Chai Pilgrimage

The Central Government of India pumps hoards of money into Sikkim’s roadway infrastructure because its border with China compels them to keep a formidable military presence.  Most of the main roads are paved and well maintained so that armed vehicles can move freely throughout the state.  This, however, does not exactly make it safe to drive in Sikkim.

The lower Himalaya topography is “hilly” (their hills are like our mountains), thus the roads must conform to curvaceous canyon slopes.  The superior quality of the roads makes it easier to drive fast, unlike the dilapidated mountain “roads” throughout the rest of Northern India.  More than once, we found ourselves racing through the Himalayas around tight curves in overloaded jeeps driven by wanna-be stunt drivers.

Traveling by road there can make the most iron stomach carsick while at the same time inspire one to contemplate their mortality.  But, if one is surrendered to the belief that their moment of death is already predetermined, they can enthusiastically look out the window and take visual pleasure in the magnificent vertical drop-offs just inches from the jeep’s tires into the sheer faced ravines.  There are no distracting guardrails to block the line of site!

To make sure that drivers are aware of their responsibility to preserve the lives of their passengers, there are lyrical road safety signs on the side of the road.  They apparently go unnoticed or are completely ignored by the drivers, but provide ironic entertainment value to passengers with a dark sense of humor like myself.

Road is hilly, don’t be silly

No race, no rally, enjoy the beauty of the valley

This is a highway, not a runway

Be soft on my curves

If married, divorce speed

Faster will see disaster

Slow drive, long life

Fast won’t last

No need for over speed

Speed thrills but kills

Hurry makes worry

Arrive home in peace not in pieces