Day 79-Tuesday 21st September 2010

So its the penultimate day in India so I think that today's picture is quite apt. I took it on the ferry back to Port Blair.

Right first I just need to quickly finish the holiday. So on the Friday we thought we were going for a little driving tour around the island but then we were told that the driver would be picking us at three to catch the four thirty ferry. We assumed it would be the quick one we came on but oh no! We got to the ferry port after the driver turned about half an hour late and then he had lost the tickets. He then asked us for the snorkeling money which we thought was part of the package. We gave him half the money which was a good job as we had to buy new ferry tickets or stay on Havelock another night!

So with ten minutes to spare we boarded the ferry which was the government two hour ferry. We had seats except the seats were bunk beds below deck. Honestly it was gross! Hot, insect ridden with a spattering of what looked like blood on the wall! We left our bags and went up and stood on the front deck for most of the journey which actually turned out to be really rather nice as we watched the sun set as we sailed back to Port Blair. We had been trying to see a sun set or sun rise all week but for one reason or another never made it.

Back at Port Blair we had to disembark from our ferry onto another which was a little scary as we had to walk across a plank over the water and we had our luggage! Luckily there was a driver waiting for us to take us to the hotel. We arrived and I got a bit stressed because a lot of our clothes were still damp from the island and I just wanted to get everything sorted whereas MT just wanted to relax and sit on the balcony. I think that was our only moment all holiday but I soon got over it, unpacked and we wet for a drink. MT was not hungry but I managed to eat tempura and Massala cheese toast! I think the chap serving us must have thought I was right greedy heffa!!

Next morning we had negotiated a later check out otherwise it would have been seven. We packed up and went for breakfast looking out over the sea. The driver picked us up and drove us to the airport. I kept thinking how nice it was just to have the sun shining and fresh air and no cars honking their horns.

When it was boarding time we just waited for the queue to die down as once again as seems to be the case here it was a bit of a push and shove and again no need because seats had been allocated.

We had a long wait at the airport at Chennai but it was fine. MT watched a DVD, I read my book and watched the TV, as well as the people, as it was showing lots of the Ganesha celebrations all over India.

There was a Ganesha parade here on Sunday. I got up and could hear music and drums and so went outside to see what was going on. There was a group of men dancing in the road and a tractor with a big Ganesha on top of it. Some of the men were clearly drunk as I could smell the alcohol when they came up to me and tried to get me to join in. I declined and carried on filming which was much to some of their delights as they danced in front of me! Some of the children asked me where I was from and one even asked me if I was Hindi! It was quite a sight to see as they danced along the road stopping at odd intervals and other people, well actually only males joined in with the dancing.

Yesterday I went to the school just up the road to have lunch with the teachers. Originally we were going out but some of them were ill so the trip was cancelled. I went with Kumar to the sweet shop as I just wanted to say thank you and when we got there oh no it was closed.

Actually it was not closed they were cleaning which is quite refreshing to see here at times, but luckily the van arrived with freshly made Indian sweets. I wanted the non milk kind as they last for longer and with Kumar's help we tried a few. I settled on just one type as they were not too sweet. They were triangular with silver paper that you can eat, I think it may be real silver! I also bought a box for Kumar's mum to say thank you for the special Ganesha sweets she had made for us. They looked like mini Cornish pasties and went rather well with a cup of tea!

I didn't realise but the lunch was all organised for me! We ate and then some of the teachers danced and made me join in. It was such good fun and then they gave me a vase, picture and card and inside each of the teachers had written me a little letter. Honestly I was so taken aback, I never expected it and even the chap who set up the charity that funds the schools said he had no idea about the gifts!

Some of the teachers talked about their life stories. One had lost her parents when she was a girl at a train station and was taken to an orphanage to live, another with two very young children had split up with her abusive husband, another who has a mother-in law who does not speak to her because she works and the stories continued. It really makes what they are doing quite an achievement and I am really quite honored to have met and worked with them.

