We've done a lot of whitewater rafting There are several good rivers in the US for rafting and I understand your experience. I used to go 3 or 4 times a year but gave it up after nearly drowning one year. Enough excitement for me.
Fantastic Experience! This is by far the most adventurous and vivid descriptions of the trek, through 20+ pages of Lost City Google links, that took me back every arduous step of the way. I have sent you a message requesting permission for how I would like to share this with my students; thanks!
Hi,
I realise this blog was written some time ago. Having lived in Varkala sometime I too know many stories of the cliff, and some of them aren't very pleasant.
However, as the co-owner of Rock N Roll (with my Varkalan husband), I would like to assure you that single girls will not have those issues at Rock N Roll (as Emily earlier suggests). We have worked hard to improve our reputation and the safety of women is extremely important to us. Never, in the three years that I have been involved in Rock N Roll has anyone been drugged or had drinks spiked. I'm shocked to say that when bad things have happened they have been caused by tourists. For example, things being stolen.
The only night that is very difficult to manage is New Years Eve. Despite all our best plans there is an influx of locals who come to celebrate. Honestly, this is the only night that I would warn female travellers of. But then again, its much tamer then the streets of Manchester on a Saturday night.
Emily, if you are still around. I would love to meet you and please anyone, if you have these kind of concerns about Rock N Roll come and talk to me. Billy (Aussie female running Rock N Roll)
RE: Not Fair The blog IS accurate of the events that happened that night, and yes its true that this could happen anywhere in the world. I don't claim to be an expert on India and wouldn't know the difference between Maylaylee and Hindi, but that's not the focus of the blog. I hope this was a one off event, and as it says in the blog, Varkala is probably the best beach resort in India - Still there are a lot of mixed reports.
-- I have published your point of view --
Not fair I've just read this blog and find it quite unfair and inaccurate. First and foremost the writer obviously has little education about the south of India or Kerala state. The boys that are continually referred to as "Hindi lads" are indeed not Hindi at all. Hindi is a language spoken in a large part of India but is not the local language and these boys were likely Maylaylee. The truth is I am in Varkala for much of the tourist season and have not seen anything like this so my feeling is it was likely a one off. And a further truth of life is that could have happened in Central London, New York, Dublin, Rome or anywhere else on the planet where people gather.
There are "hippie types" that come here and probably indulge in the mentioned substances but there are also families from Sweden, Italy, etc. with their young children experiencing the magic of India along with people looking into yoga, natural healing treatments and meditation.
Concerning the young boys dancing and dressing one must remember this is a completely different culture and dance and costumes is a huge part of it.
As with anywhere in the world, Varkala is not without it's problems and as with anywhere in the world they are sometimes extreme. But to base an opinion on one incident is, as I said in the beginning simply not fair. Many people come here and stay for months and many, many return yearly. So there's another view point.
Yu go! Guys, these photos and the story are so awesome. You are to be commended for your courage. I couldn't muster that much up in a hundred lifetimes. Thank you for letting me enjoy the trip through, for that's as close as I'll ever get. If you go again, be careful!!!
Amazing Story - Love reading it and sharing I sure loved finding this blog about these amazing places you went in China. Makes me wish I was young again, but I am intereted in the temples you visited. Did you post separately with some pics of the temples? Were there priests that stayed there. Were they Shao Lin (sp) temples, or just remote yerts for worship?
You guys will never forget this adventure for all your lives. I remember climbing some 14ers here in Colorado when I was younger, and one had cables and footholds too, but nothing quite like what you describe here. Thanks for all the great rendition! Heros of Henan!
contact hey guys, anyone have a contact we could use too please? and any ideas on how much money and that we should take? cheers, and help or info would be great. please reply to choppy05@hotmail.co.uk
all the best
daniel, from the UK
"Darren has a desire to learn, but not just from books, he wants to touch, smell, taste, hear and see the world. He loves interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures and likes the challenge of getting to remote and unusual places. He is an outgoing and confident traveler that is always looking to take a step beyond the norm, often leaving him to face bizarre and unusual situations. Darren's blog has proven to be a big hit on the Internet and many people have requested that he write a book about the places he has visited together with the bizarre and unusual situations th... full info
D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
I enjoy reading about your travels
Very nice rainbow.