Arrival at Tamil Nadu

We crossed the border and entered Tamil Nadu yesterday. The rainy season has just finished and the land is lush and green, but we were so nackered yesterday that it was hard to take anything in! We arrived at Jungle Hut just as it was getting dark but we ate, drank and sang raucoulsy around a camp fire beneath a starry starry sky and eventually fell into bed in our jungle huts truly exhausted!! Today has been a rest day in that we've stayed here and not travelled although we did get up at 5am to go on a safari - and saw a giant squirrel, jungle chickens and a peacock! I think I see more wildlife on my journey to work!!  After breakfast Neil went to his room and I found a hammock slung between two trees and so I slept for six hours - what absolute bliss! Everyone has had a wash and brush up and we're now gathering on the terrace having a few beers with the sound of the jungle all arround - Leonard Cohen (I'm You Man) and the chink of glasses!

Tomorrow's going to be a long one - 250Km through mountains and potholed Indian roads - so chocks away by 6am!  It'll be an even bigger challenge for the sick ones amongst us - the sickness numbers are rising - ooer...

Before we go - big apology to Bob who I mistakenly rang from my mobile at 4.30am - I'm so sorry!!

Speak soon - managed to post some new pics too - feeling so organised after a day's rest!!

Judy and Neil

The cricket game

Sorry it's been so long but getting a connection has had to wait until our arrival at Mysore - driving has been gruelling with 'potholes' up to 2' deep and all manner of livestock and wildlife slowing us down! Neil knocked  over and killed a chicken yesterday which made him feel a little poorly. But that said we've been driving through mountains and the most stunning rural areas with children cheering and waving from the roadside wherever we go.

The accommodation has been varied although some dormitory sleeping with the added fear of snakes and spiders challenged some yesterday - with copious amounts of neurotic bag emptying and shaking and patting of bedclothes!

We're managing pretty well on the roads with only half a dozen very close shaves to speak of.

The other day half a dozen of us Ambi drivers stopped to watch a cricket match being played in a field by some local kids and we were challenged to an India v england match (5 overs a piece) it was hilarious, we were hopeless in comparison being challenged by both fast and spin bowlers - but Neil hit one for six and also had to make a run - THAT's on the video clip and I'll be charging per view!!

We're heading south all the time and the temperature changes are noticeable being cool in the mountains and hot and muggy on the coast - we've woken today to a scorcher!!

There's a party on the last night and we've been told to 'wear Indian' so last night was spent searching Mysore for something suitable to wear - we've found a Maharja suit for Neil - looks quite the part although thought he might break into 'goodbye my love' by Demi Roussos at one point.

Starts are early up by 6.30am every day and am being told by Kate to get down to breakfast fast - will post some pics if I can .

Judy and Neil

A Message From India

Neil and Judy are currently having problems with their internet connections so she has contacted us to put an update on the blog, so here it is:

Haven't been able to get a connection for the last two nights and tomorrow we are camping so no chance then!

All is going well.  Nels not sporting any bites but has a heat rash!  He is getting acclimatised and no longer leaking in the car.  Scenery is breathtaking!  There has been a couple of accidents and lots of near misses in the group.  Travelled from Goa through western Ghat to Kawar yesterday and on to Murudeshwar today - came close to killing a cow!  Off to silent valley Kalasa tomorrow via fort at Nagara.

Well.

this blogging lark's a labour of love - had to track down charger, then find pen to depress earth pin on socket so I could get the plug adapter pushed in, then I had to build a tower of bits and bobs to keep plug into adapter...But, we've arrived and it's amazing.

Flights were great except Nel trod on my glassess trying to get out of his seat - long story - emergency surgery means I can wear them but look now like Jack Duckworth!

I have never seen anyone pour with sweat quite like Neil - humidity is 80% - I thought we had a leak in the car but it was dripping from Neil's hand! Hopefully he'll aclimatise soon.

Just been out in cars - they are FAB and only got lost twice - was looking for Vital Junction - I thought it was name of junction but actually the directions meant vital to take junction!! Anyway a hand brake turn sorted that out.

I have pics to upload but will have to be tomorrow as beer and beach beckon! Room mate Kate is lovely - Neil has room on his on so very happy and smug.

Anyway, beer and beach beckon - but before I go:
Craig - yes we do have pics of Neil and I in TFT shirts in front of logo'd car and will post tomorrow
Bean - Alex says hi
Betty May - you'd hate it

Judy and Nel signing off

1 more day to go

and we'll be off - but the last 24 hours haven't gone as expected...my elbow has been swelling up this week, I've been  willing it to go down but to no avail and I spent last night at UCLH A&E department trying to track down my doctor to drain it - but after two hours I came home - elbow still fat.

For those who know me - it was my Mickey's birthday today - the second since he died.  I woke feeling sad, an even more swollen elbow and two messages on my mobile from last night - would you believe it, my doctor asking me where I was!! I called her straight away and she insisted I go to A&E again for the elbow to be looked at - misery - I then received a text from Neil to say Tottenham (Mickey's team and now mine) were losing 2 nil at Arsenal - more misery. So with a heavy heart I traipsed up to Warren Street ready to do battle with A&E again.

But when I arrived, there was my doctor, there was great friend Kath and, wait for it, a text from Neil to say Tottenham had beaten Arsenal 2-3 at Arsenal, on Mickey's birthday and after 17 years of losing at The Arse!!!!  I just have to say - Mickey'd have been over the moon!

Below is a  pic of doc and me...after the deed...needles and juice well hidden and the okay to go on holiday!

6 days to go...

and Neil's getting really cold feet about blog content - latest email received from Neil:

'I see you`ve updated our blog with a few photo`s of our shopping expedition and I have some concerns that I need to raise:!

Pic 1 : At Nelson`s column there is a mark on the pavement that looks like a streak of pee coming from my trouser leg.

Pic 2 : A charming roly poly picture of me in an inn next to a sign that reads 'great British pub food'.

And to top it off....

Pic 3 : sitting on the bus holding a bag that reads ' back in action - we put life in to sitting'.

So the conclusion is......your going on holiday with an incontinent, lardy, couch potato.  Then again, perhaps you do know your subject...????

8 days to go

and spending the weekend in Lympstone - see above for tonight's sunset - practising my blog skills (or lack of - my second glass of fizzy pop not a good idea)!