HI.
So, sorry I took so long to get on here and write to you but it was hard to come by computers, let alone working internet where I was, and plus I spent a lot of my time traveling on trains and buses and planes and so I was very much away from the online world.
I loved Jaipur so much. There are lots of great forts, and the food as usual was delicious. Mmm. I was sad, but ready to leave. It's also the place where it was the HOTTEST I have ever been. I had wanted to go farther west initially, but it gets even hotter as you go deeper west into the desert. Sooooo I will save that for next time! I got a train for about $20 Up to Amristar and it was seriously the worst train ever. Well the train itself wasn't that bad, hahaha, but the surrounding conditions were horrible.
First of all, I just want to say that during the day it was 45-50 degrees, and during the evenings it MIGHT drop (if you're lucky) to high 30s and low 40s. My train was no air-conditioned so it was very very hot. I was told that my stop would be around 10am. That still being the morning, I Thought, wouldn't be TOO hot to be on the train. It is the hottest between 11-4 or so. So I got to talking to this family next to me and they said we should arrive around 11! Now, I was already looking at 8-10, so a 14 hour train ride, and it just became 15 hours. I kindof sighed, but there isn't anything to do about it so I just went with it. I don't know if you know what Indian trains look like, but there are 3 wooden benches that are on top of one another (not enough room to sit, just lay down on) and technically you are supposed to each have your own but there are so many people that they pack on the trains that sometimes you even have to share that. It was hot and stuffy and crowded and stinky. The toilet, is just a hole in the train floor where you can see the track beneath you, and off goes your pee (or otherwise...) ! I cannot even tell you how sweaty it was, all of everyone's clothes were drenched, and on top of that there was a lengthy windstorm and sand was flying in through the windows onto us. IT was like 1000 sand people on one dirty slow moving train.
In the morning I was asking around about who was stopping where and what time etc. because I tend to try to find people getting off at the same stop as me so that I know where I am and stuff- otherwise I could so easily miss my stop or get off at the wrong place etc. So I Was asking around and I asked this family where they were getting off. They said their stop was around noon, and so mine should be only 2 hours after that.....
TWO OCLOCK. So my train ride just became an 18 hour one. YUCK and midday at that.
So I moped for a bit and then just bought as many cold drinks as I Could and drank them, and never had to pee once because of how much I was sweating. My bum was sore. I was very tired from not sleeping (it's really hard to sleep when there are like 15 Indian people staring at you ). I was anxious to get to my hotel room which I had prebooked. It actually wasn't until 4:30 pm that we arrived at my stop. OMG. almost 22 hours. Oh it was so horrible. The entire time I was swearing I would never take a train again.
finally, FINALLY. I arrived in Amristar and got a cheap tuktuk to my hotel and my room was dirty and filled with cockroaches. wahhhhhhhh. I won't give any more details about that room, but I slept there for 2 nights..... ew.
The grreat thing about Amristar is all the amazing temples. There is the golden temple and lots and lots of other very diverse temples that are so gorgeous. I really enjoyed my day out. I also went to this very strange "border show" at the Indian/Pakistani border. The immigration offers did this like one hour interpretive stomping dance with their uniforms and guns and stuff, and there was a huge crowd and they were all shouting. IT was very dramatic and interesting but I didn't really understand the meaning behind it. Hahaha! I asked an Indian guy near me in between his shouting and he said he didn't understand why either. We were all just going with the flow I guess.
On the way home from the border show I asked my tuktuk driver to stop at the bakery, because there is an Indian sweet that I am OBSESSEDDDDDD with. It is white in colour (or dark orange. I don't understand why these two colours taste the same), and looks like a piece of fudge or something but the texture is that of a very rich pound cake mixed with melt-in-your-mouth fudge. It was INCREDIBLE. So I bought some to bring to X and Reffa for us to eat. Mmmm. I think they are gone now. I am keeping the address so that I can order some maybe in the future. I Don't know how I will live without this treat now.
After my decent day/horrible nights in Amristar I went to the airport for my much anticipated flights!! Off to Thailand!
It took me a full 24 hours to get here, but I am here in Surat Thani with Reffa and X :):):):) I am sooooooooo happy to be back visiting for a little bit!!! YAYYYYYYY. Eating so many great things, and the temperature here is hot, like around 30-35 but nothing compared to india!! OMG. Can't wait to go to Koh Samui! BEACH BEACH BEACH! and I AINT WEARING NO SARI. it's bikini time.
Love you guys ! Miss you!
xoxox
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Amristar
I have a love hate relationship with the province I am in now, Amristar.
The internet doesn't work well- I can't get on hotmail. UGH I am flying to Thailand today (will arrive to Surat about 24 hours from now , give or take. )
took like a year to write this/post it - I will give you many more details when I arrive somewhere with real computers/internet!!
xoxoxoxoxox
The internet doesn't work well- I can't get on hotmail. UGH I am flying to Thailand today (will arrive to Surat about 24 hours from now , give or take. )
took like a year to write this/post it - I will give you many more details when I arrive somewhere with real computers/internet!!
xoxoxoxoxox
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
so hot
It's so hot.
I'm sweating. omg it's so hot.
I'm catching a train tomorrow, it's a 16 hour train up to Amristar. they only had non-airconditioned available-- that SUCKSSSSSS. wow. I will be so excited to get to my air conditioned hotel (which I already booked to make sure I got A/c).
I used to prefer no a/c anyways, but now it's all I ever want. I can manage anything between 20-35 but over that is TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. Thailand will be better, it's monsoony and rainy there now.
=D
xoxox
I'm sweating. omg it's so hot.
I'm catching a train tomorrow, it's a 16 hour train up to Amristar. they only had non-airconditioned available-- that SUCKSSSSSS. wow. I will be so excited to get to my air conditioned hotel (which I already booked to make sure I got A/c).
I used to prefer no a/c anyways, but now it's all I ever want. I can manage anything between 20-35 but over that is TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. Thailand will be better, it's monsoony and rainy there now.
=D
xoxox
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Jaipur 2- DESERT
Sooooooo some of my friends informed me that desert is the sandy one, and dessert is the delicious one. MY BAD!!! HAHAHAHAHA I sware, normally I am a great speller, but this one, and "health" have always been my problem words. huh.
Anyways. Jaipur is quickly becoming my very favourite place in India (besides Goa, to which nothing can compare I think...),. It is nicknamed the pink city because there is an entire part of town where everything is pink!!!! the palaces, the temples, the buildlings, homes and stores. all painted this sandy pinkish colour, with just tan colored sand in the background. it's so so lovely here, and I can't stop staring at the elephants, camels, donkeys and random cattle all over the place!!!!!
