What can I say ......... I love India; its places; sights, sounds, smells (some of them less so) and the people.
I'm still suffering 'jet lag' which means I'm awake and bright eyed at 4am which will ease over the next couple of days.
Rucksack emptied and washing done. I've also re-stocked the fridge because I had nothing in.
I'm browsing through my photos over 700 taken so it will be a task to put them into different stories and memories for you. Here are some of the people I came across:
Part of a wedding party:
Man mixing dye:
Buddhist priest:
Women making dung patties for the fire:
As soon as I've gone through all of the photos I'll share the stories with you.
My impressions are many and varied. From the haves and have nots living side by side in Mumbai; to the people setting up home by the rail tracks (literally) and home being rattan walls on three sides with a plastic roof to families living on the street where bare bummed children run round and cool off under the street standpipe and share their smiles of enjoyment. The industriousness of a people who never seem to stop working and to the shopping experience complete with rat running through the store where the shop assistant never missed a beat in showing me the next shawl.
Although I do keep checking weather and airport reports.
Glasgow airport is fine flights going in and out so all well for tomorrow to London.
The reports for Heathrow saying getting back to normal so all should be well for Wednesday flight out - and should it not be, so be it - I'll just be a little delayed catching up with my itinerary.
Thought I would share my packing tips for the frugal traveller. In this rucksack you will find.
- walking sandals
- walking shoes
- flip flops - handy for using in the shower
- rainproof jacket
- mid fleece
- capri trousers
- 2 long trousers
- 2 long sleeved shirts
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 blouses ]
- 1 skirt and linen trousers ] for dressing up and making an effort
- 1 shawl and light scarf ]
- sun hat
- leggings + long shirt = pjays
- first aid kit + sunscreen + mosquito repellent +net
- toiletries bag
- copies of travel / insurance documents
- travel adapter+ chargers
- torch/headtorch
- ipod
- ereader
- camera
- mobile phone
- small journal
- retractable lock / small lock
- sleeping bag liner
Everything I need for a memorable holiday - see you end of February!
Given that I'll be bearing the toes I felt a wee treat was in order and so tripped off to my local salon to get my toes 'minxed'.
Hope you like the colour? I've always thought purple goes with everything.
