Our train to Darjeeling was supposed to take 10 hours, bus as usual took 15 and didn't even get us to Darjeeling! Darjeeling was still a scarey 4 hour jeep ride away up through the Himalayas. The driver stayed in 4th gear all the way! We weren't sure if this was to do with the 2 passengers sitting on the gear stick, or his style of driving, but either way it was a white knuckle ride and best just to keep our eyes closed!

So in to the land of tea plantations....Darjeeling was a bit of a surprise. We were expecting clear Himalayan air with gorgeous scenery, but what we got was pollution and chaos. The best thing about it was drinking tea and eating cakes all day long!

The travel bug soon kicked in again, as if our back-sides hadn't taken enough punishment! We called a rain-check on Darjeeling and India (much to Caroline's approval!) and headed in to Nepal.

Completely out of Indian Rupee and no ATM in site, we trudged along the borded with our heavy loads. Feeling like true adventurers and the only Westerners in site, another set-back was just around the corner....

Due to political problems which Nepal has suffered for years, travelling by road to the capital Kathmandu was impossible. Road blocks were present all the way and locals told us stories of travelling what was meant to be a 15 hour journey in 7 days, having to sleeep rough with no water or food until the blockades were lifted.

After the previous weeks' hideous journeys, we had to make a decision - whether to head back in to India or fly across.

After tears and much deliberation (from Caroline who also wasn't feeling well) we booked a 'Buddha Air' flight for the next day. There were yet more tears when a 22-seater propellor plane turned up on the tarmac for the 45 minute journey!

Despite the fear, this was Nepal's safest airline and turned out to be quite amazing as we flew past Mount Everest. We certainly kissed the ground once we landed in Kathmandu!!!

So we've been in Nepal now since Monday and love it. It's full of smiley, happy people and much cleaner! We'll fill you in on what we're up to shortly.

Bye for now, love Jim and Caroline xx