As the train rattled its way up the mountains, my first impression of Shimla was of my time in La Paz, Bolivia, a city sprawling down a steep valley, but upon closer inspection it feels more like the Swiss Alps.

I expect Julie Andrews to pop up any second singing about deers.

The locals are wandering the street in the evening much like they do in Madrid and they have a "plaza" overlooked by Mahatma Gandhi.

A steep climb to the Jakhu Temple introduced me to one of many rhesus monkeys, who was busy pinching the spectacles off some bloke's head.

The monkey sat there knowing it would be given food so it would drop the glasses.

Clever and mischievous; I like it!

I searched the temple for a clue as to the location of the holy scriptures but all I received was an orange streak on my forehead from the priest, some holy water and some popcorn.

Then I rang a bell to call some monkey business into my life.

I sat on the balcony of my hostel and watched the sun set over the Himalayas with the sound of monkeys scampering across the roof.

It then started to rain, but I soon realised the "rain" was a monkey sitting on the edge of the verandah having a slash outside off stump.

Which would explain why the hostel has a few dogs running around...

The Indian Coffee House rocks!

This place had me reminiscing about Turkey, continuing Shimla's Euro theme.

There are lots of old blokes sitting around discussing the world over several cups of coffee.

It also has wonderful food!

Having not eaten all day, I knocked down a masala dosa (pancake with curry), then an umbata (I think that's the spelling, but it's a cross between an omelette and a pancake) and finally a plate of paneer parottas (deep fried, fermented cheese).

I think I will move into an Indian restaurant when I get home...