Mumbai & Goa (India)

Today I overtook an elephant on my moped, bribed some cops and witnessed a cow dancing on a man's stomach. All in all, a normal day in India it would seem...

To explain; we are currently residing on a beach in Anjuna, Goa (on India's western coast). Elephants and cows are the norm, although a cow dancing on a man's stomach I have seen just once! In this part of the world the main (and only) method of visiting different beaches is via moped, although as a tourist you always run the risk of being pulled over and asked to pay the police a few Rupees :-)

This place really is quite an amazing place to visit. We initially only planned to stay in Anjuna for two days, but now expect to extend our stay to over a week. The beaches are incredible, the water as warm as a bath, and the bars packed with cheap beer (about 50p and bottle).

We initially arrived in Mumbai (Bombay as it was) last Tuesday morning, and spent two days in the city. As expected it was very busy, crowded and chaotic, but fun. The locals are extremely friendly; but the best bit is the transport! We only took two cab rides during our stay in the city, which is more than enough for a lifetime - they are nutters on the busy roads (although we were assured that the roads were quieter than normal due to some ongoing rioting). We have since been on a 12hr coach ride, a rural bus, and a train journey - All of which were more organised than the UK. Their train network beats South-West trains any day; expect perhaps for the lack of doors.

Anyhow, we plan to enjoy Goa and its beaches for a little while longer before heading to Kerela in the south. For now goodbye from me. x

The Baltic States

It would seem to have been a while since I last visited this here webpage and updated you on my adventures. As such, I’m having to really search my brains (I have many), in order to remember what I have been up to in that time…. A problem that I promise you is not directly linked to the amount of beer which I have consumed.

“Where have I been?” you may, or indeed may not, ask. Well since leaving Bosnia I have called upon Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Germany on my way back to a cold n soggy England. Our car actually made it home – honest. Heildlehoff – our £500 home survived, and in good shape. She completed just shy of 14,000 miles on the trip… well done old girl!

Many more Australians have done their bestest to ensure my early death through crazy drinking tactics; Europeans have impressed me with the distances they are regularly able to hitchhike; an Estonian introduced me to a drink “sneakier than Tequila”; oh and someone tried to break into our car forcing our door in operable (meaning we had to enter through the boot, and exiting through the sunroof – until it was fixed by an ex car thief). All-in-all it has indeed been fun.

Before arriving home we took time to visit our friends in Mannheim. It was awesome spending time relaxing with good friends, whilst making the most of home comforts – thank you Nora - you rock x!!

Anyhow now I am home, and have been having a fun 3 weeks: painting, catching up with friends, and more painting. …. It’s now time for the main exciting excursion to exotic and excellent locations - beginning with India and specifically Mumbai (Bombay). We fly tomorrow – so guess its time for me to start organising myself… if I get my arse in gear and actually pack, Ill may even make my flight - and hopefully update you again from India land. So I guess its goodbye for now. Much love. Dave