DARJEELING - OCTOBER 1968

摘要

October heralds autumn. It brings with it a riot of colour, transforming the ethereal snows of Kanchenjunga into a wondrous panorama at daybreak. Seductive rays, from a sun still to crest the Eastern hills, slowly coax the mountain to life. A pale dabof pink, atop the mountain, proclaims the dawn.A gentle breeze, springing from the massif, ruffles clothing and headgear. Huddled under greatcoats, bundled in gaudy scarves and shivering in the cold, tourists, taxi drivers and guides collectively gasp as the sun struggles to climb the opposite hills.Starched clouds with the texture of organdie appear pasted in the still dark sky. Below Tiger Hill, an ocean of fleece stretches to touch the distant hills.Vying with the snow, clouds enhance the celestial palette with colours quickly changing from crimson to magenta; till the sun bursts through magically turning clouds and snow blood red. In the blink of an eye the entire panorama turns pristine, with a white so pure and fierce it can no longer be gazed upon... and the majesty of a Darjeeling sunrise is complete.