I had a bit of a bitter taste in mouth about some of the Indian people here but this certainly sweetened it. This was partly because the other day when I was going out on one of my little Whitefield adventures, a lady had just driven in and she had shopping in the back of the car. She literally barked at these two people who work I guess as kind of cleaners here to come and help her.

I did not understand what she was saying but I could see by her gestures what she wanted. I did not like her tone one bit and I wanted to say okay you might be in a higher caste and have more money but please they are human beings and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I think I may have felt a little protective because the lady who had been barked at smiles at me every day that I have seen her here or waves. We don't talk but her smiles and waves have been so refreshing and warm and kind in an environment that has sometimes felt rather unwelcoming. It's funny how such simple gestures can mean so much

I think going into the schools and working with the children and the teachers has maybe given me the wealthiest experience of India. I could have come as a tourist and just been driven around and visited the temples and the malls but I am so glad that I got involved. I don't think I would have gone to the slum areas and I think you need to see this even if it is challenging and at times upsetting as well as all of the amazing things like the Taj Mahal and go to the nice restaurants with views over the city.

Tomorrow I fly to Dubai for a few days and then back to the UK on Saturday. I am not quite sure when I will finish blogging. Maybe this will be it, let's wait and see....!

Day 76-Saturday 18th September 2010

Yes, its a bit of a random image and yes it's on its side but just thought I'd do a quick blog not about the holiday but just about the past few days which have been a bit random!

Yesterday I walked up one of the backstreets not far from where we live and found this kind if disused temple. It's all locked up and looks like no one has used it for a while. I also found the spot that you can see from our apartment. People live there in what looks like a bit of an over grown field around the edges and then these little huts. Sometimes there is a cow and sometimes you can see children playing cricket. I was hoping they might be there because generally the children I have met here have been really friendly when I have been out and about.

Anyway all of this is a bit of the beaten track so did not hang around for too long. Then there were the dogs again, different from last time but they still decided to follow me back up to Whitefield Main Road! Also managed to get a picture of a chap having a pee in the street although he is bending down so it looks more like he could be praying. It's been quite a task to get this as it's not really the type of thing you want to be caught doing but just needed it because its kind of been part of the visuals everyday here and I guess the smells too! A camera with a better zoom is maybe what I need.

Oh and last night MT and Detlef actually finished work at a time when we could all go for dinner. We went to Jalsa where the staff are all dressed up in traditional Indian attire with these colourful hats. We got to sit right in the middle this time which was neat because its got all of this sparkly decor and alcoves to admire. Plus it was right next to the screen where they show clips from old Bollywood movies. I still maintain that the women in these films are far more attractive than the men. They seem to be a little podgy but apparently that's a sign of wealth and status here!

There was also a birthday party going on so it wa quite lively! It seems that when you have a birthday cake here it is smeared all over your face! Saw it last night and its not the first time and then some of it is fed to you by hand. It seems a bit of a waste of cake to me given that they all seem to look so beautiful and yummy when I have seen them in the bakeries.

It's Saturday and MT has gone to work, now there's a surprise! So I have been to heave my eyebrows threaded which I would like to say if you're dark like me is much better than waxing or just tweezering. I figured here is a good place to have it done given how dark some of the women are here. The beautician told me that it was unusual to have European woman with hair like Indian woman!

Next stop was the tailors. I had seen some material in there a few weeks back when I went with Muhan to get her a kurta and some slawars made. Its where I went before just in Whitefiled, literally 5 minutes away. Oh and there were 3 cows today! Maybe having a lazy Saturday. Anyway, I had my fingers crossed this pink and yellow material would still be there and it was-hooray! I said I needed it to be made by Wednesday and they told me one month! I was like oh no! I told them I was leaving on Wednesday and the tailor told me okay, Wednesday evening. We eventually settled on mid day-phew!