I saw one giant glorious ancient building today. It was so incredible- it was so large and full of mazes I got lost a hundred times over. I was just wishing wishing wishing I had someone to play hide and seek with inside this enormous building. I took tons of photos- don't worry! Everything here kindof matches in its pinkish beige sandy dusty colors. It's really cool and the people are so kind. I am staying at the best hotel ever called Karni Niwas. If you ever come to Jaipur, please stay in this hotel - it's so lovely and they have been taking amazing care of me. They went to a lot of trouble to book me my ticket on the train on Thursday (I will be going to Amristar up north) -- even though it was sold out they managed to get me a seat :) So kind. and they cook for me and give me everything I want. They are wonderful! I even asked if there was somewhere I could go to buy a book and he said "I have a collection of many that people have left behind, take what you like."
AWWWW . so sweet. I have one more city tour to do either tomorrow or thursday during the day (my train is an overnight sleeping train) so i have two full days left in Jaipur. One day will be reading on my cute little porch and napping sporadically just to catch up on energy and the other will be another tour.
I haven't ridden a camel, because it's so hot that if I am in that much contact with an animal I might faint. I think I'll pass, just seeing them, taking picture sand hanging out with camels is enough for me!!!!!!
ps. it's 45 degrees today- and I was informed that the temperature yesterday was out-of-the-ordinary hot and today is back to normal (normal still exceeds my "hot-withstanding" abilities...) .
miss yaz. xoxoxox Thanks for reading.
Jess
Anyways. Jaipur is quickly becoming my very favourite place in India (besides Goa, to which nothing can compare I think...),. It is nicknamed the pink city because there is an entire part of town where everything is pink!!!! the palaces, the temples, the buildlings, homes and stores. all painted this sandy pinkish colour, with just tan colored sand in the background. it's so so lovely here, and I can't stop staring at the elephants, camels, donkeys and random cattle all over the place!!!!!
I saw one giant glorious ancient building today. It was so incredible- it was so large and full of mazes I got lost a hundred times over. I was just wishing wishing wishing I had someone to play hide and seek with inside this enormous building. I took tons of photos- don't worry! Everything here kindof matches in its pinkish beige sandy dusty colors. It's really cool and the people are so kind. I am staying at the best hotel ever called Karni Niwas. If you ever come to Jaipur, please stay in this hotel - it's so lovely and they have been taking amazing care of me. They went to a lot of trouble to book me my ticket on the train on Thursday (I will be going to Amristar up north) -- even though it was sold out they managed to get me a seat :) So kind. and they cook for me and give me everything I want. They are wonderful! I even asked if there was somewhere I could go to buy a book and he said "I have a collection of many that people have left behind, take what you like."
AWWWW . so sweet. I have one more city tour to do either tomorrow or thursday during the day (my train is an overnight sleeping train) so i have two full days left in Jaipur. One day will be reading on my cute little porch and napping sporadically just to catch up on energy and the other will be another tour.
I haven't ridden a camel, because it's so hot that if I am in that much contact with an animal I might faint. I think I'll pass, just seeing them, taking picture sand hanging out with camels is enough for me!!!!!!
ps. it's 45 degrees today- and I was informed that the temperature yesterday was out-of-the-ordinary hot and today is back to normal (normal still exceeds my "hot-withstanding" abilities...) .
miss yaz. xoxoxox Thanks for reading.
Jess
Monday, May 24, 2010
Jaipur
I am now in Jaipur- my first dessert.
It's really cool!! Or, actually, it's REALLY HOT. It was about 50 degrees today. FIFTY DEGREES CELCUIS. and I was on a bus. I tried to read my book, but it was too hot to hold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't that rediculous????? It is so difficult to "be" when it's so hot. I normally choose non air conditioned everything, but ever since this extreme heat (anything over like 43) I neeeed it, if only for a second to give me a break. even overnight doesn't offer cool breezes ever = there is NO relief from the heat. wow.
Mostly I enjoy the heat, but sometimes it makes me feel sick. Thank god for cold water stands!! I can't wait to show you my pictures of this brown sandy city. It's so wicked!!!
It's really cool!! Or, actually, it's REALLY HOT. It was about 50 degrees today. FIFTY DEGREES CELCUIS. and I was on a bus. I tried to read my book, but it was too hot to hold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't that rediculous????? It is so difficult to "be" when it's so hot. I normally choose non air conditioned everything, but ever since this extreme heat (anything over like 43) I neeeed it, if only for a second to give me a break. even overnight doesn't offer cool breezes ever = there is NO relief from the heat. wow.
Mostly I enjoy the heat, but sometimes it makes me feel sick. Thank god for cold water stands!! I can't wait to show you my pictures of this brown sandy city. It's so wicked!!!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Go go gadget socks!!
Hey! I am presently in Agra, the city where the famous "earth's teardrop" structure the grand, the gorgeous and magical TAJ MAHAL. I took a bajillion pictures, which I will post once I get to Thailand (don't ask when that is because I am not sure yet!!).
So , I left off in Goa. I flew from Goa to Delhi, on a very relaxing enjoyable two hour flight. I was a little nervous to arrive in Delhi just where the city is so large and overwhelming. To be honest I would not have gone there if it weren't for Meenu and her family being there- but they were there so I felt safe enough to go! I called her from the airport once I got there (it costed $.50!!!! .... which I was outraged about until I just typed it in Canadian money lol.. nevermind that's not that much.) She answered (which was a huge relief..) I was so worried that I would have the wrong number written down or something!
I got a prepaid taxi to the address she gave me, and the taxi drivers spoke ZERO english! Eeee! I was scared right up until the moment I found Meenu. The taxi driver got lost and didn't know where her address was, and tried to get me to get out of his vehicle in the middle of, I have no idea where, and I just sat in the backseat with my arms folded and I was like "nope. I'm not going anywhere until I SEE Meenu." ghahahahahaha. No way. Delhi is TOO scary to mess around with. So I made this guy (after many silly hand gestures) get out his cell phone and call the number I had and speak with her aunt/uncle (who obviously know the language yay!) and so EVENTUALLY they had to come and meet my taxi guy and pick me up which was a HUGE relief!!!!
We then went to her aunt's BEAUTIFUL FLAT!!! omg it was stunning. what a NICE break from bad hotels/hostels to stay in such a lovely clean place as there. It was shiny and pretty and they treated me so kind and gave me homemade food and anything I could ask for. AND the water was FILTERED. We could drink tap water- I can't tell you how much that excites me.
We stayed up until 3am like little girls giggling and catching up and exchanging India stories, and then other stories and drifted off to sleep in the cool air conditioned room . We woke up at 8am to her aunt standing over us going "wake up." hahahahaha so we woke up and showered and then did NOTHING all day . it was amazing, what a nice break! We didn't even break a sweat. Then in the evening, (and after lots of delicious food and more chatting ) we went to see the new release "Kites" in theatres. It was a really great movie! I think it comes out back home like next week or something- go see it, it's awesome!
