On Friday we left Tirunelveli on the Chennai Express train which left late. There was a heavy police presence at the train station due to a huge DMK political rally in town. I have discovered that I am allergic to Indian trains. At least, the wool blankets they pass out to everyone for making up a bed for sleeping. I coughed all night but at least thought to wrap my upper self in my own shawl so my respiratory passages wouldn't object so much. Some Benedryl helped slightly. The trains we traveled on had separate Western and Indian style toilets. I [View Full Entry]

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We took the Kanyakumari Express train from Chennai to Tirunelveli. It arrived at 4:30 in the morning. The taxi we hired to take us to Dr. Balasubramanian's house broke down half way there. The alternator gave up the ghost. We waited for a bit and then finally got an autorickshaw. It was almost comical trying to fit 4 people (5 with the driver) plus everyone's luggage into a tiny vehicle only meant for 2 passengers. A Chinese fire drill for the record books! I've heard so much of the inconveniences of India but had been lucky so far to not have [View Full Entry]

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We have arrived in Chennai, India. The old name of Madras seems to roll off my tongue better. We are impressed with the remodeling of the Chennai airport. The line at Immigration is the shortest I have ever seen, only about 10-15 minutes wait. Much improved since last trip 2 years ago! Anyhow, we have been here 2 days now and are finally adjusting to the local time schedule. Thank goodness for melatonin! We have not done a whole lot, just a spot of shopping and some visiting. Everyone here is well. Tomorrow we take the train to Tirunaveli (not sure [View Full Entry]

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We have been in Paris for 2 days now. Took us awhile to find a Wifi place. We have been sightseeing like crazy. We have walked, taken the bus and the Metro train all over the city. We have seen pretty much all the sites including the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, the Grand Palace, the Louvre Museum, Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame. I am sure I am forgetting something..... Anyhow, we are enjoying it very much. We have chosen our itinerary wisely, choosing the rainy day to spend inside the Louvre Museum. The Museum has art from prehistoric times up [View Full Entry]

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The Countdown Begins....28 Nov. 2007 Ahhhhh!!! Lots to do before we leave on December 3rd. But I think it will all get done. I am starting to seriously scrutinize what to pack. Want to take only about 5 days worth of clothes so I will have an excuse to go shopping once we reach India! Anant is out of town for work and will only have 2 days when he gets back to get his stuff together. I would normally travel with him but stayed behind this time to prepare for our trip. We plan to spend a few days in [View Full Entry]

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