Okay so he measured me and luckily there was a girl in the shop wearing salwars and a kurta kind of in the style I wanted. Not too baggy salwars and a kurta above the knees so it can be worn with leggings or skinny jeans. Then we had a bit of an issue with the front V. I wanted the same depth as the top I was wearing which is about 7inch but the tailor told me no, too much!. I think what he meant was no too much cleavage but honestly today's top is really not low cut. We have gone for 6 as a compromise. This time the kurta is going to be lined unlike the last. No idea if this is necessary but when in India!

Going out with the teachers on Monday. It's a 7am start. Not quite sure where we are going apart from Kumar is dropping me off somewhere in Kaminahalli to meet them all. I think we may be going towards Mysore so that will be a few hours drive. Really quite touched they called to ask me. It will be a nice way to end my time here!:)

Day 75-Friday 17th September 2010

So back to Havelock. Oh my gosh did it rain or what on the Thursday but nevertheless we decided to venture out. We could have borrowed an umbrella but by the time we got to reception we were soaked anyway so we continued to the beach. People must have thought we were real weirdos half dressed and half in our swim wear going off to the beach in the monsoon rain.

I wish I had taken my camera as we ended up at the Blue Lagoon. The sea was really quite strong. Every few minutes there was a moment of calm and then whoosh about a series of nine big waves that came right up to the top of the beach.

To get to the Blue Lagoon meant a little clamber over some rocks. MT told me to be careful and yes I went for my second fall of the holiday right on my back. I think I bruised like my tail bone if that's what you call the base of your spines as its still twinging a bit now. Glad there was no one else around to see my clown act!

Walking in the pouring rain when its warm is a bit odd because I usually associate rain with cold, well that's my experience of it. Also odd, was this little spot we found slightly back from the beach where it looked like there had been some kind of radio transmitter and some equipment. It was as if some one had been doing a science/research project. It was like it had been abandoned, as if someone had left in a hurry. They had cleverly used a fallen tree as a sort of ledge for their workstation too. Oh and there was an abandoned flip flop I guess it could have been a man flop.

The Blue Lagoon was sooo blue. It really was like something you see in a film and I was still waiting for a dinosaur to appear from the Jurassic Park jungle!!! You've got this amazing beach, with no one on it, then this blue lagoon, the monsoon rain and then this lush green jungle/forest with mile high trees. Really quite amazing! And my what a contrast to life in Bangalore!

I have been really rather lucky to see some amazing sites that I never thought I would. The Pyramids. the Taj Mahal, the Kremlin, Table Mountain, the Colosseum, the Statue of Liberty. MT asked me which one I thought was the most amazing and its so hard to choose, I don't think I can and I am not sure I should. I think I would like to see the Great Wall of China now especially having met Muhan here.

I read a book while I was away called Vagabonding. It really is rather good at putting into very practical terms that even if you have a mortgage and a family you can go travelling. There's a section however all about tourists which slightly annoyed me because I am a tourist and I like to think I have a little bit of cultural interest when I go to places. The author seemed to say that tourists just go to see the things they think they should see but when you have only got a short space of time you wouldn't go to Moscow and not visit the Kremlin or go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower, unless you had maybe already been there.

I understand the author is saying at least I think he is saying, that you should go and absorb the realness of a place but I don't think its fair to be critical of all tourists. Of course you will find the odd one or two that want to see the Pyramids and then go to an unnamed fast food joint beginning with M but each to their own and I don't think the author should have been quite so critical. Apart from that it's a really inspiring book and if you have ever had an inkling to want to go travelling but don't think you can because of responsibilities this may well change your mind!

Right slightly off piste there so back on now!

As the waves sucked back into the sea you could see the ledge where the lagoon deepened and became a lagoon. Washed up onto the shore was also lots of coral and sponge. I felt a bit like a kid in a sweetshop because they are the kind of things you read about or see at the science museum and to see them in their natural environment was just neat! There were shells too which I would have loved to have collected but we were told that we could not take them from the island.

