Paradise does have one flaw . . . mosquitos at night! Colie and I are on the lookout for a mosquito net at this point, and need to find some more malaria tablets. As for the Cricket (not crickets), India is celebrating their victory today (moments ago) over Australia in Cricket. I break into nervous fits when I see them play, as they use a big paddle reminiscient of the one my mom used to spank me with . . . daily. Just kidding, Mom! No, really guys, DAILY!!!BTW . . . look for the goat in the above picture. He's resting on a rock toward the right.
The prices here are considerably less than Mumbai, but not dirt dirt cheap. Mumbai is known for expensive hotels. Our hotel there was a room that was as long and wide as me stretched out, and had a shower room adjacent to it. We shared toilets (not exactly wetern style) with the floor. Daily rent was initially 800 Rupees, or $20 - but we negotiated a rate of 450 after that. In Chennai, we had a great room for 400 Rupees - complete with western toilet, shower room, flat screen TV, nice courtyard view, and marble flooring. Here we are paying 300 Rupees for a great little seaside room with a balcony. For your viewing pleasure, here are some pics of the places we've stayed. The first is the Maria Lodge, across from a mosque in Mumbai:
The entryway is seen in the first photo. It can be very hard to spot on the hectic streets of Mumbai. Our room was on the 4th floor. The first night, we had a great view of the street. To save some dough, though, ya know . . . we moved down the hall to this little space that lacked windows, but at least had a ceiling fan.
This is a picture of the shower. We use the little bucket to pour and the big one to gather. The water is cool and refreshing, just like the high quality H2O served by "The Waterboy" (an Adam Sandler flick, if you missed it). It seems to almost always be hot here.
The shower entry. Simple, basic, reasonably comfortable. A room we'll never forget. It was always peaceful to come back to.
This photo is of our upgraded room in Chennai. Again, much nicer - and cheaper. But in Chennai.
Finally, a peek into our room here in Mamallapuram. The fan has proven itself in keeping us cool at night, and is also a gallant - and most welcome - mosquito swatter. They only come at night, but they are tricky little boogers and have a 14.5 inch tube for sucking blood. I'm going to catch the one that bit me between my toes and make her sleep in a 30% deet towell.
This is the view off our balcony overlooking thatched rooftops and some local flora. The ocean is slightly right behind the trees. This town is much more laid back and far less busy than the previous places we've visited. We'll probably be here for a few more days, then head south to Pondi (Pondicherry). It will be hard to leave here, though. We just finished a French-Indian lunch in a thatch-roofed restaurant, that was more ashram than restaurant - just down from the beach. We spent the day looking at rock carvings, soaking up sun on the beach and body-surfing, and doing a little shopping in the markets. It just seems to keep getting better! Thank you all for keeping us posted . . . we are glad to hear what you all are up to!
-John
12 comments:
All the mosquitos told me to tell you that when they bite you (john) smell/taste like you sound. ;-) Looks gorgeous though, hope you both continue to have a blast!
as an interesting and philanthropic side to your journey, the good 'ole Rotary Club of Colo. Spgs. interquest purchased boats for the villagers of Chennai after the tsunami. As a past Rotarian(who knows maybe current on some roster) I'm sure you would be treated as royalty at any local Rotary meeting. Actually the club of Chennai-Nagar(sp??) is our sister club and one of there Rotarians (Jay was his name) was here in COS for a extended period. Could be another experience to add to your adventure. Places look beautiful and prices not bad!! Enjoying your trip.
BZ
More great pictures...and more fun....appears you have planned your trip well and are getting to see many facets of India....we had tp use our mosquito nets daily in Vietnam and they were a welcome relief...enjoy your adventure and the many lifetime memories you are accumulating....love...Dad & Mom
You two thrill-seekers are never gonna want to come home! Its fun sitting here in the snow & ice, vicariously enjoying your travels. Mom tried to send this note from my side but technical difficulties prevented her completing her task. I'll forward it...
Absolutely awesome! We're loving the blog and following your journey. Love the pictures - hey jump into one or two of them. I (we) just wanted to jump in and say 'hello... and wow... and awesome...' Dad's having fun reading the blog & had a laugh at the Pi reference! Love you both!
wow, I decided to finally come check on you guys and I've missed a ton! I have to say that I am insanely jealous of your travels but so so happy that you guys are having fun. Really cool to hear that you were in a Bollywood film!! Loving the pictures and will definitely make sure I check this page more often.
In other news, Carl and I are well. He's working like crazy and doing some driving training thing in Pueblo all this week. We are getting excited for our own little trip in about 3 weeks.
Also, I might have the opportunity to head out to Costa Rica for a month or 2 right after Carl leaves for Iraq. I am honestly really really thinking about it. I haven't told Carl that yet, I probably should soon.
Ok, gotta get going to work! Miss you guys, have fun!
