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Olaulim backyards couldn't be any more opposite to sur la mer, from the sea side home of an extravagant and generous Indian millionaire to a eco friendly home stay in the jungle on a take only what you need basis!
We arrived on Tuesday the 15th after a fun 40 minute journey from Sur la mer. I'm not talking about the traffic on this occasion as that's becoming normal but the cab that collected us came with two people and was very small- they didn't account for the amount of luggage that we have!
After almost giving up we were all aboard! We couldn't see out the back of the car as so full, there were little bags around our feet and in the front passengers side there was the GIANT present bag ontop of the passenger! Oh and the buggy tied on the roof. Indian style!
800 rupees got us to our next destination. A family run home stay, the owners met us as our we arrived and were surprised about how much luggage we have! Anyone would think I have several pairs of shoes and handbags and clothes for every occasion when infact I have little! Not even a single handbag I will have you know!
The owners are very sweet and showed us to our room, a beautiful cottage over looking the lake and fields. It has a four poster wooden bed with white drapes and heart fairy lights around it, a further single bed, a beautiful wardrobe, outside bathroom (which I found a very jumpy frog in and a caterpillar!) and a sit out area with a couple of chairs facing the lake.
The resort consists of four different cottages and a house that the owners live in with their two children. The owners are Indian/Finnish mix with the lady being over from Finland for about twenty years. There's a "naughty" donkey that your not allowed to go anywhere near (so I'm guessing he's more vicious then naughty!) several dogs (one called Athena!) a couple of kittens, a cat and a goat.
There's a lake with kayaks, a rowing boat and a canoe. Lots of hammocks and an outside dining area and an honesty bar- help yourself and note it down in the book to pay for at the end of your stay!
This eco friendly "farm" doesn't offer fridges in your room, they have filtered water in jugs. You eat healthy meals together in the dining area. There are no locks on the doors and you need to turn the switch on for hot water five minutes before you need it!
Lunch on arrival consisted of Indian rice with paneer curry (cottage cheese) and salad.
Dinner so far has been curry, King fish and king prawns-with rice and salad.
Breakfast was a simple affair of fresh fruit, some grown on site and bread with homemade jam and curried potato.
The first afternoon we arrived Violet couldn't wait to go for a swim so we went in the pool, she played with the animals and we went out in the rowing boat which was a bit of a non starter as D was rubbish at rowing and Violet screamed that it was her turn with each turn of a paddle! After taking control of the boat and threatening V with various punishments unless she stopped screaming and ruining the peace of anyone within a five mile radius, I got us to shore! Poorly but we got there which was more then I could say for the Shillingford attempts.
We later went out on a two man kayak with Violet sitting on Ds lap which was much easier to steer and get about in aside from the fact Violet again wanted the paddle and wanted to take her turn!
I spent the last year explaining to her how sharing is caring and we take turns etc and here she is telling us to share the paddle! Lord help me!
She also wasn't considering the fact that when she moves so does the kayak and poor d was having kittens! We quickly went back to shore! Maybe we will try again in a few more years....
There are a few other people here, a family who grew up in crouch end! (Small world!) with their two noisy children, also a Dad with his charming little daughter who is about 10. Violet loves this girl and hangs around with her playing ball etc. New arrivals today! -a family from Muswell hill who happen to also be moving on to the very same hotel we are going too! They seem really nice so that's good news!
So, we all eat meals together which has pros and cons! One small child at meal times is enough for me... However new topics of conversation from different people is interesting.
In the evening after the children are in bed (thank fcuk!) the adults sit and have a few drinks- nothing mad then it's an early night. Trying to sleep has been hit and miss as there are too many creature noises and a continual popping of things hitting our roof... I have no idea what it is and I am not sure I want to know. (Update-I'm told its condensation from the palm trees!)I've heard a howling donkey and the high pitched wails of a small child....not my own.
I also am very aware that this setting, whilst idyllic, could make an ideal set up for a horror movie.... The misty lake outside my door makes me a little nervous! D says it's a Friday the 13th setting!
All in all we love it here and extended our stay by one night, we love the owners they are great (helpful tips on where to go and they even done our washing!) but we are ready to move on now! Show me south Goa! Show me ice cold cocktails, a menu I can chose what I want off, let me chose who I eat with and give me some nightlife.... Oh and room service!
#3 accommodation coming up soon!
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- comments
Candice Sounds like ur experiencing so many different things and all sounds so much fun!! Think I may of been thinking about the horror movie setting abit to much and freaked out a little lol and not sure about the doors with out locks!!! All the food sounds very yummy!! Bet v is having the time of her life!! How funny another family from musswell hill!! Look forward to next blog!! Stay safe xxxx
Mum Sounds so lovely , how funny that you have bumped into people from your neck of the woods. It is indeed a small world ! Violet sounds like she is having so much fun, she will come back all grown up , miss her :( Cant wait to read the next instalment xx take care xx
Carly It all sounds so amazing, such a fascinating, fun filled andenture. Why I wonder is everyone so fascinated with V? I mean of course she is beautiful and amazing but what is it that fascinates people so much? Is it her hair or colouring? Can't wait to hear more stories. Miss and love you all. Big kisses to v. Xx
no1rainbowprincess I think it's both her curly hair and her skin colouring... Most adverts over here tend to be very fair almost white, dark haired people, almost not Indian. I suspect cos she's similar to the above but curly etc it gets her attention like the blonde hair blue eye kids. Maybe! Xxx It's amazing out here- rustic! But amazing! You guys would love it. In fact you all would. We should all come. Very cheap. I had a prawn cocktail today for £2.50 and and d had a a spicy prawn dish £2.70, a side of chips 90p! A beer 90p soft drink about 20p great eh? Son once flight paid for most things are very reasonable X