Friday, December 12, 2008

Kochi and Varkala

How can I tell you how much we are enjoying India!
Kochi is an old fort and trading town, part of the spice trade originally. Peaceful. beautiful and we did a cooking/eating class there much to Phil's chagrin originally--he is now a convert to actually working a little more for his dinner.
Car down to Varkala, on the Arabian Sea where Phil is taking a dip while I sort out our next leg; some things you need to book in advance when there is a big pilgramage on, as we have realized. We have a 3.30 a.m. flight that takes half an hour and is deemed international so we have to be at the airport 3 hours prior to time because of teh terrorist threats!!!!!!!!
Food is absolutely stunning still. Fabrics and tailors everywhere and we are in wedding season here--the jewellry stores have to be seen to be believed, they are like huge supermarkets with gold, stones, diamonds, pearls....I am in shock.
Will write next from Sri Lanka

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Hampi

Will type this as it comes as the keys are jamming: we are in Hampi Bazaar (check it out via Google)today, came via Tuk Tuk from Hospet where we are staying , an amazing world heritage area, full of big rocks for Phil--reckon it is only fair as I have had a look at my fair share of old frocks!
Arrived from Hubli, took a car and driver for the princely sum of Australian $60-ish dollars. At times it was like being in the Aussie countryside with wheat growing and gum trees on the side of the road.
We are doing a Hampi tour tomorrow so we actually understand what we are seeing today, but thankfully not staying in this highly touristy place, full of backpackers--the youthful ones. We are also backpacking but not doing 1 to 2 star accommodation...our driver in Delhi referred to us as aged (pronounced as age-ed) on the way to the airport, so we are now referring to one another as age-ed wife or age-ed husband. Does this mean that we now have falls rather than falling over?
Love the country, though everyne is suffering from the scourge of terrorism and there have been alleged airline hijack threats so security is really ramped up. We are travelling on our first train tomorrow night, to Bangalore, an overnighter, sharing with ?? whom. Will keep you posted
The food is fabulous, we are mowing our way through all the local stuff, much to the amazement of some of the locals who keep trying to sell us omelettes!!!
Talk to you whenever

Friday, December 5, 2008

Incredible India

Incredible India is the promotional idea of the Indian government adn it just about says it all--arrived in Delhi to amazing traffic (usual apparently), incredible turmoil post Mumbai. Have had a great few days, out to Agra and the Taj Mahal, lots of hype about it has proved true.

We are currently in Gurajat state, Ahmedebad, have been to Ghandi's Ashram and a great museum...more at a later stage.

Flying is a challenge with threats of hijacking. We are currently in an internet cafe and the space I have is for a 10 year old, not a voluptuous woman like me, so will write when I have more comfort. But, yes, so far I would come back in a heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!