Wow! Way cool pictures! You are making us all wishing we went with you! Keep the pictures coming :-)
Hey guys,
It's Cassy. I finally got to read your blog. I wanna come! When you guys come back I'm going to visit you in Colorado. I need a little break from the drab and all. Yesterday I was driving down to Menominee Falls, WI and my car said NO! I ran out of gas on hwy 45 and had to pull over. I was between Paradise and Pleasant Valley exits but it was still not so fun. A State Patrol man pulled over and gave me a ride to a gas station then back to my car. That was my exciting day. Like I said NOT FUN. Love you guys lots but I got to go walk dogs with Kathie. She hurt her foot and asked if I wanted to make a little cash. G@G
Love
Cass
Thanks for all the updates, everyone!
Kassia! - You're just upset that my cat farted in your face. Deeee-Lish! We'll chip in a few bucks on the tooth whitening if he stained your choppers in any way. Good Big Boy trained well. Kudos Farnsworth.
Brendan - I'm sure the boats really came in handy as they are a lifeline to the fishermen and their families. Had a sweet, entire mackerel - grilled - to myself yesterday for lunch for Rupees 150, or $3.75. So, yes, the prices are good. We are going to eat at a local fisherman's house tonight for dinner, so that will also be exciting. Again, without the boats, there would be a major breakdown of the local economy. As a side note, all of the fish in the market is prepared "hilal" (sp?), which accomodates the local Muslim population - plus all the fishermen tend to be Muslim.
JimSal - We are looking for a mosquito net, and have been, but to no avail. Our luxury is quite apparent when you consider mosquitos were probably the least of your worries (Dad) in Vietnam. Hopefully you and Mom can visit here one day and use your old net again - but only have to worry about being attacked by Mom!
Krafts - We'll shoot an invite to KatM@aol.com for the blog. Sorry the request was slow - the e-mail made it to my bulk forlder, which I am slow to check as most often it only contains offers for replica watches and the like. We both think you'de absolutely love it here, but we have to warn to that there is not nearly enough snow for Dad to shovel. Also, I have yet to see anyone juggling chainsaws in the region. Perhaps that could be a lucrative sideshow on the streets of Mumbai.
Lauchens! - Macht schnell! Glad to hear all is well. Give Carl our love and be sure he doesn't leave before we get back on April 10th! I have no idea how to say all of that in German, but perhaps you can understand it with your decent grasp of the English language. Oh, tell Carl we flew over his workplace on our trip from Frankfurt, plus its feisty neighbor, Iran, on Air India. 38,000 feet and 575 mph was close enough for us.
Ray - You won't be jealous when you come here yourself on business, or after making the big bucks for a few years. It would be fun to have everyone along on the journey, though the little rooms might make for a tight squeeze.
Cass - Of course! We'd love to have you visit Colorado. We need an extra back to help us move. No, just joking - of course you'll know for sure if we're kidding or not when you visit. You only have to promise you won't rip 'em like Sam did in the car. Our upholstery in the Jeep melted shortly after her visit.
Hello to everyone else! We'll do our best to respond to comments as we can. We have some great posts on their way soon. Amazing experiences in Indian prison. Just kidding! More very soon. We have a Tamil festival all around us right now and it is a bit wild in town tonight. Aparently, we have music, lights, singing, dancing, and who knows what else until 6:30 am, and for 3 days. It's the only holiday celebrated here in a year, so it's kind of a big deal.
Love you all! We miss you. Again, Farnsworth, great work with Kassia's face.
John & Colie
HAHa! Never fear on the fart comment! I've taken to training Farny in vocals and he now does an impressive (techno) rendition of Total Eclipse of the heart. Often he throws a special emphasis and look Gracie's way when he get's to the "turn around bright eyes" part. I've also started a small choral with the three of them on songs from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang just for John. Dan wants guys to know there might be hate crimes coming to our neighbor hood soon and you should feel bad for introducing a little princess like Bijou to my (oh-so-straight) fine neighborhood.
Otherwise let's see, Bijou climbed the cat pole again last night. It was awesome! He get's a little confused at the top.
Oh and you're going to miss it, new episode of the office next week. so blargh to you.
And Farny might get a bath cause I don't think he's cleaned himself since he got here. Bijou's still all sparkly white.
Anyhow, back to that work thing. Much love to you both!
Luv, Kass n the buddies (but not gracie, she wants you to know she doesn't appreciate people eating her food and poopin in her box)
Kassia, you really know our buddies quite well. Yes, Farny is the dirtiest cat in the history of the world. When we see him clean, it is a striking moment . . . a pure anomoly. Fortunately, he is quite fond of bathtime. For those of you who have not heard this story - his first bath led to him floating around the tub on his back, and he preferred the deep end for his explorations. He's easy to bathe.
As for Dan . . . he should focus more on transcending his own masculenity issues and not take his fear and inner conflict out on gentle, gentle Bijou. BTW . . . does Dan still think he gets personal calls on his cell phone from the Creator? :)
-John
Oh, Kassia . . . If Gracie has a problem with sharing her food and litterbox - I don't blame her. You have your own food and a flushing toilet is more hygenic for you to use, anyway. Gracie, just tell your mom, "NO! BAD MOMMY!" We can tell when we visit who's poo is whose - KASSIA! I guess the distance is all that was needed for us to be bold enough to address this issue. Perhaps Dr. Phil can help you overcome this freakish behavior. Also, there is no real Mr. Hanky.
-John
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