Great wrap on India, Kate. If South-East Asia is even half as good you'll be incredibly lucky. That remains to be seen. Just know that many of us are still reading and can't wait to hear all the tales to come.
"I had to go back to the hotel to shower and then eat to recover from this Jodhpur life scarring event." - I knew you'd regret not taking your biohazard suit with you eventually.
"It is very disturbing to wake up and find a camel half a metre from your head." - Also great to know that while you might be changing India, it isn't changing you, haha.
The blue city looked phenomenal, I know that word has been oft used in my analysis of your travels but it's oh so true. I am also sure the camel safari was rewarding, although two days riding is a little backside reliant for my liking (and seemingly for you too). Shocked you scrapped the golden temple though, that would probably have been the one thing I'd have ensured I saw.
K-Hate,
I love that nearly every blog you have written has included copious usage of the word "extort", haha. Is this a running theme of the holiday and something that will be added to your vocabulary upon return?
The Hawa Mahal looks very intriguing and the story of the 4'11 man was priceless. You'd think in a country of one billion he wouldn't be forced to rely on foreigners as best friends. Horrible to say as he was clearly so nice but sometimes you have to be cruel to do right by someone.
Wow, the Taj Mahal looks every bit as beautiful as I had anticipated. If, as you claim, the photos don't do it justice then I cannot wait to grace it with my own presence (or have in grace me with it's).
Quite frankly amazed it took you so long to catch Delhi belly, given all the extraordinary adventures you went on in your first month in India. I don't want to begin to even imagine how squalid that hotel room would have been by the time you checked out.
Brilliant photos Hello, just wanted to say that the photos in your blog are really good. I went to India with a group of friends last summer and saw both of these places so seeing the photos brought back some brilliant memories...although having to end in Dehli wasn't the best part of the trip!
Hey - just stumbled across your blog. I really enjoyed your photos of Delhi. I've just come back from there myself, so it's nice to see places like Humayun's Tomb and India Gate again. Just off to browse through your earlier blogs... :)
Hello! Stumbled onto your blog while trying to find out information on Udaipur. It looks like we're doing your exact route, only in reverse. We got the exact same photo of the child beer sign! And also got crapped on by a pidgeon. I'm glad to hear that you aren't such a walking ATM in the south, it's been driving me crazy.
(edtraveling.blogspot.com)
Brilliant! Haha, your face in the photo of the box size room is one of pure anguish, K-Hate. The joys of budget travel!
I also had the privilege of viewing many Bollywood blockbusters during my time spent living in Dubai. It seems the storylines have not changed a good ten years on. I'm sure you spent most of the feature in stitches.
Send my heterosexual love to Mez and welcome to the '09.
Much love,
Waller
Hah! The bull chase was interesting... I managed to escape though some agile side stepping, it appears that bulls can't run as fast around corners as they can in a straight line (luckily for me). We are now in Mumbai. Goa was very nice and relaxing... not really any partying as the police shut all the parties down due to bomb threats leading up to Christmas and New Years.
Breathtaking Some of the scenery you've had the privilege of seeing is literally taking my breath away, from the other side of the World behind a computer screen. The Achyutaraya Temple and Sule Bazaar look like particular highlights, as you pointed out in your blog. I want to hear more about this bull attack though! Nearly died?! Yikes! Given I plan on doing the bull run in Spain perhaps I should heed your warning. Are you just uploading the best photos? If so, I can't wait to see the extended collection upon return. Goa promises to be awesome. Let us know how you celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Not missing you too much... yet, haha,
Waller
Apparently I have to review the comments before they are posted, so keep them coming. The colours of India are amazing, and the whole place is a contrast between extreme beauty and extreme ugliness. Anyway, Merry Christmas! Try not to miss me too much.
Kate
Still Jealous Don't know if my last comment went through as I can't see it on your blog yet, but rest assured I am still reading and fascinated so keep up the good work. The colour of Indian is arguably the most breath-taking yet, the contrasting tones perhaps only rivalled by Africa. I am also glad to hear that you've haven't forgotten to wear your alcoholism like a badge of honour. Keep "sampling" all that local flavour (Toddy and all).
Gutsy I'm amazed you were intrepid (I guess it is the name of your tour) enough to visit an Indian families house on your own. However, exceedingly pleased to hear they didn't rob you and you had a truely magnificient cultural immersion. A few family friends have lost wallets and other valuables embarking on similar detours in China.
Sounds like you're having a wonderful time nevertheless. Keep the blog coming, I'm very very jealous.
Tell Merric I say "hi" as well, the Roseville Gypsies need him back!
comment title? kaaate! (lol) good to hear you're well. just making use of this "add comment" button! woo! lol. "are you married" haha did anyone ask you how much your kidney costs?
ps bet your enjoying the loin cloths ;)
pps when you get to SE asia watch out for ppl inviting you into their homes and serving you food and tea: they might charge you ludicrous amounts for their "special" tea...
Hello!
I have just finished my undergrad science degree and am off travelling for 5 months around India and South East Asia. Here I will keep you up to date on my latest adventures and post my award winning travel photographs.
Look forward to seeing you all in 5 months,
Kate
... full info
James Waller
non-member comment
Great wrap on India, Kate. If South-East Asia is even half as good you'll be incredibly lucky. That remains to be seen. Just know that many of us are still reading and can't wait to hear all the tales to come.