That just about brings us to today, I took a private air conditioned car (way more elaborate than I usually go for, I usually go for the non=a/c bus) but I've been in the habit of treating myself to whatever I want lately (oops! heheh) just to make me feel safe and secure (a good reason, I think). So that was a fairly nice ride, except OOOOOOOOOOOOOO I was SO mad!!! We stopped off for lunch at this place- and my driver went into one restaurant and sent ME into another one (like what, we can't eat together?) and the one he sent me to was a huge fancy expensive one = like $10 for a MEAL that's REDICULOUS. like$2 for a TEA . omg you have got to be kidding me. I was so mad that I didn't consume one thing and I stormed out. It frustrates me really badly when I'm treated like a "rich tourist" instead of just like a person. Like he made me go into the expensive restaurant to eat, and they were trying to sell me all kinds of stuff. ugh.
Anyways.
Then I arrived in Agra and found myself a decent middle-range hotel for about $10 a night (with cable so I can watch Desperate Housewives tonight before sleep, and Top Model!) and then I walked to the TAJ MAHAL!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. IT was so hot today guys, seriously, it was 48 degrees. My shirt was SOAKED when I was done there. I was really lucky though, Meenu suggested I bring socks (she didn't end up coming with me because her flight to canada is tonight). Anyways, I brought socks with me and THANK GOD i did. everyone else didn't have any (and you can't wear your shoes inside the temple of course) and they were like running around and hopping and only walking in shady spots of the taj and i alone got to walk all over! :D :D My favourite time of the day was when these 3 indian men were hitting on me and like trying to take my photo (it amazes me that people want to take MY photo at the taj mahal = one of the seven wonders of the world... LOL) anyways, all I had to do was walk out onto a sunny part of the temple and they couldn't come with me because it was too hot on their feeet HAHAHAHAHA that's when I whispered to myself "go go gadget socks!!!" LOL hahahahahahahaa
Anyways. I'm sweating away here at the computer lab as I type and remember and occasionally laugh and grin to myself. Wish you all were online now so I could chat with you!!!
Tomrorow I'm catching a bus to the dessert area of India, Rajastan and more specifically, Jaipur. I'm excited- this is where I will ride a camel, and maybe another elephant.
yay.
Talk to you soon,
xoxoxox
Jess
So , I left off in Goa. I flew from Goa to Delhi, on a very relaxing enjoyable two hour flight. I was a little nervous to arrive in Delhi just where the city is so large and overwhelming. To be honest I would not have gone there if it weren't for Meenu and her family being there- but they were there so I felt safe enough to go! I called her from the airport once I got there (it costed $.50!!!! .... which I was outraged about until I just typed it in Canadian money lol.. nevermind that's not that much.) She answered (which was a huge relief..) I was so worried that I would have the wrong number written down or something!
I got a prepaid taxi to the address she gave me, and the taxi drivers spoke ZERO english! Eeee! I was scared right up until the moment I found Meenu. The taxi driver got lost and didn't know where her address was, and tried to get me to get out of his vehicle in the middle of, I have no idea where, and I just sat in the backseat with my arms folded and I was like "nope. I'm not going anywhere until I SEE Meenu." ghahahahahaha. No way. Delhi is TOO scary to mess around with. So I made this guy (after many silly hand gestures) get out his cell phone and call the number I had and speak with her aunt/uncle (who obviously know the language yay!) and so EVENTUALLY they had to come and meet my taxi guy and pick me up which was a HUGE relief!!!!
We then went to her aunt's BEAUTIFUL FLAT!!! omg it was stunning. what a NICE break from bad hotels/hostels to stay in such a lovely clean place as there. It was shiny and pretty and they treated me so kind and gave me homemade food and anything I could ask for. AND the water was FILTERED. We could drink tap water- I can't tell you how much that excites me.
We stayed up until 3am like little girls giggling and catching up and exchanging India stories, and then other stories and drifted off to sleep in the cool air conditioned room . We woke up at 8am to her aunt standing over us going "wake up." hahahahaha so we woke up and showered and then did NOTHING all day . it was amazing, what a nice break! We didn't even break a sweat. Then in the evening, (and after lots of delicious food and more chatting ) we went to see the new release "Kites" in theatres. It was a really great movie! I think it comes out back home like next week or something- go see it, it's awesome!
That just about brings us to today, I took a private air conditioned car (way more elaborate than I usually go for, I usually go for the non=a/c bus) but I've been in the habit of treating myself to whatever I want lately (oops! heheh) just to make me feel safe and secure (a good reason, I think). So that was a fairly nice ride, except OOOOOOOOOOOOOO I was SO mad!!! We stopped off for lunch at this place- and my driver went into one restaurant and sent ME into another one (like what, we can't eat together?) and the one he sent me to was a huge fancy expensive one = like $10 for a MEAL that's REDICULOUS. like$2 for a TEA . omg you have got to be kidding me. I was so mad that I didn't consume one thing and I stormed out. It frustrates me really badly when I'm treated like a "rich tourist" instead of just like a person. Like he made me go into the expensive restaurant to eat, and they were trying to sell me all kinds of stuff. ugh.
Anyways.
Then I arrived in Agra and found myself a decent middle-range hotel for about $10 a night (with cable so I can watch Desperate Housewives tonight before sleep, and Top Model!) and then I walked to the TAJ MAHAL!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. IT was so hot today guys, seriously, it was 48 degrees. My shirt was SOAKED when I was done there. I was really lucky though, Meenu suggested I bring socks (she didn't end up coming with me because her flight to canada is tonight). Anyways, I brought socks with me and THANK GOD i did. everyone else didn't have any (and you can't wear your shoes inside the temple of course) and they were like running around and hopping and only walking in shady spots of the taj and i alone got to walk all over! :D :D My favourite time of the day was when these 3 indian men were hitting on me and like trying to take my photo (it amazes me that people want to take MY photo at the taj mahal = one of the seven wonders of the world... LOL) anyways, all I had to do was walk out onto a sunny part of the temple and they couldn't come with me because it was too hot on their feeet HAHAHAHAHA that's when I whispered to myself "go go gadget socks!!!" LOL hahahahahahahaa
Anyways. I'm sweating away here at the computer lab as I type and remember and occasionally laugh and grin to myself. Wish you all were online now so I could chat with you!!!
Tomrorow I'm catching a bus to the dessert area of India, Rajastan and more specifically, Jaipur. I'm excited- this is where I will ride a camel, and maybe another elephant.
yay.
Talk to you soon,
xoxoxox
Jess
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Goa Goa Gone!
Sorry- I just love the name Goa and it's so much fun to play with. But today I am leaving =( =( =( I never want to leave this place!! wahhh!!! I am flying to Delhi, which is the exact opposite of here. Here is a peaceful, relaxed, serene, beachy, countryside, beach hut, pub kindof place, Delhi is a CRAZY crowded, busy, businessy, kindof place. My book says that the taxi drivers will come up to you and say "no you can't go to that hotel, it burnt down, you have to go to this one" just to make commission on the place you'll stay. sounds confusing and horrible- UGH. wahhhh. I am soooo glad I'm meeting Meenu- I will have some sort of direction to start off with- but she will leave me to my own devices in just a couple days! (when I Will LEAVE delhi!! lol) I am looking forward to seeing it too- but I must say, my stay in Goa has far exceeded any expectations I had for this trip, i SHOULD have finished off here!! I will definitely come back here someday. I am even taking the card of the place I Stayed so I Can stay there again. It was perfection.
