Mysore to Goa

I am feeling a bit agitated right now I must say as my feet and the bottom of my legs are killing me, the mosquitoes got themselves an army, target = the Scottish one and boy did they have a feast the other night, and how ironic...I was out for dinner at the time...I had forgot to put on my mosquito repellent which is an absolute must after 5pm! I have about 12 bites on each foot!!!! We live and learn.

And so, I will let you know what was happening in Mysore. As you saw from the photos our first night there was on the Sunday which is the day they put the lights on the 'Marharaja's Palace' - 5,000 light bulbs. The next day we had a walk round the palace, which is absolutely beautiful - sorry can't take photos inside! Then for a walk around 'Devaraja Market' - incense and oils and bangles and bags! And no Dave I was not the bag buying the bangles...by the way how is my wee flat doing???? And my car...hope Kate West is taking care of it - her car...hmmm...ok moving on!

That evening we went to see a movie - 'Jogie' or something his name is, big star in India. Couldn't understand a word but it was quite entertaining. At the break a guy behind us explained what the movie was all about. Ann Elise and I were very grateful for this, however, we were shattered so we didn't stay for the last half, I think the doctor did but I believe he said he fell asleep during it!

The next day we went to Chamundi Hill, loads of markets up there and the 'Godly Museum' and a hindu 12th century temple - I took pics of that.

We then went to lunch but on the way I met a boy called Rahmon, he was very sweet and asked me about myself, but then I went in to the restaurant and waved goodbye. Funnily enough on my way out there he was walking past again...Intentional - you will have to ask him that! He then showed me to an old market and to an oil and incense shop where incidentally his mother makes incense! I did buy some as it is pretty cheap and they worked hard for my attention. Funny thing though, the brother of the guy selling the oil happened to be the guy from the movie the previous evening who had tried to explain the movie to myself and Ann Elise. He asked if I had seen some of the workshops and factories in the area, as I hadn't he said he would come with me no problem. I will put photos on of the workmen making wooden items, indian cigarettes and silk items. He asked if there was anything I particularly wanted and I said I would like to get some nice silk tops made for my mum and my sisters and nieces - forget the men! He then took me to a really nice shop, tops are in the post should be there by Christmas!

That day I went back to the hotel 'Govardan' and all my friends were packing ready to go. We went out to dinner for the last time at 'Parklane hotel' then I waved them goodbye and promised to keep in touch - and you better, a few weddings I am planning on going to! And as I went back to my room it suddenly hit me that I was alone after 2 and a half weeks with that mad bunch and here I was alone! I thought I was really looking forward to having time on my own again, but reality hit and I felt really sad...the end of a chapter!

Luckily I had Mullah and Rahmon in Mysore and they showed me around and took care of me. Mullah asked if I had been to an 'Ashram' which I hadn't. It is a place where people of multi-faiths come together to worship/meditate/take time out I suppose. It was quite a long way to the place near Balmorie (I remember the name by singing 'Balamorie Balamorie - scottish children tv prog - I know sad!). Anyways we had a walk past the rice fields and the trees and the children playing in the river and women washing their clothes and people working in the fields (one man was throwing salt on the rice so it tastes better - so you don't need any more salt!) and then we got to a place where there was lots of little water falls in the river that we had to cross. We also climbed on top of an old ashram (well I tried and Mullah dragged me up) beautiful views. At the ashram it has the symbols of the most prominent religions in India and there was loads of beautiful quotes inside the area both from inspired and religious men. At one point Mullah said we had to take our shoes off and we went for a walk round a dirt path with more quotes along the path. Stones and bits of I don't know what were digging in to my feet as inside I was thinking 'ouch' 'oh' 'ouch' 'oh no' 'I can do this!' And so we then got to a marbled place where people will then meditate. I put one foot on the stone and nearly jumped out my skin - I was standing in the local bonfire - no way! Mullah said 'you might find it a bit hot....' - aye understatement of the year. Meanwhile he and Rahmon are walking around like it was cool. I think I was the best laugh the 2 of them have had in a long long time. They just sat there and smiled at me as my face changed several colours and my eyeballs pushed out the sockets half and inch. There was a cool part so I ran over the hot part as fast as I could - more entertainment for the boys! And so that is my experience with an 'ashram'.

I also went with Mullah and Rahmon to a local school, found it so funny the teacher hit the kids with a ruler - as per photo. Had to take a pic of it. The kids were laughing and so was she and she actually seemed like a really nice teacher.

However, one night in the 'Govardan' hotel, (felt like I had lived there for years!) I am watching a movie at night when I see something scurry across the floor - was it? Yes it blinkin well was - a mouse! Sharing my room with me. I couldn't believe it, cockroaches maybe, ants, flys even mosquitos! And so I asked for a change and a discount of course! But that hotel is right beside the movie hall and I know the music to that one movie they play every 3 hours from next door. What a nightmare! I couldn't be bothered moving and so I decided to move on from Mysore - maybe come back for a visit for the festival on the 13th and 14th of October and to see my boys but for now I felt it was time to go - to Cochin or to Goa. Well it had to be Goa right, beaches and a break from all the husstle and busstle of city life!

And here I am and it is beautiful. Just a bit annoying that everyone wants to sell you something and they are so very persistant. 12 girls on the beach tried to sell me ankle bracelets, fruit and sarongs - 12 along a half mile of beach. Ruined it a bit and I have avoided it since then! Yesterday I went to church in Miranmar near Panjim (the capital), there is about ten members but it was lovely to be at church as I havn't been for ages.

Today I went around old Goa and visited some of the cathedrals and churches there. You will see my photos this week hopefully. I took pic of the 'Arch of the Viceroys' (1597) - constructed to comemorate Vasco da Gama's arrival in India. I went to 'The Se (St Catherine's Cathedral), the museum and the Basilica of Bom Jesus 1605 - has the tomb of St Francis Xavier. At the cathedral I met a lovely Lady - Pat who lives in Israel and is originally from London. We pretty much spent the day together in Old Goa and she looked after me buying me lunch and inviting me to join her in her taxi back to Panjim (I usually take the bus!). You will see the photos soon.

Well I am enjoying my travels. The people are lovely and so friendly. The guest house I am staying in at 200 rupees a night about two pound fifty is called the 'Madona' and the family are catholic and very religious. They are a lovely family and I will put a pic on of their son and daughter Peter and Carmen - lovely children.

Thats all from me for now. Hope all is well with you and yours. I think of you all. My old workmates, I think how can you cope without me. My family - how can they live without me! My friends, my walking friend - Rich Smith - I have been on a few cool walks you would like! And Sara you would love it, but like you say you are doing what is good for you right now and one day I believe you will leave it for someone else to run as you go see the world! It is so beautiful and you just have to ask people - is this the bus to....and they will point you in the right direction. So nice. Well I gotta go, got things to do and people to see!

Love to you all.
Sylv x

ps thanks pat for sending on my blog to my mum! x