Incidentally, when we were at the airport flying from back from Port Blair to Chennai there was a chap going through security with a whole carrier bag full of shells and coral and a knife! Everything he had was catalogued by hand and then I think he was fined. Didn't like to stare too much as I was actually trying to avoid a bunch of children taking our photos. It had just begun with one boy and then others seemed to follow suit. Its really quite embarrassing but I guess they are just interested because we are different to them.

Coming back to the resort we were a little more careful on the rocks not to slip and sort of weaved in and out on the sandy bits. We did take time to watch the crabs and little fish in the rock pools. Crabs are so funny the way the move sideways. Why do they do that? The rain was beginning to lighten and the sun just popped its head through the clouds. This did not last for long! By the time we got back to the hut yes you guessed it, rain!!

You know when you are at school and in Geography and you learn about tropical forests and the different layers of a rain forest and its hard to kind of get what its really like, well this was it, the Geography lesson came to life! I sort of looked up and was like oh yes that's what old lama man meant! That's what we used to call the teacher and you can probably guess why!!

We had a late lunch, at least I think we did but all I can remember about it is that I wanted dessert and so asked the chap if could recommend something and he said the cheesecake. Oh dear, it was not nice and I was so looking forward to it.

Never mind, the fact that Rajan the Elephant appeared at about the same time soon made up for my disappointment. Most of the time he wonders around the forest, sometimes he goes for a swim or gives rides but I think he's in his fifties now. When we saw him he was in a clearing in the forest and I was a bit upset to see he was attached to a tree by a chain around his ankle. However I do think this is just when he is at the resort which doesn't seem to be that often given that this was the only afternoon that we saw him. That now makes both an Indian and African Elephant I have seen.

Still waiting to see a wild cat although I did not expect to see one on Havelock! You wouldn't believe how much time I spent with some friends in South Africa one holiday in a reserve chasing the lion, not right on its tail but we would ask the ranger where we would find the pride, drive to the spot as fast as was possible and without knocking over a rhino en route and then they would be gone! It became a bit of a joke by the end of it all!

Just had a quick scan and I think I may well need to do another blog to finish the holiday. Its time for a cup of tea too. Had to buy a new kettle yesterday as I blew the fuse on the other one along with causing the power cut-whoops!! At first I just thought it was part of the daily series of power cuts but after two hours I was like no, something else is up! Went to the office and then they called an electrician. The new kettle sits on the hob so when the power goes today it will not be my fault!

Day 73-Wednesday 15th September 2010

It's the final countdown, well one week to go! That will make my stay in India 80 days.

In all honesty, I will be relieved to go. It has been quite some experience-challenging, enlightening, amazing, saddening, uplifting but still the best comparison I think is that I feel like Alice in Wonderland!

So back to the holiday at Havelock. I think that's where I last left off. Tuesday morning the driver picked us up to go snorkeling on Elephant Beach. And before you say or think did it have elephants, no! To be honest we did not know exactly where we were going. It really could have been anywhere. The driver however dropped us off at beach number 2 as all of the beaches on Havelock have a number and told us he would collect us at 2pm.

We were met by two chaps and then waded out to a boat, got on and off we went. Oh, in between wading out to the boat and getting on I did manage to fall over but miraculously saved my bag with camera inside from getting wet! I did feel like a real idiot though!

We could have been taken to pirates for all we knew and I have to say as we approached this large boat in what seemed like the middle of the sea I felt rather anxious. I did not say anything to MT as I know he is not a huge fan of the water and did not want to make him feel uncomfortable. Fortunately we sailed past the pirate ship and I felt relieved. It was beautiful to be out on the sea with the sun shining and to see the islands lush and green even if the boat we were in did seem to be leaking rather a lot One of the crew, there was only two of them so not sure if that counts as crew, seemed to be constanly decanting water from the boat using a red plastic bucket.

So we docked at the beach and as we did you could see the effects of the Tsunami. There were many large fallen trees but they were all of the most fascinating twisted shapes. We were handed two masks and snorkels. I was glad that I had my swimming costume on as there was nowhere discreet to change and I am not sure if it is appropriate for a lady to change on a beach here. I have not seen one female in a swimming costume even at the pool at our apartments. They swim in their clothes or some in their saris!