So , in Delhi I get to meet Meenu!!! YAYYY. Tomorrow we will go to the famous Taj Mahal together, and that, I am VERY excited about. I have been reading about it in my Lonely PLanet book, and I didn't quite realize how amazing the Taj is going to be and I Am mnore excited than ever.
Sorry about any little spelling things , this keyboard is giving me a run for my money- it's impossible to type on- it took me like 20 minute to type this and normally it might take 5. hahaha
miss yaz- all is good! I might not be on for a few hectic days so don't panic!! xoxoxoxox
So , in Delhi I get to meet Meenu!!! YAYYY. Tomorrow we will go to the famous Taj Mahal together, and that, I am VERY excited about. I have been reading about it in my Lonely PLanet book, and I didn't quite realize how amazing the Taj is going to be and I Am mnore excited than ever.
Sorry about any little spelling things , this keyboard is giving me a run for my money- it's impossible to type on- it took me like 20 minute to type this and normally it might take 5. hahaha
miss yaz- all is good! I might not be on for a few hectic days so don't panic!! xoxoxoxox
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
goa goa goa goa goa
ILOVE IT HEREEEEE
Ohmygosh. today was JUST as great as yesterday. Isware if i didn't have plans in Delhi in a few days i would scrap the rest of my trip and stay RIGHT here.
Today Itook a tour with about 20 other people. I got picked up at 8:30am (which is not early at all when you are still waking up at 5:30 am HAHAHA), and off we went to lots of beaches, old buildings, temples, statues, boat rides, more beaches, eating and markets!! It was so much fun and I met some cool friends- two guys from IRan and like 3209420924 Indian guys and a few women- but the women are so shy they wont talk to me very long!!!
Some funny things I saw today:
-an infant with a plastic bag over its head tight (to protect from rain...)
signs:
-stay in the lane, it's more sane
-don't be a hell mate, wear a helmet
-speed thrills, but kills
just to name a few-LOL so funny but great also, it's good to know something is b eing done about the wreckless driving!
ps. Ihad a photo shoot on the beach today --- there was a line up of people wanting to take my photo!! hahaha!!! ohhh myyyyyy. I liiike it.
=) *Im going on another tour tomorrow (it costs $4 per day and you see WHOLE areas).
love you all!!! xoxoxoxoxox
Ohmygosh. today was JUST as great as yesterday. Isware if i didn't have plans in Delhi in a few days i would scrap the rest of my trip and stay RIGHT here.
Today Itook a tour with about 20 other people. I got picked up at 8:30am (which is not early at all when you are still waking up at 5:30 am HAHAHA), and off we went to lots of beaches, old buildings, temples, statues, boat rides, more beaches, eating and markets!! It was so much fun and I met some cool friends- two guys from IRan and like 3209420924 Indian guys and a few women- but the women are so shy they wont talk to me very long!!!
Some funny things I saw today:
-an infant with a plastic bag over its head tight (to protect from rain...)
signs:
-stay in the lane, it's more sane
-don't be a hell mate, wear a helmet
-speed thrills, but kills
just to name a few-LOL so funny but great also, it's good to know something is b eing done about the wreckless driving!
ps. Ihad a photo shoot on the beach today --- there was a line up of people wanting to take my photo!! hahaha!!! ohhh myyyyyy. I liiike it.
=) *Im going on another tour tomorrow (it costs $4 per day and you see WHOLE areas).
love you all!!! xoxoxoxoxox
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Gotta go to Goa
This MIGHT be the best day OF my life. OMG. Okay Iwill try to describe it without being tooooo fluffy and lovey dovey, but IFEEL lovey and fluffy so that's probably how it will come across.
So I wasn't able to catch a plane to Goa- and was forced to search for other methods. Iwas hoping to avoid the train because Iheard you get all your things stolen from the train so I* looked into the last option , BUS. *I am ALLL to familiar with how buses work around this side of the planet- I have taken a bajillion so all I did was ask the front desk and they set it up for me (I Think I paid $.40 commission for them to do all the work for me).EASY. So Iwas a little nervous because this bus leaves Bangalore at 9pm and goes for 13 hours across unfamiliar terrain... YIKES! *I avoided telling you this until I was safe and sound LOL but let me tell you family and friends, Ihave NEVER felt safer or more comfortable than Idid on this bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I slept amazingly, (AND saved a nights' accomodation) and there were babies and children and women on thebus too- not just men (yay!).
The very very best part of this amazing bus trip, was that when I* woke up at sunrise , around 5:30/6:00 am (hard to avoid waking up with the sun when you're on the road), Iwoke up to a narrow dirt road surrounded by the most lush gorgeous greenery Ihave ever seen!!! AT least Ithink it's the most lush I've ever seen, but there is so much amazing rain forest green in this warm weather that 'm starting to lose track of which is the BEST. Anyways, when Iwoke up my breath was taken away by the beauty of my surroundings. Really, 'm not exaggerating. The indian people around me must have thought Iwas crazy because i was smiling HUGE and couldn't stop looking around me.
we stopped for a delicious indian breakfast. mmmmmmmm. and then kept going for another 4 hours through the most adorable towns. i wish so much that i could have gotton a picture of these towns but we were flying by them and the picture wouldnt have come out it would have been blurry. but i sware we went through the sweetest little place and it was like tones of mini mansions that each looked like churchs- GORGEOUS mini mansionsss!!!! Shortly after that there would be a section of slums or something (equally interesting) and then there would be little straw hut buildings!! IT was so random and great! I was having so much fun. Inever felt unsafe, not even for one minute (nor did Ilet my guard down, dont worry).
Wehn we got to Goa (that's where I'm writing you from) this cabby ran over and was like "come with me I show you nice hotel" and Was like yeah, sure, thats what they allll say. but Ireally had no plans so after him persuading me a bit i went with him to check out his hotel. he drove for half an hour (!!!!) and i was like, listen buddy i want to stay in the TOWN!!!! and he was like "nevermind, you will like." and was like UGH because I didn't know where i was going and now Iam off my MAP!!! anyways, as Iusually do, i just went with it and watched what was happening around me. he brought me to the HUGEST , most SWEET little hotel ON THE BEACH, the room is HUGE with a fridge my own bathroom, double bed, satellite cable, etc etc etc all the pluses- and it's HALF the price of the place Istayed back in Chennai (you know, the worst night ever place). WOAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. So after i checked in i went wandering around- he brought me to some place that lonely planet doesnt even talk about and its incredible!!!
