Pune, like Mumbai, is a big, ugly city and we made a fast exit (Mumbai was definitely more a rite of passage to be endured, rather than a pleasure). Our train ticket didn’t come through again so we booked a sleeper bus for the coastal province of Goa, a process that sounds deceivingly benign. With no western sense of privacy or order. , getting around in India by train and bus is taking a lot of effort, time, and patience, but we are managing. We have seen amazing sights and are now on a quest to find the quiet.
The morning we left Pune, Huggie was hit by the dreaded Delhi-belly. The diarrhea was a s__t storm (pun intended) and she immediately dosed up on Imodium. It worked wonderfully, but anticipating the 12 hour overnighter was a sobering proposition nevertheless. Fortunately, all went well. It was a surprisingly quiet ride and we would have slept if not for some crazy brain scrambling brought on by continuous travel over dirt tracks and large craters in the road.
We are now in the small coastal town of Anjuna where we have found the ocean, the tourists, and many of the worlds remaining dreadlocked hippie population. We are staying in a funky little room behind an open air restaurant, in the middle of a large market, that is right on the beach. It is not the secluded beach time of our dreams, but it’ll do for now. We will stay for a bit and rest our bones.
Yesterday Huggie rented a scooter (she is very competent on motorcycles) and we went to a gorgeous beach a few towns away. Imagine driving on the left side of the road, traffic and scooters coming at you from all angles, pedestrians everywhere, horns honking, and most important, avoiding the sacred cows who wander where and when they please, knowing they are the safest things on the road. It was like being in a real life video game, and through it all, Huggie remained highly focused, cool, and in control. I concentrated on helping with directions, reigning in my erupting expletives, and trying not to poo my pants.
On our way back we stopped at a small local joint for food where the waiter was attentive and adorable. I had the fish Thali (rice with curried fish and vegetables with spicy Indian pickle) and the flavours were so piquant and divine that every bite was a gastronomic pleasure (for about $2.40 Canadian). Huggie had palak paneer (a spicy creamed spinach and cheese soup with garlic naan) that was also amazing.
Driving back in the dark, I was both exhilarated and terrified. It was a fun day but I breathed a deep sigh of relief when we arrived back to our room safe and sound with all our parts intact. Now for the ongoing feat of trying to sleep through a chorus of birds squawking, dogs barking, music playing etc..
The Flip Side of Fifty 
You two are indeed very brave.Wouldnt be there for a million.With the bathroom problem and extreme diorreah ,, must have been a total nightmare.That can be horrible in the best of circumstances. Anyway you are seeing an incredible society! Take care. xo
We definitely are. It has its challenges for sure but it is quite the society and place. Loving the food though. We have Ben pretty lucky so far wth true diarrhea. It was just one episode so far. Fingers crossed. Xoxo
Sounds challenging at the best of times but building long lasting memories…and you can sleep when you get home…stay safe xo
Yes for sure. I’m thinking it may all take some time to process. Hope all is well with you. Love you tons xo
So enjoying sharing the adventure with you, as always. You are missing 3 feet of snow just in case you have longings for home. I am interested in your responses to the incessant street noise … certainly sounds like less of a pleasure perhaps only compensated for by the pleasure you are taking in the street food.
Stay safe.
Kxx
Thanks Karen. And thanks for the reality check of being home. The 3 feet of snow is not appealing right now. Even in the heat here, I am enjoying being warm. And yes, the street food does make a lovely compensation for the noise. Hugs to you. Xo
It must be hard not to be totally overwhelmed by everything there. I’d have been on sensory overload a long time ago! You’ll probably be processing it all long after you get home, lol! The food sounds (and looks) amazing though. I’m glad you made it home safe and sound in the dark. One of the guests here is disabled due to a motorbike collision with a horse on the highway after dark here in the Dominican. Be careful you two! I hope you find a quiet place to rest. Maybe you need to visit an ashram to find peace and quiet over there. XOXOXO
It really is quite the place. Sensory overload for sure. The food really is a delight and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Good to know about the guy there. Boy one never knows do they. Hope all is well with you. Love you to pieces. Xoxo
WoW…just wow. Great adventure….lol I think…xo
Lol. Yes , it’s quite the adventure. 🙂 xo
LOVING all our posts! We PDF them and digest them sipping cocktails on the beach. Fascinating place, India – you are going to some familiar places. Can’t wait to read more… Jim and Jan
Thanks guys. Loving yours too. Enjoy and travel safe. Hugs, Arlene
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