KATHMANDU TO KALIMPONG 2014: Sunday, 23rd February, 2014 Himalayan Hotel, Kalimpong

Total Distance - 320.5 miles Climbing - 18,704 feet

Rose at 7.45am for breakfast at 8.30am, no cycling today, feels strange. I didn't sleep too well in my nice comfy bed, too hot. We had a lovely celebratory dinner in the hotel last night, our last together as Michelle leaves this afternoon. Too soon we start splitting up. We left for church at DGH, an outdoor service , under canvas. The School Chaplain conducted the service with Fraser playing the bagpipes at the beginning and end, he presented a plaque from the Royal Scots Guards to the school. David read from the bible, John gave a lesson and Digby spoke about his life and played the organ for the last hymn. Cottage girls sang an enchanting song. It was a lovely service on a beautiful day. Afterwards I spent time with Tracy, my sponsored girl. Although we correspond I haven't seen her in 4 years, some sponsors never meet their children so I am very lucky. She is a beautiful, intelligent girl and we had a special time together. She showed me around Birrisa Cottage where she lives with other girls the same age, I met her Housemother, Auntie Margaret. Before dinner tonight James entertained us with jokes then John treated us with a trick involving, water tumblers, a tray, eggs and matchboxes. A tumbler with water, tray on top, matchbox on it's edge, egg balanced on top of matchbox. John then hits tray away and eggs fall into water. He then repeated this with 4 eggs. So clever, must try it sometime !!! Ken's siblings have arrived, they plan to visit the Homes and tour India over the next fortnight. Ken is a former pupil of the Homes and he spoke of his school experiences, good and bad. Fascinating. Willie leaves for home tomorrow, another one away. We sat up late ( for us ) tonight chatting and enjoying each other's company. This has been a friendly group, we all gelled and helped each other out. It is always sad to say goodbye.