Blogs from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, Asia

Being in a hectic city like New Delhi, I always had a wish to visit South India and know their culture better. Then, I started with the endmost states ie. Tamilnadu and Kerala. I wanted some adventure and also to get into nature. I have already made a trip to Munnar, in this regard. Now, I chose Valparai. This is another attraction in Tamilnadu for its vast tea estates. I made my plan for 5 days as usual. I googled out places near Valparai, none attracted me like Athirapally, so it was added. Now, I booked hotel rooms and cab for my journey. So, the itinerary goes like this: 1st day land at Coimbatore , to Topslip, Stay at Topslip. 2nd day- Topslip sightseeing, overnight drive to Valparai (stay at Valparai) 3rd day- Valparai sightseeing, stay ... read more

What is it with ‘non-veg’ restaurants and sleazy rowdy men? Why is it that if an un-escorted girl enters a ‘non-veg’ restaurant post 6pm, then SHE is what’s being served! At least in India. Well appetites apart, Coimbatore Railway Station has a variety of lodges and accommodation for nearly every type of traveler. I, being one of the lesser value ones, chose a single-occupancy (very fancy word for a not-so-fancy place) room at Raja Lodge, just behind KR Restaurant (a landmark here), for Rs 300/- per night. If I must rate it then I’d give it a 1.5 on 10. Actually, it depends, if you’re an Indian sportsman then it’s a 6.5, but if not then it’s 1.5. I think every Indian sportsman has stayed in conditions far far worse and even appreciated some of those. ... read more

Wir sind zur Eröffung eines Life Centers eingeladen, eine Art Kirchenhaus, das nicht nur für Gottesdienste genutzt wird. Wir verlassen Sharon gegen 0730, aus geplanten 2,5h Fahrt („Indische Stunden“) werden 4. Aber das macht nichts, Sam fährt mit uns, und ohne die wichtigste Person – ihn – fängt die Zeremonie nicht an. Josh eröffnet des Life Center, wir CVJMer singen ein Lied, David hält die Predigt, drumherum das ganze Protokoll. Insgesamt verstehen wir wenig, es wird hauptsächlich Tamil gesprochen. Zur Verabschiedung wollen uns alle die Hände geben, Männer, Frauen, Kinder, sehr ergreifend. Es bedeutet wohl eine unglaubliche Ehre, dass da ungewöhnlich hell aussehende Menschen aus einem kaum vorstellbar weit entfernten Teil der Welt gekommen sind, um diesen Menschen die Hände zu schütteln. Lunch in einem Hotel in Pollachi, danach zurück nach Sharon. Unterwegs sehen wir Windräder, ... read more

Hey all, Ben here. We are finally able to upload a bunch more photos! We leave tomorrow for Madurai and we wanted to take advantage of the good internet since we don't know what the next place will offer.... read more

Here are some more photos of Chennai and our first day in Coimbatore. Enough typing, they won't all have titles and captions cause I don't want to waste precious uploading time! Love you all, Ben... read more