The coral and fish wre amazing to see. The further you swam out the bigger and more colorful the fish became and the coral was also pink and purple in places. There was a huge shoal of tiny fish that swam by and for a moment I could not see and panicked a little and at that point I gulped rather a large amount of slat water! Considering MT is not a huge water fan I was really quite impressed with how far he swam out but the fish and coral wre not to be missed. I was quite taken with the sky blue and orange fish about 20cm in length so not huge but just really eye catching. Would make a nice colour combination for a sari.

After about half an hour went back and dried off on the beach. While we were there three chaps appeared along the beach.They had come part way on their bikes and then trekked through the forest. They were in the Indian army and this was their vacation. One of them wore a rather colorful and flowery shirt. He was a little camp and when I said that we lived in LA his eyes sort of lit up!

They were concerned about getting back so we said they could come back with us in the boat. While they snorkeled we went for a walk up the beach. It was so weird that no one wast there. All of the beaches I have been to in the past in the summer have been packed with holiday makers! It looked like the beach was moving in parts because of the crabs in their shells! We only went as far as a rather large tree that had fallen over. We decided that we could not get over it so walked back to find out when we wre leaving.

The sky had become a little dark so we knew that the rain would be coming and didn't much fancy being stuck on the beach.

The three chaps dried off and we all boarded the boat. Another Indian couple had arrived. The lady was dressed in a sari and she looked amazing but it was clearly a struggle for her to get back on their boat. She had to climb onto our boat first as we were nearer the beach and then across. They too wanted to leave as the rain had started.

I wanted to ask the couple if they were on honeymoon, was their marriage one of love or arranged? Just not really practical at that point! There have been so many times when I have wanted to ask people some of these questions but its just not really done even though people if they get the chance are really quite inquisitive about you.

I know it may just be the norm to wear your sari to the beach and in the water and it certainly seems that way but I cannot quite understand why you would wear something that seems so impractical to go the beach. I guess its just about keeping an open mind on things like this and just appreciating that in different cultures people do things differently.

So we chugged back to beach number 2 on our little boat now with the 7 of us! The three chaps each paid Rs200 which is why when we were asked for Rs2000 we only gave Rs1000. This was all just before getting the ferry back to Port Blair on the last day.The driver tols us that the snorkeling was not part of the package which we had not known. Also the driver never came to pick us up from snorkeling and he was half an hour lat to pick us up to catch the ferry back to Port Blair. We even had to buy new ferry tickets so if we had given him the Rs200 for the snorkelling we would have been stuck on Havelock for another night as this was the last ferry.

Okay so back to the Tuesday. We waited for the driver for maybe 20 minutes but the rain kicked in again. We flagged down an auto rickshaw on the road and asked him to take us to beach number 7 which is where we were staying. You are supposed to negotiate a price before you take the auto rickshaw but we did not and I was little concerned. It was only RS200, a bargain for getting to see some of the island from different perspective i thought. I have to say as we zoomed along the one track road I was a little concerned for our safety and whether we would make it up the hill. I felt like we might roll backwards! The driver was really quite sweet and he let me take a picture of him too!

The island was so amazingly lush and green, I guess it would be with all of the rain. It reminded me of the jungle in Jurassic Park and at any minute a T Rex could pop his head up! Also, is it true that dinosaurs can have a brain in their stomach? We walked back through the forest to our resort. We figured the auto rickshaw might get stuck as the ground was rather wet and muddy.

We went for a late lunch and had a bottle of wine.The Indian wine here is really rather good. There's a merlot I have become quite partial to. We both had some local fish cooked massala style which was rather yum. You know its funny because I had chicken once while we were away and I am not sure I enjoyed it. Not because it wasn't nice and clearly all of the chickens on the island are free range but maybe because we have not really eaten meat you just get used to that.

