Well we have now left 'Gods Own Country' land of coconuts, sun, and palm fringed coast line. We are back in smelly bustling unfriendly Delhi. India is a bit like marmite you either love it or hate it or sometimes fancy it. I fall under the latter!

India has certainly been remarkable and definitely earns its phrase 'Incredible India'. We have experienced and seen things that will only happen in India, from brightly decorated transport trucks with 'Please Horn' written at the back. Every where in India traffic hoot at each other, incredibly annoying for the first few weeks! The Indians think of it as being polite and acknowledging each mode of transport. Joined in the traffic are the cows and goats making their way. At the train stations people cross over the tracks with no bother and even stand between the tracks so that they can just climb onto the train which seem to have two exit/entry doors. Its fascinating - well at least to us, sending a parcel home. One would think you would box it up and post it. Not in India, you have to go to a tailoring shop who will box your parcel up, make a material case for the parcel, hand stitch it and then seal the corners with wax!

We have seen some magnificent monuments and buildings, desert, mountains, bustling cities, rural village life and the laid back south coast line. We have eaten some splendid and some rough food in all these parts, met and seen wonderful people and cultures. We will both not miss curry for break fast but will yearn for a good curry especially Keralan food and north indian breads. Darren's system has finally given out to the curry his body just won't take it any more. So tonight for the first time since we have been here - we are off to the Radisson Hotel for burger and chips!!

I have also found travelling in India difficult. The 'but you look like an Indian' has never eased off and still cntinues to today. Though I think this week I have been at the end of my tether with it. The men are basically perves! At least in England they are a bit more discreet. I will not miss this at all. It seemed worse in South India and I nearly bought a sari as wearing a high neck t-shirt and trousers didn't seem to work!

So its good bye to a very colourful, diverse and fascinating place which we have just touched the fringes of. Maybe or shall I say I will be back to India as we didn't manage to go to Goa this time so I will have to visit the land of my heritage. A good reason to come back!

Good bye India and Hello Bangkok

xx