Friday 22nd February 2008 NOT a good day physically. Rode 102 miles, 60 of which, with a very grumbling, complaining stomach, in very high temperatures. Climbing 2127metres definitely didn't help either. On arriving at the hotel I felt very ill. ( Thank goodness someone invented imodium! ) I did not eat and went to bed feeling very cold despite the 30 degree temperature. As we cycled along we passes lots of road works, mainly reconstruction after the monsoons and some road widening. Nearly all the work was being done by teams of women who carried everything on their heads- stone, sand, soil etc- all manual labour. Again the photo opportunity was marred by the fact that the women just wanted to pose for the camera. These women are something else, very strong and hard workers who ... read more

Having the holiday of a lifetime here in India. Arrived in Trivandrum on Saturday for the start of a fortnight's cycle touring holiday in a group of 19, including John and Pat our group leaders. The arrival on the street outside the airport at 10pm was like nothing on earth with the heat hitting you in the face and the old Ambassador cars and Tuk Tuks lined up. Sunday assembled the bikes and had just a 20 mile ride to limber us up from our long journey. Went to the local beach at Kovolam and actually went into the water, which my family will tell you is a very rare occurance, it was just like stepping into a warm bath . The ride through the suburbs to Kovolam was quite exciting, mixing it for the ... read more

Away in the bus again calling at Fatehpur Sikri on the way to see the old Mogul Palace. Very interesting tour but spoilt by aggressive salesmen selling trinkets. ... read more