On the way back to the hostel last night, I bought some decent muesli and soya milk. I had this for breakfast and got talking to a Swiss woman who’d been travelling for over a year. She was eating dragon fruit and let me taste some. I was expecting it to be tangy, but it … Continue reading / view photos We also have life, do not touch and hurt
Tipu Sultan, Bull Temple, and market
I identified a few places to visit in the south-west of Bangalore. The first was Tipu Sultan’s Palace. This was reached easily using Bangalore’s two metro lines: purple and green. A taxi driver told me a third line was being built. Tipu Sultan (1750-1799) was a ruler of the Kingdon of Mysore. He was responsible … Continue reading / view photos Tipu Sultan, Bull Temple, and market
Culture, commerce, and coffee
I had booked the apartment for three days. The area was fine, but it was quite residential. There was not much happening there. So I decided to move somewhere more central. I’d also discovered that Bangalore has a permanent traffic jam. Getting anywhere by auto or taxi takes a long time. I needed to be … Continue reading / view photos Culture, commerce, and coffee
Bangalore Palace and Champaca Bookstore
Since I had an apartment with a kitchen and fridge, I went out shopping for food. I bought some nuts, fruit, muesli, and soya milk at a small supermarket. At the apartment block, in the lift, I got talking to an Indian man who was travelling with his family. I told him about my experience … Continue reading / view photos Bangalore Palace and Champaca Bookstore
Market madness and a fall
Not unusually, I didn’t know much about my new location, Bangalore. To get me started, I asked ChatGPT to recommend ten things to do in Bangalore. Local markets are always a good way to see a thriving place in India. I picked KR Market. For Bangalore, I’d booked an apartment. This was nice. However, it … Continue reading / view photos Market madness and a fall
Table-thumping, relaxing, and flying
Cath had an early flight to catch. We said goodbye to her at 5.45am. I managed to fall back asleep despite the church music and sermons. This time they didn’t stop after 90 minutes and were still going strong when Helene and I left. We took a tuk tuk into town. I was going to … Continue reading / view photos Table-thumping, relaxing, and flying
Chilling out in Kollam
Whilst Cath and Helene went kayaking on Munroe Island, I hung back at the villa. There was an option to do a tour of the island with the taxi driver who took them there. He’d be just waiting whilst they were on the river. I was tempted to go. However, I’m learning to pace myself. … Continue reading / view photos Chilling out in Kollam
Ashtamudi Lake: fireworks but no elephants
From Kollan station, we took a tuk tuk to Ashtamudi Villas, where we were staying. The grounds had mango and jackfruit trees. We had a delicious freshly made lunch. We sat outside with a beautiful view of the lake. After relaxing on the hammocks by the lake, we went on a sunset boat ride organised … Continue reading / view photos Ashtamudi Lake: fireworks but no elephants
Prakash’s extraordinary story
Sometimes you do somthing and there’s a serendipitous outcome. You’re glad you didn’t take the alternative, possibly easier option. This happened today. Cath, Helene, and I had a 9.30am train to catch to Kollam. A taxi took us to the station from our homestay. The train was delayed 45 minutes. If you book a ticket, … Continue reading Prakash’s extraordinary story
Lazy day in Thiruvananthapuram
I can now spell Thiruvananthapuram without looking it up! For breakfast, the owners made a delicious idli, sambar and coconut chutney dish. After some dawdling, Cath, Helene and I headed out. First we visited Helene’s apartment. Next, we went to find Tiger Balm. I use it for mosquito bites and the itching disappears very quickly. … Continue reading / view photos Lazy day in Thiruvananthapuram