I take all my slagging off of the Indian railway back. Some of my best nights sleep has been on the train as it rocked me to sleep like a baby. I realised that I had had such a tough first journey because I had travelled on ‘cattle’ class. It’s now AC (air-con) all the way! I have to give India serious credit for their railway system, you can get anywhere for as cheap as chips, you simply hop on the train at night and you wake up the next day and you’re there.
I’m now in Bangalore for the day as a stop over to Hampi. There is not much to do here but it’s a welcome relief from all the chaos of the other cities. I’ve just spent 2 hours in the local beauty salon because after several days of trains and sight seeing, my feet were hard and covered in mozzie bites and my face was peeling from a constant beating by the sun. I am so dark now; I can pretty much pass as a local. After the best facial, pedicure and manicure I’ve ever had; I’m feeling 100% again despite not having showered for the last 2 days and wearing the same clothes from the constant travelling. I’ll be walking around town in my pyjama-like clothes again until I reach my hotel tomorrow, at least I’ll have nicely manicured hands and feet!
So I spent the last few days in Madurai to visit one of the oldest temples in South India and it was simply breath taking. The temple is covered in thousands of intricate statues of the Hindu Gods in all the colours of the rainbow. I’ve seen many sights in my time and this one is now ranked right up there, especially as the temple was literally behind my hotel and could be seen in its full glory by just looking out of the window.
I also got chatting to a local shopkeeper originally from Kashmir (North India) who had tried to sell me some carpets. He invited me over for dinner (no funny business), so I was treated to a proper home cooked meal of chicken and sagg with rice and I even perfected the art of eating curry and rice with my hands (although I’ll still take a pair of chopsticks any day). Before the sauce use to slither down my arm but now I can eat as elegantly as any Indian lady. They say the food is meant to taste better when you eat with your hands because you’re using another sense - touch. But I’m not convinced yet; I’m concentrating so hard on not making a mess that I’m not appreciating the food as much. The next day, my new pal invited me back for lunch, so like a true ponce I went back for seconds of chicken and cauliflower, equally tasty. I bought him some Indian sweets to thank him for his hospitality of course. People in India are so friendly to tourists; they are really chatty and are super helpful with directions. I’ve been offered food, assistance and much more. I am so going to be a much nicer person to tourists when I’m back.
Tomorrow, I’ll be arriving in Hampi which is meant to be a must-see sight of India, I’ve made a friend or two so might hook up for some company. I’m enjoying my own company and meeting new people because you can do and be whatever you please, although I have to say I am missing general every day chit chat and gossiping with my friends and family.
I’m now in Bangalore for the day as a stop over to Hampi. There is not much to do here but it’s a welcome relief from all the chaos of the other cities. I’ve just spent 2 hours in the local beauty salon because after several days of trains and sight seeing, my feet were hard and covered in mozzie bites and my face was peeling from a constant beating by the sun. I am so dark now; I can pretty much pass as a local. After the best facial, pedicure and manicure I’ve ever had; I’m feeling 100% again despite not having showered for the last 2 days and wearing the same clothes from the constant travelling. I’ll be walking around town in my pyjama-like clothes again until I reach my hotel tomorrow, at least I’ll have nicely manicured hands and feet!
So I spent the last few days in Madurai to visit one of the oldest temples in South India and it was simply breath taking. The temple is covered in thousands of intricate statues of the Hindu Gods in all the colours of the rainbow. I’ve seen many sights in my time and this one is now ranked right up there, especially as the temple was literally behind my hotel and could be seen in its full glory by just looking out of the window.
I also got chatting to a local shopkeeper originally from Kashmir (North India) who had tried to sell me some carpets. He invited me over for dinner (no funny business), so I was treated to a proper home cooked meal of chicken and sagg with rice and I even perfected the art of eating curry and rice with my hands (although I’ll still take a pair of chopsticks any day). Before the sauce use to slither down my arm but now I can eat as elegantly as any Indian lady. They say the food is meant to taste better when you eat with your hands because you’re using another sense - touch. But I’m not convinced yet; I’m concentrating so hard on not making a mess that I’m not appreciating the food as much. The next day, my new pal invited me back for lunch, so like a true ponce I went back for seconds of chicken and cauliflower, equally tasty. I bought him some Indian sweets to thank him for his hospitality of course. People in India are so friendly to tourists; they are really chatty and are super helpful with directions. I’ve been offered food, assistance and much more. I am so going to be a much nicer person to tourists when I’m back.
Tomorrow, I’ll be arriving in Hampi which is meant to be a must-see sight of India, I’ve made a friend or two so might hook up for some company. I’m enjoying my own company and meeting new people because you can do and be whatever you please, although I have to say I am missing general every day chit chat and gossiping with my friends and family.
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