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We got into Goa a little before noon. We decided on Arambol as our beach destination because it was quiet and secluded. It was another wonderful rest stop on our long journey. Our hotel was not only steps away from the beach, but was ran by some of the nicest guys we've met yet. Raj, Ummesh, Milan, and Egan did not only feed us the best food we've had yet, but they looked at us as friends, as we did them. The first day we pretty much spent on the beach talking with our new friends. The next day we got some scooters so we could go scooting around the lush greenery of Goa. We got lost in no time flat, but there is no better place to get lost. We got on a major highway with no helmets, which will get you pulled over. So we got off and started heading back. On the way back I saw an older man who wanted a ride. He told me he could get us back to where we wanted to go, so he hopped on and we went. Of course his directions led us back on the highway. And of course there
were police officers there who did pull Brad, our new travel partner, and me over. He sent the man on a bus heading to his destination. The officer asked Brad and I if we had a license. We did not. We also didn't have a helmet. He took our scooter keys and told us that he was taking our bikes and we had to get back to Arambol on our own. He then strangely offered to sell us a license for two thousand rupee. We had heard about this type of thing with the law enforcement of the area; that is them asking for money to leave you alone. All we had was one thousand rupee, and by god, we wanted to ride our awesome scooters. We asked the officer if a thousand would do. He gladly took our money and sent us on our way. The days following were spent in the sea, exploring the area, reading, and meeting new people. There is a little jungle path next to a clear pool called Sweet Water that leads you to a banyan tree. At this banyan tree there is a gathering of babas. A baba is a wise guru. Meeting
some of these men you can easily question their 'baba-ness'. It seemed some of them were in hiding from the stories they told. Stories of the mafia and criminal histories could be heard. Meeting some natives of Goa, they had some not so kind words to say about some babas. Brad and I both found this very interesting. I also found it very intriguing that the Russian population in Goa is big. But there is huge tension between the Russians and the natives of Goa. Some years back a Russian tourist killed a native. The Indian Government took action by giving Russians only two month long visas. Keep in mind that many Russians own businesses in Goa. A tale I heard is that as a reaction to this seventy people in Goa were killed in one night. And it is believed to be the work of the Russian Mob by many in Arambol. If it's true or not, I can't say, but the tension between the Russians and the natives was thick.
Brad wanted to see Hampi, and I didn't want to make the trip because of a long bus ride. We decided to meet in Bangalore in a
few days. So Brad will now write to you about the happenings in Hampi.
After a nearly 13 hour journey by bus, including hairpin turns up and down a mountain range, I arrived in Hampi to meet my first experience with the Indian monsoon rains. That night it poured for hours, but after that it never rained again - although the power went out on a very regular basis. I spent the majority of my time in Hampi with a friend I met about five minutes after getting off the bus. He is an Austrian named Manuel. He and I shared a hostel room together and saw the ruins left behind from a Hindu empire that flourished from around 1300 to 1600. The sights and landscape of the area were beautiful and unlike anything I have seen yet in India. Besides the wonderful views and sights in the area, I found Hampi to be filled with down-to-earth tourists who shared many of the same interests as me and I spent most nights near a waterfall and next to a fire sharing stories with my fellow travelers. Manuel and I also met a local guru who gave me great insight
into my own life. Finally, after three days or so in Hampi, I took a nearly 16 hour train to Bangalore and spent the day alone sightseeing. Then, that night, I met Brian at Bangalore International airport and we flew to Kolkatta (Calcutta), which is where we are now. We arrived in Kolkatta around 10:30 Wednesday night and we leave around 10pm Friday night for Darjeeling.
On a final note: Jackson Seims, if you are out there listening, good luck and congratulations on the upcoming ceremonies. I expect you G.I. folks to play nice while you're in Hastings. Mike Miller - Mike, Son of Greg - Mike formerly of Summer Hill Farms - see to it Jackson gets this message....
Namaste
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anonymous
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"Manuel and I also met a local guru who gave me great insight into my own life." Really? (said very sacastically) I wish I could say something mean but it's only because I AM SOOO JEALOUS!