(Here's the I-can-last-be-seen-info for dad: Casa Bri-Bon at 189/C Guara Vaddo, Calangute, bardez-Goa 4035161 INDIA) .... if you want to see my incredible hotel which costs $10 a night, please visit : www.goldeneyegoa.com ---- THATS RIGHT, I HAVE A STONE BALCONY.
i did my laundry in a basket (thank god i brought my own detergent..) and went to an atm, and ate soooo much delicious food today. My biggest concern is trying not to get sand inbetween the keys of this very laptop because i'm staring out at the sandy beach and the huge waved ocean. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm . it's 40 degrees, but it's breezy.
I am staying here until the 21st. I'm not moving- other than doing a few tours. 'm spending thrreeeee luxurious nights in this place (I wish it were more, but Imust meet Meenu up in Delhi on the 21st to go to the Taj Mahal together- EEEEEE =D) So I *am FLYING up there. My ticket is only $78.
love you guys. Hope my excitement/relaxedness/happiness/delightedness/fullbelly/bronze face is resonating through my writing.... =D
So I wasn't able to catch a plane to Goa- and was forced to search for other methods. Iwas hoping to avoid the train because Iheard you get all your things stolen from the train so I* looked into the last option , BUS. *I am ALLL to familiar with how buses work around this side of the planet- I have taken a bajillion so all I did was ask the front desk and they set it up for me (I Think I paid $.40 commission for them to do all the work for me).EASY. So Iwas a little nervous because this bus leaves Bangalore at 9pm and goes for 13 hours across unfamiliar terrain... YIKES! *I avoided telling you this until I was safe and sound LOL but let me tell you family and friends, Ihave NEVER felt safer or more comfortable than Idid on this bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I slept amazingly, (AND saved a nights' accomodation) and there were babies and children and women on thebus too- not just men (yay!).
The very very best part of this amazing bus trip, was that when I* woke up at sunrise , around 5:30/6:00 am (hard to avoid waking up with the sun when you're on the road), Iwoke up to a narrow dirt road surrounded by the most lush gorgeous greenery Ihave ever seen!!! AT least Ithink it's the most lush I've ever seen, but there is so much amazing rain forest green in this warm weather that 'm starting to lose track of which is the BEST. Anyways, when Iwoke up my breath was taken away by the beauty of my surroundings. Really, 'm not exaggerating. The indian people around me must have thought Iwas crazy because i was smiling HUGE and couldn't stop looking around me.
we stopped for a delicious indian breakfast. mmmmmmmm. and then kept going for another 4 hours through the most adorable towns. i wish so much that i could have gotton a picture of these towns but we were flying by them and the picture wouldnt have come out it would have been blurry. but i sware we went through the sweetest little place and it was like tones of mini mansions that each looked like churchs- GORGEOUS mini mansionsss!!!! Shortly after that there would be a section of slums or something (equally interesting) and then there would be little straw hut buildings!! IT was so random and great! I was having so much fun. Inever felt unsafe, not even for one minute (nor did Ilet my guard down, dont worry).
Wehn we got to Goa (that's where I'm writing you from) this cabby ran over and was like "come with me I show you nice hotel" and Was like yeah, sure, thats what they allll say. but Ireally had no plans so after him persuading me a bit i went with him to check out his hotel. he drove for half an hour (!!!!) and i was like, listen buddy i want to stay in the TOWN!!!! and he was like "nevermind, you will like." and was like UGH because I didn't know where i was going and now Iam off my MAP!!! anyways, as Iusually do, i just went with it and watched what was happening around me. he brought me to the HUGEST , most SWEET little hotel ON THE BEACH, the room is HUGE with a fridge my own bathroom, double bed, satellite cable, etc etc etc all the pluses- and it's HALF the price of the place Istayed back in Chennai (you know, the worst night ever place). WOAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. So after i checked in i went wandering around- he brought me to some place that lonely planet doesnt even talk about and its incredible!!!
(Here's the I-can-last-be-seen-info for dad: Casa Bri-Bon at 189/C Guara Vaddo, Calangute, bardez-Goa 4035161 INDIA) .... if you want to see my incredible hotel which costs $10 a night, please visit : www.goldeneyegoa.com ---- THATS RIGHT, I HAVE A STONE BALCONY.
i did my laundry in a basket (thank god i brought my own detergent..) and went to an atm, and ate soooo much delicious food today. My biggest concern is trying not to get sand inbetween the keys of this very laptop because i'm staring out at the sandy beach and the huge waved ocean. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm . it's 40 degrees, but it's breezy.
I am staying here until the 21st. I'm not moving- other than doing a few tours. 'm spending thrreeeee luxurious nights in this place (I wish it were more, but Imust meet Meenu up in Delhi on the 21st to go to the Taj Mahal together- EEEEEE =D) So I *am FLYING up there. My ticket is only $78.
love you guys. Hope my excitement/relaxedness/happiness/delightedness/fullbelly/bronze face is resonating through my writing.... =D
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Bangalore EXPLORED
FIRST THINGS FIRST, HAPPY BIRTHDAY REFFA!!!!
Wow I had SUCH a romantic day by myself in this great city!!!
I slept in as long as I could (which is 7am since I am still jetlagged) and enjoyed my free Indian breakfast. mmmmm It was so good I can't wait until the morning for another. Then I slowly got ready (because nothing opens until 9).
I was delighted to find that the weather was tolerable today, unlike the past few days. I hardly broke a sweat until 2pm. So I wandered out of my room after a millennium of getting ready and watching Animal Planet (which is what I do during my down time since it's the best channel ever, and one of the only ones in English...) and I hardly made it 500 steps before I came across an auto-rickshaw driver (that is what they call tuktuks, or cheap taxis). This is what I was hoping would happen since there's no way I am going to rent out my own motorbike in THIS place (the traffic I would argue is crazier than anywhere else I've been, except maybe Vietnam where there aren't even intersections with lights....). So I had in my mind that I would only pay this guy 1000Rp (about $25) for the day , no matter what! and so he showed me his little map thing and listed all the places I Wanted to go (yay!) and then said "okay, 200Rp?" and I said... for everything??? and he said, yes. I'm sure this is still overcharging, but I Was SO excited by this low price that I said OKAY! hahahahaha.
Off we went to the botanical gardens (I hope you like greenery pictures... I took lots..!!) I couldn't stop taking pictures I so desperately wanted to capture the essence of this huge garden complete with lakes and trees and flowers and temples and pathways and vines and kind people (who were taking my photograph all day). I loved it! <3 I'm afraid the pictures just look like trees though. You can be the judge once I put them up on facebook! AFter that I went to a creepy electrical park. It was this abandoned place with old rusty metal electrical things.... it costed $.25 to get in ... but I was really jumpy! I Can't wait to show you pics from it- just because it was sooo creepy and weird!!! hahahahahaha
After that we went to the government castle. It was very pretty! Lots of kids were running up to me and taking my photo and being in photos with me and people were following me with cameras (again.) IT was fun, but gets a little old after a while! Then the final place I went was the castle where the king used to live (30+ years ago) it was about 150 years old and in rough shape for a castle, but it was still beautiful! I was lucky enough to get to peek in on a wedding that was being held on the main floor of the castle. I took a picture of the bride and groom (hope they didn't mind!!) they looked so lovely.
