Wish I had seen that We totally missed that when we were in Morocco. I would have loved to see tree climbing goats. I guess we have to go back some day. /Ake
That Kiki gets around :) I think I knew you were heading for Morocco, but had clearly forgotten - stupid memory. I hadn't heard of argan oil until I started using a few Lush items that contain it - I'm very curious about whether you like the products you bought! I've heard mixed reviews of the goats in trees experience, and had decided it was a dodgy setup... but given you didn't detect any dodginess, I'll have to review this position. Looking forward to reading about your camel experience :)
Kiki’s my man Well Hi there! Ah yes, mixed reviews on the Argan products so far, it’s a bit oily on my already oily hair. Nice on the skin, the pure stuff seems to sink in and leave it silky and soft. I’m taking some oil for my digestion and that has been fantastic, and the nut butter delicious on toast. Ah my Goats. I too was thinking contrived, but when I got there it seemed so natural and unstaged. Sometimes you just have to go see for yourself to judge! Hilariously worth it!
Goats... We saw the goats in the argan trees on the way from Marrakech to Essaouira. We use it like a "Snakes on a Plane" code between ourselves. Whenever we see people doing something that strikes us as odd we quietly mumble "Goats in the Trees" to each other. No one ever knows what we mean as we laugh to ourselves
Ha ha! That’s great. I had to take videos because I know no one at home will believe me. I am currently considering goats in trees for my family vineyard. Might draw in those winos..
Argan oil Love the short lecture on Argan oil and why goats climb trees. Looking forward to reading more about your trip in Morocco. I plan to go there when I go back to Spain someday
fascinating! I too had seen this pic somewhere, a photo or a documentary. Didn't expect to find it in this blog!
Now I know where to look for goats in a tree.
I want the rights to your book!! What adventures you have and an expert story teller. Never lost is your ability to see the sunny side of a situation. Sarcasm never far behind. Your eyes tell all.... chai, chai, chia. We love the drama of the exaggerated pour. Such style a performance in each cup. Guides around the world are hit and miss. Most we've had have been outstanding but the lame ones live on forever in our brains. Love the description of travel neophytes. These young ones do seem to need constant stimulation and connection. If you want well timed travel they should go to Switzerland or Germany and not India. Life on the road does not go by the clock in India. Next time we get together we'll give you the details of our train ride from hell in Vietnam.Tt was sugar coated in our blog. The sewage wafted. We love to enjoy ourselves in the face of adversity and unbeweavble shit... that is why we travel. We are going to the Seychelles later this year. I long to go to the Maldives. Loved the blogs. MJ
Indian trains Hi Cabochick, The prospect of overnight travel on Indian trains proved to be a bridge too far for my wife, Janice, this time. It was also of some concern to me! Consequently, I went with my brother, Mike, (aka keep smiling) and we only travelled in daytime (also totally unreliable) and ‘Executive class’. Beautifully written as ever and straight from the shoulder! I have to admit, we also came unstuck with a tour company on the Ganges. Keep travelling! David - grey-haired-nomads
Indian Trains My goodness, what a read, and what an epic train journey! I think you're right that an Indian train journey is one of the experiences that one has to have in India. And what an experience you had! Of all my adventures during my first trip to India, it is the train journeys which stand out the most for me. Especially a two-nighter from Calcutta to Bombay. Another wonderful read, thank you again :)
Indian trains Hi Andrea,
We, like yourself, adore chai. However, I am sorry to relate that you haven't sampled it at its best: no mater how great the brew it still pales unless served in bhar (unglazed handmade disposable clay cups) - whilst once ubiquitous these are now very rare (outside of Kolkata). Equally on your next trip to India - you know you will - you must visit Krishna's chai shop in Bundi, Rajestaan, for surely there is no finer chai. The trains... Your journey did sound a bit rough admittedly - not helped by the cheeky, incompetent guide.... It has to be said that we adore them (having ridden way more than 100 over the years) and, although dodgy rides have been known, the locals are typically wonderful: sharing tiffin tin contents, rum, cigs, chat and generally looking out for you. I do hope you aren't totally put off them as there is no finer way to travel around India (and really meet the locals). As always we're enjoying your blogs... A&A.
Hi A&A! I Absolutely enjoyed the experience on the Indian trains despite my cheeky report. I tend to highlight the silly stuff, but overall it was fine. 17 hours did seem long after 12 hours of Indian delays and detours. Most of my interactions with locals and families were sweet, we passed food around and chatted. but there was this intimidating factor being a solo female alone in a whole train carriage of men. Oh and yes! In Udaipur we drank our chai from clay pots, you are right, that was the best. After you finished you threw them to the ground, little piles of broken clay in corners. I can see why you love India and I think if I return I will develop a love as well. For now this was a great intro.
Over my dead body Oh heck no Andrea. Words cannot express how much I do not want to experience what you had to go through. Wow, I read this thinking to myself that it was going to get better, but no, it really didn't. What a trip. Glad the Chai brought some happiness to the days.
Well this will be my 5th train experience and I’ve seen both ends of the scale now. Trains are a great way to get around, meet new people, and see the countryside. I’d still recommend it!
Yes! One of the lovely Americans in the group that I called Sylvania. She was willing to participate and be hands on in experiences, like me. That’s what makes travel!
Alleyways and Toliets India is charming but an assault on the senses! The first time we walked down the street and saw someone urinating against the wall you just have to stand and stare in shock. I was chatting up a man from India one morning in a U.S. airport and asked him what he liked best about America and with great glee he stated he loved the clean rest stops along the wonderful highways with clean bathrooms and nice food available. After traveling to India I understood his enthusiasm. The piles of garbage are unlike any we've seen any place. Street food is never a good idea on day one. The people are India are beautiful and smiling. The colors amazing and vibrant. Loved your henna.
I agree with you, the people of India were so lovely and I enjoyed interacting. It made the place so charming and I can see why travelers return. I enjoyed Mumbai much more and then Goa. Stay tuned!
This Canadian girl's passion for travel comes from my adventurous parents. My brother and I spent most of our youth traveling all over North America in the family’s camper van, airplane, and boat - going as far west as the Hawaiian islands, as far north as Tuktoyaktuk, and as far south as Mexico doing lots of adventurous stuff...canoeing, surfing, fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, exploring, jellyfish poking...it was the best childhood ever!
That same adventurous spirit fueled my travel passion for over 30 years. I’ve been all over the shop. Now that I'm newly retired, I split my lif... full info
Ake Och Emma
Ake Dahllof and Emma Holmbro
Wish I had seen that
We totally missed that when we were in Morocco. I would have loved to see tree climbing goats. I guess we have to go back some day. /Ake