Random Musings of a Technocrat

July 2019. My solo adventure in Darjeeling began with a sense of excitement and a tinge of apprehension. I had heard stories about the mystical charm of this hill station, but nothing could have prepared me for what lay ahead. It was early morning when I set out from Hideout Backpackers Hostel , aiming to visit the famous Peace Pagoda. The weather was gloomy, the sky covered in a thick blanket of grey clouds. A light drizzle had started, and the fog hung low, reducing visibility to mere feet ahead. As I walked along the winding paths, the mist swirled around me, creating an eerie atmosphere. The usual sounds of the town were muffled, and all I could hear was the soft patter of raindrops and the occasional rustle of leaves. The world felt strangely silent, as if holding its breath. About halfway to the Pagoda, I realized I had taken a wrong turn (thanks to Google Maps and low connectivity). The narrow path I was on seemed unfamiliar, the trees around me growing denser. The air grew cold...