After alllll that we parked at the end of the road- and the guy goes "1500 rp please."
I was like WHAT?! and he was like, yes, 200 Rp per place visited. I Was bursting! I Was like "EVEN if we went to 8 places it would be 1600 NOT 1500!!!!!" LOL and he was like "yes 1600." and I was like "no, we only went to 4 places, and you told me 200 for the whole day" and he was like "okay okay, 1`000" and I Was like NO!! that's not fair! (just testing- I Would have paid it if it were any danger to me but he was just playing me..) . so then I handed him a 500 and he said "NO pay me more" and I said "no that's not fair" and he said "okay okay, 200 more" and I gave him 100 more just to shut him up and I left. He didnt' come after me so I guess that was that. I still spent under what I Was planning- but STILL. ugh. the nerve.
Other than the odd time like that though, India is much better for heckling then Thailand / Vietnam / Cambo / Indonesia so far!!! Most things are the right price !
Then I Was starving because I hadn't eaten anything since 7am and it was 2 pm, so I wandered around until I found a cute coffee hut where I saw people eating food that I Wanted to steal from their plates, so I went there. I must have sat there for an hour and a half on my own, sipping watermelon juice, eating a veggie samosa... or two as it turned out. =D I watched people walk by, smiled, and thought of what to do next. I was hot so I Decided to go inside to my air-conditioning until the late afternoon air cooled off enough for me to venture to the computers, the market and just around.
hmmm. Oh, I found out around 2pm that the temperature that I was "relieved" about , was 37.5 today. CELCIUS. hahahaha I guess there is a heat wave and the weather has been 40-45+++ each day so when it was 30-something I Was like THANK GOD I CAN BREATHE hahahahahaha. Isn't that crazy? Erin told me it was like 5 at home this week. Such a big difference!
One more thing before I go. There were 30 minutes of monsoon rain in the evening here. I love the smell of monsoon rain. I love it's determination. It's heavy and meaningful, not like a wimpy sprinkle, not just muggy air, and not puddle forming rain. It's river-creating, drench-you-till-you're-soaked, make-the-power=go-off, DETERMINED delicious warm obsessive thick heavy MONSOON RAIN. and I like it.
That being said.. I hope I never get caught in it with my backpack!!!
Sooo. I have no idea what I'm doing tomorrow. I think I might head over to Goa (the west coast). I was hoping to catch a cheap flight but so far that seems impossible. I'll let you know!
xox
Jess
Wow I had SUCH a romantic day by myself in this great city!!!
I slept in as long as I could (which is 7am since I am still jetlagged) and enjoyed my free Indian breakfast. mmmmm It was so good I can't wait until the morning for another. Then I slowly got ready (because nothing opens until 9).
I was delighted to find that the weather was tolerable today, unlike the past few days. I hardly broke a sweat until 2pm. So I wandered out of my room after a millennium of getting ready and watching Animal Planet (which is what I do during my down time since it's the best channel ever, and one of the only ones in English...) and I hardly made it 500 steps before I came across an auto-rickshaw driver (that is what they call tuktuks, or cheap taxis). This is what I was hoping would happen since there's no way I am going to rent out my own motorbike in THIS place (the traffic I would argue is crazier than anywhere else I've been, except maybe Vietnam where there aren't even intersections with lights....). So I had in my mind that I would only pay this guy 1000Rp (about $25) for the day , no matter what! and so he showed me his little map thing and listed all the places I Wanted to go (yay!) and then said "okay, 200Rp?" and I said... for everything??? and he said, yes. I'm sure this is still overcharging, but I Was SO excited by this low price that I said OKAY! hahahahaha.
Off we went to the botanical gardens (I hope you like greenery pictures... I took lots..!!) I couldn't stop taking pictures I so desperately wanted to capture the essence of this huge garden complete with lakes and trees and flowers and temples and pathways and vines and kind people (who were taking my photograph all day). I loved it! <3 I'm afraid the pictures just look like trees though. You can be the judge once I put them up on facebook! AFter that I went to a creepy electrical park. It was this abandoned place with old rusty metal electrical things.... it costed $.25 to get in ... but I was really jumpy! I Can't wait to show you pics from it- just because it was sooo creepy and weird!!! hahahahahaha
After that we went to the government castle. It was very pretty! Lots of kids were running up to me and taking my photo and being in photos with me and people were following me with cameras (again.) IT was fun, but gets a little old after a while! Then the final place I went was the castle where the king used to live (30+ years ago) it was about 150 years old and in rough shape for a castle, but it was still beautiful! I was lucky enough to get to peek in on a wedding that was being held on the main floor of the castle. I took a picture of the bride and groom (hope they didn't mind!!) they looked so lovely.
After alllll that we parked at the end of the road- and the guy goes "1500 rp please."
I was like WHAT?! and he was like, yes, 200 Rp per place visited. I Was bursting! I Was like "EVEN if we went to 8 places it would be 1600 NOT 1500!!!!!" LOL and he was like "yes 1600." and I was like "no, we only went to 4 places, and you told me 200 for the whole day" and he was like "okay okay, 1`000" and I Was like NO!! that's not fair! (just testing- I Would have paid it if it were any danger to me but he was just playing me..) . so then I handed him a 500 and he said "NO pay me more" and I said "no that's not fair" and he said "okay okay, 200 more" and I gave him 100 more just to shut him up and I left. He didnt' come after me so I guess that was that. I still spent under what I Was planning- but STILL. ugh. the nerve.
Other than the odd time like that though, India is much better for heckling then Thailand / Vietnam / Cambo / Indonesia so far!!! Most things are the right price !
Then I Was starving because I hadn't eaten anything since 7am and it was 2 pm, so I wandered around until I found a cute coffee hut where I saw people eating food that I Wanted to steal from their plates, so I went there. I must have sat there for an hour and a half on my own, sipping watermelon juice, eating a veggie samosa... or two as it turned out. =D I watched people walk by, smiled, and thought of what to do next. I was hot so I Decided to go inside to my air-conditioning until the late afternoon air cooled off enough for me to venture to the computers, the market and just around.
hmmm. Oh, I found out around 2pm that the temperature that I was "relieved" about , was 37.5 today. CELCIUS. hahahaha I guess there is a heat wave and the weather has been 40-45+++ each day so when it was 30-something I Was like THANK GOD I CAN BREATHE hahahahahaha. Isn't that crazy? Erin told me it was like 5 at home this week. Such a big difference!
One more thing before I go. There were 30 minutes of monsoon rain in the evening here. I love the smell of monsoon rain. I love it's determination. It's heavy and meaningful, not like a wimpy sprinkle, not just muggy air, and not puddle forming rain. It's river-creating, drench-you-till-you're-soaked, make-the-power=go-off, DETERMINED delicious warm obsessive thick heavy MONSOON RAIN. and I like it.