A few weeks ago, pardon the expression, I could have killed for a bacon sandwich and now I am not so sure. We'll see next week when back in the UK. What I would like however is some properly cold milk on my cereal and not to have to boil the water to wash the fruit and veg before we eat it! Oh and some food that has not past its sell by date in the supermarket.

It rained again late afternoon into the evening but it was quite nice to be tucked up in outr little hut in the jungle. Still no sign of the elephant at this point either but we were promised Rajan would be there tomorrow! Let see shall we!

Day 71-Monday 13th September 2010

Yes we are safely back from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and my it was quite some adventure!

Not quite sure how to go about blogging the trip as blogs that are too long tend to be rather boring so I might try to do it briefly all in one. However, if someone would like to offer me a publishing contract then I shall of course write in more detail.

So here it goes. Saturday night we got a phone call from my friend the travel agent to say out first flight had been canceled. My jaw dropped to the ground at that point especially after the credit card payment fiasco. He told me that we had been booked on an earlier flight and needed to get to the airport two hours before departure. That meant leaving here at 3:30 am and MT was not even home from work having been there for 36 hours!

MT appeared at midnight so there wasn't much point going to bed. I think I dozed a bit because my alarm went off and I sort of jumped up. Luckily I had left my travel clothes out and packed for both myself and MT. MT was asleep on the sofa with Frasier still playing on his lap top. He is a bit of sucker for cheesy American sitcoms, Friends included!!

On the way to the airport we needed to to stop to get cash as there are a limited supply of ATMs on the island and not everywhere accepts a card. It was dark with no one around apart from a few stray dogs and a dozing security card at the ATM machine. It was quite eery given that Whitefield in the day just buzzes and its complete sensory overload!!

When we got the airport we spoke to the airline we were supposed to now be flying with but they had no record of our names. Luckily I had asked the travel argent for a contact at the airport and a number so I called them and a Duty Manager came and met us. She got us checked in and we had about 5 minutes to spare before the plane departed.

We took one of those airport buses to the plane, it was a push to get on and then everyone just sort of charged off like bears going for honey. Its not like the plane was going to leave without them or they had not been allocated seats like on some of the budget airlines! It was a weeny plane with propellers and took off on time for our first leg of the journey to Chennai. It was dark when we boarded but two hours later we landed in Chennai, formerly Madras on the east coast of India the sun had come out and it was light.

We had to collect out luggage as we were switching airlines and as seems to be the protocol here its every Indian for themselves! Honestly there seems to be very little notion of how to que or to be respectful of each other. I have no idea if this is to do with there being so many people here so its each for their own or maybe the caste system.

And in all honesty it seems to be the wealthier Indian people who seem to be the worst. Of the ones we encountered while away they were really quite rude and aloof. Again maybe its to do with the caste system but they certainly seemed to have some kind of superiority complex.

Going through security again at Chennai I had a small bottle of water in my bag given to me on the first plane which they made me drink! I know I shouldn't have but I drank it all and just put the empty bottle down in front of the security man. I think I was just feeling a bit annoyed and I shouldn't have done that because it was quite rude but I think it made me feel better.

Standing in the ladies line for security though gave me a good opportunity to have a really close look at some of the intricate work on the saris. Many of the ladies seemed to be wearing their most amazing and dazzling saris to travel in which kind of surprised me because I would save my best for when I got to my destination and travelled in one that I would not get upset about if something happened to it. Again I am not sure but maybe its to do with a status thing.

There was also a lady in front of me in a sort of mulberry coloured sari embroidered with gold. She had flowers in her hair and as the fan blew the smell of jasmine wafted through the air, it was really quite lovely given that everywhere else in the airport smelled a but unsanitary.

Oh and then there were the toilets-yuck! EWC, that stands for European water closet and IWC that's Indian water closet which is a hole in the ground. Anyway which ever one I went to at all of the airports they I don't even like to think about what I was treading in. Most of them were leaking some liquid and required me to roll up my trousers!

Luckily I had my trusted M&S hand sanitizer handy! Although I have noticed that when I use it people watch me to see what I am doing. I feel a little awkward as if I am saying yes your country is dirty and look what I am having to do!

