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| Gangtok was
not the exotic place I envisioned. Since it is close to China and ripe
for picking, the Indian government has invested a lot in making it industrially
productive and tourist friendly. Coming in, it is rampant with trash,
an entanglement of wires obscuring views and crowdedness. The north of
the city is nice, but entering the city gives a junky impression. Evidently,
western Sikkim is prettier. Since it was my last hotel stay before going to Kolkata, I booked an expensive one, the Norkill at $70 a night; most paid previously was $25. It was lovely, but the tradeoff is aesthetics, comfort and service against contact with fellow travelers from which you can glean information and experiences. At least I was comfy in my insularity! |