That being said.. I hope I never get caught in it with my backpack!!!
Sooo. I have no idea what I'm doing tomorrow. I think I might head over to Goa (the west coast). I was hoping to catch a cheap flight but so far that seems impossible. I'll let you know!
xox
Jess
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Bangalore (Bangaluru)
Hello!
Now I am in Bangalore. I feel much safer here, and this city is obviously much richer than Chennai! In Chennai there were so so many people living on the street ad sleeping there, but here in Bangalore there are skyscrapers ad tall business buildings and modern restaurants (There is a subway beside me, YAYYY mmmmmmmm)
One problem... my hotel costs $40!!!!!!!!!! YIKES!!! It's much nicer than the others that I have stayed in though. I am having fun wandering around the city. I wonder what tomorrow holds for me? Maybe a wildlife park? Maybe a tour ? Maybe just city viewing? I'm really not sure!! I love not knowing!
I spoke with Meenu today (yayyy) and we are going to see the Taj Mahal together on the 22nd.. YAYYY so I will definitely be up to Delhi by aroud the 20th or 21st FYI
That's all I have to report to date!
xoxoxox
Jesse
Now I am in Bangalore. I feel much safer here, and this city is obviously much richer than Chennai! In Chennai there were so so many people living on the street ad sleeping there, but here in Bangalore there are skyscrapers ad tall business buildings and modern restaurants (There is a subway beside me, YAYYY mmmmmmmm)
One problem... my hotel costs $40!!!!!!!!!! YIKES!!! It's much nicer than the others that I have stayed in though. I am having fun wandering around the city. I wonder what tomorrow holds for me? Maybe a wildlife park? Maybe a tour ? Maybe just city viewing? I'm really not sure!! I love not knowing!
I spoke with Meenu today (yayyy) and we are going to see the Taj Mahal together on the 22nd.. YAYYY so I will definitely be up to Delhi by aroud the 20th or 21st FYI
That's all I have to report to date!
xoxoxox
Jesse
Friday, May 14, 2010
Chennai blog TWO
Hey again!!!
I have some free time before I go to bed tonight, so I Thought I might write a more detailed blog about my day today .
Following my somewhat scary/confusing/lonely night came a really hot awesome day ! I met so many wonderful Indian people who all wanted to show me their humble town. They are very proud of it, and all insist that it is the safest friendliest place in India. I would be lying to call it beautiful to the eye, but I have found things within it that are beautiful. Both superficially as well as culturally. ( I have also found many things that are extemely unbeautiful such as icky dogs, garbage filled sidewalks, potholed roads, dirty air, no wait, dirty everything!!)
The temples that I went to were, as everything else is in this city, humble and hardly comparable to the huge ruins of temples that I've seen in so many other great places, but to enter a temple and be completely accepted and welcomed is lovely also. There were , of course, beautiful elements to each temple. I took pictures from the outside but photos from the inside are strictly forbidden. I had to take my shoes off (the sun -stricken pavement is SO HOT), and gosh how I wish I were wearing a Sari. Just to fit in a little better!!! But it didn't stop them all from smiling at me, and the kids loved running up to me to practice their english.
When I walked into the first temple of the day, a woman immediately stood up and put a red clay dot on my forehead. I liked it =) It was different and something I've never experienced before. After that she instructed me to take my shoes off, and sent m e on my way. I did take a picture on the outside of this one GORGEOUS rainbow temple, but the photo doesn't do it justice. The photo just looks like another carved out building, but to see the detailing and creative colours at work... wow! I couldn't stop staring at the sculptures.
After that I had sort of a weird, magical moment with a woman. She looked at me just like they all look at me in this town, at first taken aback by my physical differences, then curious, then just a kind smile as they turn away. This one woman though, she kept that curious enchanted look on her face and put her hand o ut to mine. What else could I do but take it? So I was holding this beautiful woman's hand. She was wearing this long silken red and gold Sari and had long silky black hair. She held my hand and took me all the way through the temple without saying a word, or even looking at me really. Just the occasional glace and shy smile. I'm not sure why she did this, but it was interesting and I liked her silent company. Then she smiled at me and let my hand go and waved as I walked back to my tuktuk man. (He waits for me while I do all my touristy things.)
So that's my temple story.
Another interesting thing happened. This evening I went back to that same beach, Mariana's beach which is the second largest in the world. Normally I would steer clear of beaches at night, because in Thailand we are always told that it's dangerous (Ref I almost wrote And-er-I) to go to the beach at night!! But since I had someone driving me I thought it would be okay. WELL. IF you could SEE how many people were all over this beach and it was so lit up!! Each blanket had a light and a picnic and lit up toys and frisbees . IT was so cool to see!!! I can't believe how bright it was. It was so incredibly safe and friendly -- everyone , Imean everyone, hangs out on this beach in the evenings!!!!! IT's awesome!!
So there we go, I hope you enjoyed my blog! Sorry about double-blogging today, but I do try to get out my expereinces so that I Don't forget the little things and so that you can experience it with me- those of you who are interested.
I will tell you now, my first nervous night last night had me considering getting on a plane back to canada, or at least to Bangkok ASAP because I felt lost and lonely and like I was in danger. IT was NOT a nice feeling. Now , after only one lovely Indian day I am so thankful that I stuck it out and stayed. I am really looking forward to what India will bring me next. I am not nervous anymore- The people are too kind , the sights are too interesting , and the food is too delicious to be nervous!!
LOVE YOU XOXOXOXOX
I have some free time before I go to bed tonight, so I Thought I might write a more detailed blog about my day today .
Following my somewhat scary/confusing/lonely night came a really hot awesome day ! I met so many wonderful Indian people who all wanted to show me their humble town. They are very proud of it, and all insist that it is the safest friendliest place in India. I would be lying to call it beautiful to the eye, but I have found things within it that are beautiful. Both superficially as well as culturally. ( I have also found many things that are extemely unbeautiful such as icky dogs, garbage filled sidewalks, potholed roads, dirty air, no wait, dirty everything!!)
The temples that I went to were, as everything else is in this city, humble and hardly comparable to the huge ruins of temples that I've seen in so many other great places, but to enter a temple and be completely accepted and welcomed is lovely also. There were , of course, beautiful elements to each temple. I took pictures from the outside but photos from the inside are strictly forbidden. I had to take my shoes off (the sun -stricken pavement is SO HOT), and gosh how I wish I were wearing a Sari. Just to fit in a little better!!! But it didn't stop them all from smiling at me, and the kids loved running up to me to practice their english.
When I walked into the first temple of the day, a woman immediately stood up and put a red clay dot on my forehead. I liked it =) It was different and something I've never experienced before. After that she instructed me to take my shoes off, and sent m e on my way. I did take a picture on the outside of this one GORGEOUS rainbow temple, but the photo doesn't do it justice. The photo just looks like another carved out building, but to see the detailing and creative colours at work... wow! I couldn't stop staring at the sculptures.