We were lucky at Chennai that the chap at the check in desk bumped us up to First class which was a welcome relief given that so far our start to the holiday had been a little stressful! I would just like to point out though that First class and 5 Star in India do not necessarily equate to what we might think of as First and 5.

We reached Port Blair, that 's the capital of the Andaman islands and it was just so refreshing to be out of Bangalore. The sun was shining , there was no dust and there were very few cars tooting their horns.

When we entered the airport we had to fill out permit forms which was all quite straight forward expect for the fact that some one else there at the same time was called MIchael and so my Michael, referred to as MT on the blog was given the wrong passport.

Just before we exited the airport a chap from the permit desk ran after us to correct the situation-phew. Incidentally the other Michael was staying at the same hotel in Port Blair as us and resort at Barefoot. I would also like to point out that one morning walking to the beach the other Michael was walking in front of us and he let rip the biggest love puffs as our sister refers to them that you could imagine.

Honestly we were gob smacked and I had to hold my breath not from the smell but for fear of laughing too loudly! He actually turned round and said whoops I didn't realise any one was there. Really if you are going to have wind like that then please either check your surroundings for public or stay at home!!!

We had a wicked sea front room with a balcony over looking the sea but boy it was humid!! Also Rs20 notes have a picture of Port Blair on them and the light house we could see form the balcony.

We went to the beach in the afternoon and just walked along the beach and out to the rocks. There were quite a few people on the beach but no one like us, by that I mean we were the only non Indian folk if that's okay to say?

Then we went to the cellular jail built by the British during the Raj . From what I could see they were political prisoners and freedom fighters held here. I do find it odd that we would imprison people just because of their thoughts and idea and wanting to be free from the rule of some foreigner! Its things like this jail and aspects of the Raj in India that make me unproud if that word exists to be British. It kind of reminded me of Robin Island in South Africa.

When we got back we both just had a mocktail, yes no alcohol and crashed for the night! Check out the next morning was at 7;30 am so we knew we had to be up and out and besides we had a 54km ride across the sea to Havelock!

Oh I do like the sea!!!!

Day 61-Friday 3rd September 2010

Oh my, its September already! So this week, where shall I begin? Well Monday I cannot actually remember which is really bad!

Oh yes I can. I went to the dentist and then later I was browsing Craig's List LA for jobs and came across one at the school I had volunteered at. I mailed the Director of the school with my CV and asked if he might consider me. Anyway long story short I think I have got the job and he will keep it open for me until I get back-hooray!

Of course I still have to get my work authorisation but fingers crossed that should not be a problem. Until then I will just have to "volunteer" but I have been doing that for a year now so a while longer won't hurt me! If I'm honest I thought I might not get a job especially given the current job climate in the States.

Next stop is actually the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday. MTs parents very kindly gave us some money to go on a holiday/honeymoon. The islands are located in the Bay of Bengal. Its a flight from here to Chennai, formerly know as Madras, then a flight to Port Blair which is the capital of the Nicobar islands and then a boat to Havelock island. Its supposed to be an eco friendly island, there is swimming elephant, a history of cannibalism, no Internet and it may well rain as its monsoon season. Oh well it well it will be soooo nice to escape!

Went to buy some magazines and a book to take with me at Hypercity today. When I got my reading items including Vogue India plus the few food items to the check out I was told I had to pay upstairs! I could not be bothered as I had already wondered around for ages trying to find some goggles and jelly shoes! I just paid for the water, pasta, pesto and bananas and went to meet Kumar to come home. I also bought him some short bread biscuits to say thank you for taking me to the doctor in the middle of the night! They were the closest in date British product I could find!

Its funny because the store does have some Waitrose products as their luxury brand but they are the Waitose essentials range which are the equivalent to Sainsbury's basics. The first time I saw them I laughed because the Waitrose HQ is actually located in our home town! It was also just weird because I never expected to see Waitrose products in India! Expect the unexpected here and be prepared to be challenged!

