Had my best sleep yet last night - first time I've actually slept right through. My allergies seem to have gone too, which is amazing and such a relief - was really getting to me. Must be allergic to some of the greenery down south. Hopefully not palm trees since hope to be around some a fair bit later in the trip. Got up okay and got to an ATM. felt horrible giving over the RS10000 (£131) local fees. Not really sure they are that necessary or where the money goes considering we have already paid £800 for the trip! Met the German and Australian girls but can't remember/didn't catch their names - will need to work on that - very bad at names indeed. Caught a local bus for a bumpy ride to a mosque ... read more

Can't believe been up since 5.30am! Was not pleasant, just rolled out of bed, into clothes and went. Dozed a bit on the mini bus and really couldn't have managed an Indian breakfast when we stopped - had some cashews and then the Ooty chocolate. The roads were quiet, probably due to it being a public holiday as its Ganhdi's birthday, so arrived at Coimbatore an hour early. Decided to pass time in an internet cafe as it was really hot just sitting outside the travel place. Not much better in the internet cafe but still a little better. Checked bank account somewhat nervously, but was okay. Had been paid which is always good. Wanted to upload more pictures but the computers only had floppy disk drives! Tried to respond to Lindsay's email but the keyboard ... read more

Can't believe it's the end of September already! Felt really sick after going to bed last night but managed to fall asleep. Struggled with my scrambled eggs but did better with apple pancake. Sarah and Natalie also feeling a bit ill and Susan has had a cold for a while but seems a bit better. Sarah really not good so had a lie down while Natalie and myself went for a swim. Bit cooler this time since earlier in the day but really nice. Chatted to one of the guys we'd been speaking to in the bar last night - him and his friend were staying in one of the tree houses which look great and must have stunning views. After the swim I packed up and we were back on the mini bus heading up ... read more

Both woke up as the train entered ours, and the final, station - everyone else was all packed up, beds back to normal, ready to go, nobody thought it might be a good idea to wake us at least a wee bit before. Had to get up, pack up sheet, find bag etc. and go, without really waking up - was not in good mood! Just threw on sunglasses and stumbled along after everyone. Think got auto to hotel - all a bit hazy - and checked in. Had a couple of hours to freshen up, get breakfast etc. so showered, had a coule of crackers, and washed some underwear. Met around 10.30am when we discovered it was Natalie's 31st birthday when Chandra had a cake for her which was really nice. After having some cake ... read more

Up early and out for a walk around the very French Pondicherry. Had breakfast in a french bakery - very tasty almond croissant an an apple danish - yum! Then walked the French quarter visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram on Rule de la Marine and had some time to sit amongst The Mother's devotees and meditate. The Mother is Mirra Alfassa - a Paris born painter, musician and Aurobindo’s close companion who developed the Ashram and founded Auroville (visited later). Sarah bought a book about The Mother's thoughts on children and I picked up a tiny perfume and some lemongrass in the shop which I'm hoping will reduce my bites - lots around feet and ankles. It was really nice to walk down and see the sea and hear the waves crash against the rocks - but ... read more