Jina in India: She came, she conquered, she audio-recorded...she left:-(

Well, I've finally pulled myself out of the pit of despair I fell into after Jina abandoned us, in the heat of a Kolkata summer, and we had to somehow come to terms with the black hole left by her absence. Sigh.

Histrionics aside, we had an amazing time with our favorite intrepid reporter (watch out Brenda Starr, here comes Jina Moore!) who was instantly beloved by the ladies at the cha stand, Mala who performed for Jina's audio recorder, the regal Dolly of Dolly's tea, and young children in the hills of Darjeeling. Here's some of the highlights:

This tik-tiki (lizard) appreciates the heat and tropical sunshine, lounging about at the edge of Elliot Park in the ceter of Kolkata.
Jina and I mostly maintained decorum and decency, though we were quite prim and proper compared to the young couples making out fiercely behind umbrellas.

Luscious lotus blossoms in the middle of the gardens.
I did some vicarious shopping through Jina who dove into the decadence of Indian fabrics.
This is a make-out umbrella. They are EVERYWHERE in the gardens.
Cavorting about the Victorian Memorial with Jina's friend Nilanjana from grad school. Victoria would NOT have approved I'm sure. Note the storm clouds building in the background.
Jina smelling curry blend after curry blend in the maze of New Market.
Approaching Darjeeling and the coolness of the hills.
Not quite sure why this sign says that we should drive through the storefront to find the end of the rainbow...
Our first evening at about 7,000 feet with some amazing clouds rolling down from the Himalayas.
We did an excellent job of browsing in Darjeeling--from bookstores to tea estates to restaurants.
Jina with her handy-dandy audio recorder, trying to capture some frogs.
There are big mountains, I mean really big mountains, behind them, I swear.
Jina's last night. Almost 40 hours later she was back in NYC. She is hardcore. Which is why we love her:-)

Paz y Amor,
J&J