And in Nepal "Only in India" - and in Nepal too, except I don't think I ever saw anyone drink cow pee. They're probably not using the cow pats for the roses but will be drying them for use as fuel.
Didn't realise you were going to Mysore. I recall liking the place as it seemed less crowded with buildings and people than other Indian cities - a sight for (my) sore eyes, you might say.
And in Nepal "Only in India" - and in Nepal too, except I don't think I ever saw anyone drink cow pee. They're probably not using the cow pats for the roses but will be drying them for use as fuel.
Didn't realise you were going to Mysore. I recall liking the place as it seemed less crowded with buildings and people than other Indian cities - a sight for (my) sore eyes, you might say.
trekking Well done for doing the climb up the mountain - I did that once, but in the dead of night - in order to get to the mountain top by dawn - I didn't make it by dawn, but I did make it to the top. Hope the rest of the trip goes well and we'll see you soon after we get back, I hope. xx Laura
Batty Hi Mick and Baska
...are you a 'batty' man or what, Mick Johnson? Climbed all that way and then didn't go into the cave!!! Kept Baska company... any excuse! No, I'm sure you were being the perfect considerate husband.
Sounds like you are having a really exciting time, and the food and 'water' sound good too! But you'd expect that in the land where our most popular take-away comes from.
Love
Pat
Curry Not surprised - it was strong! But she was just a brilliant cook; and it was so nice, because we ate with the family, and Varghese told wonderful stories, especially about the local elephants. Sadly we never saw any, but lots of signs of them!
Youngsters You may think you were adventurous when you were in that long boat, but I think my mother-in-law tops this. Aged 78, she and her 84 year-old husband have just spent four weeks in the Malaysia area. Here's her latest description of what they did:
"We are now back near Kuching in a blissful hotel on the coast. After our minus starred hotels we have been in we are luxuriating! We have travelled 200 miles up the Rejang River to remote places including a stay at a longhouse hotel on the notorious Pelagus Rapids. We were the only guests and it was v. good. We were taken down the rapids in a dugout long boat (they all have incredibly powerful out boards in order to negotiate the rapids. John enjoyed it but I was petrified and thought that I had used up a lifetimes adrenaline but found that I still had some when we went to Niah Cave a few days later."
Andy.
Cold weather Don't worry Jacko, we are now up in the Western Ghats, the mountain range between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, so the weather has cooled considerably. Just now a comfortable 31. And last night, it plummetted to about 19 - shiver shiver.
betcha wish you were here Hi from frosty UK. Just cycled to work and my ears fell off - just looking for the pritt-stick... no end in sight for this cold winter
Thanks for the updates Really enjoying reading! So nice to follow and some of the things made me laugh so much. Also - Mum - now you'll understand why I obsess about NYC cockroaches!
so far so good What a fantastic account of your travels.. I feel weak at the knees reading about the bus trip. So glad you seem to be enjoying it all and that you're finding nice places to stay.
Laura
Bad pun I had hoped to raise a comment from you with that one. And it worked! But actually it's not bad. Better that a long way to Goa, anyway.
We are going inland soon, so away from the heat. Today has been a real scorcher; it was at 8am when we strolled down the beach for breakfast, and it still was at 5pm when we walked to the fishing harbour about 3 km away. And it still is. Maybe a Kingfisher or three will help?
Worst pun ever Even for you "mad you are aye" is a pretty bad pun. Looking at the map I see you still have to Goa long way.
If you feel Baska deserves better than being carted around in the back of a bus with someone's feet in her face, you might consider a detour to one of the former British Hill Stations, e.g. Ootacamund and Kodaikanal. Ooty may be too touristy for you but Kodaikanal is a pleasant place to rest up from the madness down below (or was back in 1981 anyway!).
Andy.
Comments I hope you can see all the comments. I can if I go in as a subscriber. Anyway, we are having such a great time, just without you! And I have been eating street stall food, using tap water when I brush my teeth, washing fruit in tap water - all the 'wrong' things. And no sign of a problem! You will have to email Baska - she doesn't want me to discuss her bowels on the blog!
poor rickshaw man Poor man - I hope he survived. You're full of wonderful stories. I see Philip's reply got posted and nice that you were thinking of and talking about us while you're living in a different world. We're living in the same-old-same-old, but just without you. Stay safe and to ask the question most of us are wondering about - what about the Dheli-belly - any problems, upsets?
India We need to work on Laurs, but sadly I'm not sure she could ever take to it. Maybe in a nice place like Kerela or Goa, but not the 'real' India. Anyway, glad you're jealous!
Kind of forcibly retired after 20 years working as an independent IT and business consultant. Now planning some serious travelling with Baska, my wife and soul-mate.... full info
SW19MIKE
Mike Johnson
Whoops
Just noticed I never published this!