Yes I had to go to the doctor in the middle of the night on Tuesday. I got home and had a tingling of a headache that got progressively worse until I had to get into bed. At that point I seemed to have some kind of a fever and felt sick. I thought I could sleep it off but after a few hours I wanted to chop my head off the pain was so much. I cannot remember feeling so ill or being so scared since being taken to hospital for suspected meningitis. That was in my first term at university.

MT called me and said Kumar knew a 24 hour doctor's surgery and could take us. He was working late but I had called him to say you need to come home. I think I was in quite a state! I couldn't really lift my head or look up and MT told me to wear my sunglasses but I didn't want to, I should have because the light did hurt my eyes! When we got to the doctor they took some details whilst I slumped over the receptionist's desk. In the doctor's room they took my temperature but the first time I just could not hold the thermometer under my tongue. I felt silly, little kids can manage that!

The doctor told us that it was a local virus I had picked up. He wrote us a prescription and we went to the 24 hour pharmacy. They did not have the drugs he had prescribed so were given an alternative and MT insisted we go back to the doctor to check they were okay, I just wanted to go home. I felt horrendous but by then luckily Rory, our sister's boyfriend who has just completed his pharmacy degree had recommended some super strong pain killer to take to India which I had taken about midnight and seemed to have kicked.

We were told to go back in 48 hours for tests if things had not improved but they have-big phew! Just a good job I had not decided on going to China with Muhan on Wednesday!

Tuesday I met Muhan at UB City to go for lunch. UB City is kind of this upmarket mall with shops and eateries. We went for Japanese and I think I ate more meat in one sitting than I have in my whole time in India. I also had a glass of wine which I thought cause my headache but was later to discover I had picked up some local virus!

After lunch we went to this kind of high end sari shop. And oh my gosh the clothes were beautiful. Some of them were a modern twist on saris, still traditional Indian clothing for women but sort of modern. Some of the skirts were so heavy that I am sure you would need lessons not to topple over in them. The colours and stitching and jewels on them were dazzling and then there were the jewel encrusted and sparkly sandals!! Now I am not a fan of toes but I think I may well be prepared to expose them for a pair of these blingers!!!

Wednesday was a bit sad because Muhan left for China. I felt bad that I was ill because I wanted to go out with her. She came and knocked on my door as her husband had told her I was poorly. MT must have told him at work. Then she brought me some kiwis and water. In the evening Muhan came round to say goodbye. They were also going to dinner at Herbs and Spices and asked me to go but I just couldn't face it. I gave Muhan one of my scarves to take to China and said that if I could not go then one of my scarves could!!

Yesterday I did not venture very far although not going far here feels like a whole adventure in itself with all of the sights and sounds and smells. I decided to go the other local supermarket. This one takes you into the hustle and bustle of Whitefield and past the cows. I have not seen the regal one for a while actually, I hope its okay.

The smell of fresh cow plop did make me have a little heave and I just sort of scurried past the spot. Oh and there was a gust of wind caused by a lorry that blew up a whirlwind of dust from the street into my eyes, as well as feeling like it had burst my eardrums with the sound of its horn. Almost wished I had stayed at home! Did not want to get cabin fever so forced myself to go out. The lorry however was quite beautifully decorated with little panels of paintings, I think they may have been Hindu deities and symbols. Lots of yellows and oranges.

In the supermarket I bumped into a chap who works in the rug and pashmina shop we had gone to earlier in the week and I had been to once before. He seems a nice enough chap but it was a bit embarrassing because I knew I looked crap, I was not feeling well and he seemed to want to have a conversation. See they know that I go to a school near them because I have to walk past the shop and its like they know me. He's the same chap who had asked me about our marriage, if it was love or arranged and also the chap marrying his second cousin! I think I mentioned this in an earlier blog.

It may well be a week before I blog again so I will let you know how the holiday goes. Hopefully we will not get eaten by sharks, or cannibals, there will not be a tsunami , the elephant will swim and the sun will shine!!!:)