Monday, June 17, 2013

Goodbye Sikkim.

As happy as I was to be finally leaving college after four tormenting years, I was not quite thrilled to bid adieu to the state which has been a part of my life for 7 years and its people for 9 years (3 years of middle school, 4 years of graduation spent in Sikkim, been in touch with friends from Sikkim throughout high school even though I was away from the state.) I still remember the first trip to MG Marg and a roll from 'Roll House'. I remember my first day at Tashi Namgyal Academy in Class 8- first period was arts and first school friend Keyzom. The friends made in school, the fun we had, the hardships and perks of hostel life (Yes, Sikkim gave me my first boarding school experience in Class 9 & 10- back in the days when we did not have even a plug point in our dorms and had to wake up at 5 in the morning for exercise), the various competitions and occasions held in school were long bidden farewell, but the memories are still etched in the brain. The several trips taken with friends and parents to various places- long ones such Yumthang, Katao, Gurudongmar, Changu, Pelling, Ravangla, Yuksom and short ones to Rumtek, Bulbulay, Ganesh Tok, Enchey, Rangka, Temi Tarku, Aritar, Saramsa will truly be cherished. The only regret is not having had an opportunity to visit Namchi. I'll even miss the numerous Gangtok trips with my college mates and exploring new restaurants with every visit. I will indeed miss some of the local delicacies- momo (Ting and normal);shyaphalays; Nepali-style aloo dum, dallae-bamboo pickle; the fresh and organic products such as peaches, plums, pears, passion fruits, cucumbers, maize, tea; gundruk; etc. not to mention the aloo chyura and Hotel Tibet's wanton soup. Also, the scenic beauty has spoiled my eyes. The great Kanchenjunga from our school hostel window; the beautiful flowers, mountains and waterfalls; the view of the Teesta and hills peaking through clouds from our college hostel balcony; the cherry blossoms during impending winters and Sikkim rains have been gotten used to. I will miss speaking in Nepali with random people, will miss some great friends made for life, will miss Bhaichung Bhutia's annual trip to school, will miss the good-looking guys and really amicable people of Sikkim. However, what I will not miss are the dusty roads that lead me to the state. Goodbye Sikkim.

6 comments: