I'm not quite sure what it says for my photographic skills when we travel thousands of kilometres by plane, Jeep and foot to one of the most exotic, isolated places on earth, take hundreds of photos of everything moving and stationary, and return home to have them all developed and find that the best one is of a chicken.

	Of course, he's not just any chicken, but one of the guardians of the Ghoom Monastery, the oldest monastery in the region. He's also a prototype for every chicken I will photograph in the future. If I get two or three more good bird shots in other countries, I'll start a Chicken In Every Port page.
It's hard not to smile when you're riding the Toy Train. It's a steam-powered anachronism that's been puffing through the mountains for decades. It's small and slow and rather than wondering if you're ever going to get somewhere, it's better just to sit back and enjoy the ride. Whatever you do, don't get off at the half-way point, Ghoom, and think you can hire a driver just because there are dozens sitting around doing nothing. That's what they want to do and only great wads of cash can get one behind the wheel of his Jeep. Even that's not guaranteed.
	The Toy Train first took to its narrow-guage tracks in September, 1881, and it is kept alive today by the ingenious mechanics and engineers who continue to fabricate and replace parts for this antique steam train. Despite its small size and plodding nature, it continues to carry up to 1.5 million people and 90,000 tons of cargo every year. If you'd like to know more about the Toy Train's history, you can visit "The Saga of the Toy Train."
A side view of the engine, although it is only up close that you can see the complexity and age of the train's components.
	We disembarked in Ghoom -- which I've already advised you not to do -- and I saw this woman and her son standing quietly on the highest point around and watching the train men go about their business. I remember them because of their calm and dignity and togetherness. Just before I sat down to sort through all the Darjeeling photos, I thought of them. And when I picked up the first slide from the hundreds before me, they were on it.
One of those "been there and here's the proof" shots.
	What is a Kirk Session? I don't think Star Trek has reached this altitude.
Commuting in Kurseong? The outriders have to be in some kind of shape to hang on over miles of rough roads.

     
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