I introduced you to Pei Tapan Gab earlier. And during that introduction to Pei, I mentioned that his family is in the tea business. So, below, I will profile their tea plantation (they call it a “tea garden”) and discuss the tea business in general. Pei’s family got into the tea business because Pei’s father … Continue reading
Following our descent from the Himalayas on the road to Tawang, we ventured into the tribal areas of central Arunachal Pradesh. This area is not listed on permits and we weren’t supposed to be here, but as I always say – It’s good to know people… Before setting off into the jungle, we spent the … Continue reading
This picture is of Pei – our local fixer in India’s Northeast for most of our trip: Pei is from a warrior tribe known as the Nyishi which have a fierce reputation. And, of course, Pei’s sword, which he takes with him everywhere, does nothing to dispel this impression. The strap on Pei’s sword is … Continue reading
India is often perceived (and often vilified) as an outsourcing giant. Yet, nothing is black and white in this world. And demonstrating a shade of gray, India outsources too. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is responsible for maintaining the road that runs through Arunachal Pradesh and up to Tawang – The road to Tawang… This … Continue reading
How about those names? I was told that it is also sometimes called Bramdungjung. As impressive as I found the Tawang Monastery to be, I was actually more taken with the small Buddhist nunnery that I shall profile below. The Ani Gompa (Let’s call it that for the sake of expediency) lies several miles farther … Continue reading
I’ve been banging on a lot recently about the road to Tawang… So, what is it that’s so great about Tawang? Well, as I hope my prior pictures will help to demonstrate, a significant component is very much a case of the journey being the destination. That said, Tawang is certainly a worthy destination in … Continue reading
I’ve been discussing the road to Tawang in the past couple of posts… So, I realized it would be appropriate to provide my dear readers with a little additional content to get a feel for the people and places along this amazing road. The road to Tawang may start out in the jungle (of which … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 