After that I had sort of a weird, magical moment with a woman. She looked at me just like they all look at me in this town, at first taken aback by my physical differences, then curious, then just a kind smile as they turn away. This one woman though, she kept that curious enchanted look on her face and put her hand o ut to mine. What else could I do but take it? So I was holding this beautiful woman's hand. She was wearing this long silken red and gold Sari and had long silky black hair. She held my hand and took me all the way through the temple without saying a word, or even looking at me really. Just the occasional glace and shy smile. I'm not sure why she did this, but it was interesting and I liked her silent company. Then she smiled at me and let my hand go and waved as I walked back to my tuktuk man. (He waits for me while I do all my touristy things.)
So that's my temple story.
Another interesting thing happened. This evening I went back to that same beach, Mariana's beach which is the second largest in the world. Normally I would steer clear of beaches at night, because in Thailand we are always told that it's dangerous (Ref I almost wrote And-er-I) to go to the beach at night!! But since I had someone driving me I thought it would be okay. WELL. IF you could SEE how many people were all over this beach and it was so lit up!! Each blanket had a light and a picnic and lit up toys and frisbees . IT was so cool to see!!! I can't believe how bright it was. It was so incredibly safe and friendly -- everyone , Imean everyone, hangs out on this beach in the evenings!!!!! IT's awesome!!
So there we go, I hope you enjoyed my blog! Sorry about double-blogging today, but I do try to get out my expereinces so that I Don't forget the little things and so that you can experience it with me- those of you who are interested.
I will tell you now, my first nervous night last night had me considering getting on a plane back to canada, or at least to Bangkok ASAP because I felt lost and lonely and like I was in danger. IT was NOT a nice feeling. Now , after only one lovely Indian day I am so thankful that I stuck it out and stayed. I am really looking forward to what India will bring me next. I am not nervous anymore- The people are too kind , the sights are too interesting , and the food is too delicious to be nervous!!
LOVE YOU XOXOXOXOX
Chennai
Hey guys!!
So This is my first chance to get to a computer since landing in Chennai! I landed at a horrible time, midnight and so it took me forever to find a hotel that would take me and I had a bit of a rough/ exciting night. Today was great though, everything turned around when the gorgeous hot sun came up!!
Looking down out of my hostel window at the dirty ground covered in sleeping people was a bit of a turn off, but interesting to say the least. It frightened me a little bit until I actually left the hostel, and then it became comfortable surroundings. The man who took me from hotel to hotel last night, looking for an available room (god bless him) is the one who picked me up this morning and helped me find a BETTER hotel, and then spent the entire day with me (for a pretty penny of course). He showed me all the temples/buildings/schools around Chennai. It's quite a dirty city with not much to it , to be honest. The highlight was seeing the world's second longest beach!
I spent last night, and now I will spend tonight here in Chennai and then tomorrow morning at 8am (I have no idea what time that will be your time), I will catch a bus to Bangalore. This is the businessy/high tech city in the south apparently and will be more touristy than here. I am really looking forward to speaking with other tourists, because as of right now I've been very solo. Only a few random white faces to speak of -- which is fine, but my comfort level would be higher if I were surrounded by other solo travelers!!
Anyways. I am going to go take a nap since it's 3pm and the heat is UNBEARABLE. wow.
I just really wanted to give you update number one.
LOVE YAZ! I'll touch base once I'm in Bangalore .
xoxoxox
So This is my first chance to get to a computer since landing in Chennai! I landed at a horrible time, midnight and so it took me forever to find a hotel that would take me and I had a bit of a rough/ exciting night. Today was great though, everything turned around when the gorgeous hot sun came up!!
Looking down out of my hostel window at the dirty ground covered in sleeping people was a bit of a turn off, but interesting to say the least. It frightened me a little bit until I actually left the hostel, and then it became comfortable surroundings. The man who took me from hotel to hotel last night, looking for an available room (god bless him) is the one who picked me up this morning and helped me find a BETTER hotel, and then spent the entire day with me (for a pretty penny of course). He showed me all the temples/buildings/schools around Chennai. It's quite a dirty city with not much to it , to be honest. The highlight was seeing the world's second longest beach!
I spent last night, and now I will spend tonight here in Chennai and then tomorrow morning at 8am (I have no idea what time that will be your time), I will catch a bus to Bangalore. This is the businessy/high tech city in the south apparently and will be more touristy than here. I am really looking forward to speaking with other tourists, because as of right now I've been very solo. Only a few random white faces to speak of -- which is fine, but my comfort level would be higher if I were surrounded by other solo travelers!!
Anyways. I am going to go take a nap since it's 3pm and the heat is UNBEARABLE. wow.
I just really wanted to give you update number one.
LOVE YAZ! I'll touch base once I'm in Bangalore .
xoxoxox
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My flight to India
Hi everyone!
I have missed tracking my own travel using this blog, it was a really great way of remembering little things that happen when you don't really have room to carry pens and notepads , and also to make it available to you all !
So today is May 12th, 2010. I have been home almost five months and just itching to get back into the travel scene. I love the people, the experiences, the food, the troubles, the adventure of it all. This decision was a little bit random, but also well thought out on my part. I have a thorough travel book with me (Lonely Planet- DEFINITELY), and plenty of supplies. I should be juuuust fine. I'm not sure how frequent internet cafes will be, but you can be sure I will be checking in as often as possible. Also don't forget the time difference will separate us by around 10 hours, give or take depending on where I am, so if we don't cross paths that's why!
I want any updates on you too. Send me lots of emails (kerr_jesse@hotmail.com for those of you who don't have my email.)
I love you all very very much. My flight is at 3pm today, and I am not even sure what the date willbe when I arrive in India yet. hahahaha.
xoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxox
You take care, and I will take care.
I'll let you know when I land!!
Jess
I have missed tracking my own travel using this blog, it was a really great way of remembering little things that happen when you don't really have room to carry pens and notepads , and also to make it available to you all !
So today is May 12th, 2010. I have been home almost five months and just itching to get back into the travel scene. I love the people, the experiences, the food, the troubles, the adventure of it all. This decision was a little bit random, but also well thought out on my part. I have a thorough travel book with me (Lonely Planet- DEFINITELY), and plenty of supplies. I should be juuuust fine. I'm not sure how frequent internet cafes will be, but you can be sure I will be checking in as often as possible. Also don't forget the time difference will separate us by around 10 hours, give or take depending on where I am, so if we don't cross paths that's why!
I want any updates on you too. Send me lots of emails (kerr_jesse@hotmail.com for those of you who don't have my email.)
I love you all very very much. My flight is at 3pm today, and I am not even sure what the date willbe when I arrive in India yet. hahahaha.
xoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxox
You take care, and I will take care.
I'll let you know when I land!!
Jess
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