Binay Tamang, the assistant general secretary of the Morcha.

The move is expected to paralyse administrative and development works in rural areas. Bimal Gurung, the president of the Morcha, had announced one week back that all panchayat offices would be closed indefinitely from November 7 as part of its non-co-operation movement.

The party has also decided to close down all the liquor offshops in the hills from the same date and asked business establishments to use the word “Gorkhaland” on their signboards.

Lt Gen. (retd) Vijay Madan, who had been appointed the interlocutor to look into the demands of the Morcha, arrived in Darjeeling yesterday.

The decision to appoint the interlocutor had been agreed to at the third rounds of talks among the Central and state governments and the Morcha in Delhi on August 11. The Union home ministry had announced Madan’s appointment on October 23.

According to sources, Roshan Giri, general secretary of the Morcha, along with the party’s central committee members Amar Lama and Asha Gurung, met Madan in Darjeeling last evening. “It was basically a courtesy call,” said a Morcha source.

A meeting between Gurung and Madan has been fixed at a Darjeeling hotel at 3pm tomorrow. “The meeting has been confirmed,” admitted Tamang.

Gurung is expected to reach Darjeeling late this evening after his five-day tour of Sandakphu-Rimbick. According to sources, Madan will be leaving Darjeeling on November 3. His visit is seen as a move to prepare the groundwork for the next tripartite meeting scheduled to be held in Darjeeling on December 21.

Gurung had already announced that he would intensify the agitation and impose “home rule and declare “Gorkhaland”, if the December talks were not fruitful.

The closure of the BDO offices is likely to affect the Central government’s 100-day work programme and projects like construction of roads.

The BDO offices look into every aspect of development in rural areas like the implementation of the Indira Awaas Yojna, under which houses are built for people below poverty line. (The Telegraph)

Let’s face it, Costa Rica is known for its coffee.  And as I have discovered amidst my weekly trips to the grocery store, not known for its teas…at least the kind of teas that I love and appreciate…you know, a fine Green from China, a Rooibos from Vietnam, a Darjeeling from India…good, old fashioned, loose-leaf tea that warms the body and soul.  

But today I found a gem, in the land of coffee.  A TEA SHOP.   Being the tea lover I am, I was ecstatic.

Tea Land was the gem I found amongst the outskirts of the city of San José.  The brightly colored walls were welcoming, the staff friendly, and the tea?  A golden morsel of deliciousness on my choosy taste buds.

Rooibos Tropical, Blueberry Yogurt, Masala Chai – those are the flavors that warmed my friends and my soul that day.  We will for sure be going back to this hidden gem in the land of coffee.  And if you, a tea drinker, ever find yourself lost in the land of coffee, be sure and look for this hidden gem as well.