Lets get the job out of the way. So I’m living an working in this office in a place called faridabad (just outside dehli), I’m working for a charity called face India and my job title is program co-coordinator. The charity places volunteers from overseas in ‘work camps’ (that last 2-3 weeks) or long term volunteer positions (anything from 4 weeks to a year) they get the volunteers through the internet and educational partners around the globe (think they have two partners, Korean and American universities) The main man is called manoj kumar who is really nice. I’m not getting paid any money.
Started off by trying to find out exactly what the job is. Narrowed it down to 2 main points (after a drawn out conversation). Get volunteers for the projects and getting more projects for the volunteers to go to. FACE already has about 20 projects that aren’t being filled so I decided to start with the first part of the job (getting more volunteers). Looked at the website which is not very good and decided that first of all that it needs re-writing but as I’m not a website designer and I don’t have time I’m just going to do some tweeking. All the projects are in different formats, its not obvious what ‘we’ do. Links that don’t work. Lots of little things. So all I’ve been doing for the last 2 days (work wise) is sat in front of a computer re-writing and writing copy for the website. Not very exciting, but it needs doing. Still quite a bit to do but I need information from manoj who keeps saying he has it and will get it, but Manoj is in hospital since last night at the moment (more on this soon). The work isn’t really what I want to be doing as I want to be the person working on the projects not the person sending people to projects so I’m going to get the website in a more user friendly set up and write some adverts for them (if you think my prose are bad these guys cannot write English very well at all) after that I’m going to sit down and talk to manoj about what I want to do. There is no point me coming to India to sit in front of a computer not learning anything that I want to learn. Saying that manoj is really happy to have me here so couldn’t / wouldn’t just leave.
I’ve got a cold which is making me a bit grumpy and haven’t’ really left the office too much recently which I don’t like. Still had some fun. Didn’t realize how independent I like to be. Manoj keeps ‘suprising’ me by arranging for me to do different things, I don’t like this! In my mind I’ve made my own plans and its annoying me slightly (I am a bit grumpy!). I’ve met some of the local guys who are all at an engineering college and there going to take me out soon which will be good. Going to a wedding tomorrow of the next door neighbor, yesterday he had a pre wedding party which was good fun, only problem was that the kids all thought I was brilliant and would not leave me alone. In the end I had to go because I’d wound them up to the point where there mums were shouting at them (I assume telling them to calm down) and they were going Mental was very funny. Only problem now is that they keep coming up to the office and saying hello. Its ok though as it means I can practice my hindi (that’s a language) on them.
Manoj tried to take me to another wedding yesterday but I was Indianed out and really wasn’t feeling well. In the middle of the night manoj woke up (he stays at the office some night?s which i find a bit strange as he has a lovely wife and kid and doesn’t live that far away…told him I don’t mind being on my own (I really don’t) but he doesn’t listen.) any way … he woke up in the middle of he night being sick. So he went to hospital, I’ve not seen him since but his mum came to clean the office this morning and said he’s still in hospital hope he’s ok. Manoj thinks I’m ill because two evenings ago (I think) we had some chicken and I bought us both a beer and apparently drinking beer in winter (its Indian winter) is bad for you….. I don’t believe him.. had a good evening that night we sat and had an ‘adult’ conversation (not about sex.. about politics:) lots of Indians are very anti Muslim.
Oh I’ve bought equipment so I can make my own coffees in the office, I’ve also got some brandy left from the train so in the evenings I’m having delicious brandy coffees. Very nice. The reason I bought this stuff is because I’m in dispute with the chai (tea) man. He runs a stall round the corner and tries to charge me 5 roupes when chai cost 3 roupes, had a big argument and caused a big scene (again:-) and he charged me 3 roupes. The very next day he tried to charge me 4 roupes and I wasn’t having any of it. He apologized later and told me to come for chai when ever I want (it is good chai) he’s closed today because its Sunday.
What else has happened
Told Manoj I’m not going to go away with his school president to sell the school as I don’t want to (he was fine about that, didn’t want me to go)
Had some lovely messages from people (mike and nog nearly made me cry)
My dad’s been reading the Blog, Maybe this will inspire him to ‘logon’ and joing the world wide web!
My brother has been writing gayness on my wall (I’ll get you!)
Got a real taste for Samoas and this strange fruit they have over here
This blog probably sounds like I’m moaning. I am a little, I feel really ill. I’m in this office (don’t really have my own space) want to get on with some work but really can’t as I need other peoples input. Can’t really leave the office as I have the only key and people are coming in and out all day so can’t lock them out. Its not as bad as it sounds I just don’t have any one to moan at so I’m moaning on here.
Love you all chris
p.s James Smythe is going to put my blog on another website so I can make money from adverts, if you see James can you tell him to sort it out also give him a cuddle and call him big bear ..
p.p.s don't be suprised if you see me 'online' as i probably am.
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Thursday, 27 November 2008
who would go to india to work??
Got the train which was fun, ended up sitting with a few different people. The most significant of which were two girls going all the way to dehli who I’d agreed to ‘look after’ (they looked after me and laughed at me A LOT ?) a german hari kristnia monk who’d lived in germany for 20 years and two indian guys who were nice. Got in trouble with both the indian guys, one of them I got in trouble with for asking the indian girls there age as aparently its rude…. He forgave me very quickly and the other indian guy got a little offended when I tried to guess his age and I said 32 and he was 25. this would have been ok except I didn’t believe him and thought he was winding me up!! He forgave me too although he was never the same after this moment. Other highlighs on the train include : brushing my teeth with the door open as we go through amazing countryside (didn’t see to much country side, but cleaning teeth and looking at it is cool) . being told by a police man that I wasn’t allowed into the engine room :- ( when I tried to get in. managing to get a coffe at 10 in the evening from a station and adding a healthy dose of brandy to it. Beating the monk at chess twice. Loads of fun stuff happened on the train. I love traveling (I don’t mean liike traveling I mean going places by transport – comes from a childhood spent in a car, driving up and down so often I guess) I loved the journey. Slept two nights on the train, read a good book. It’s called ‘surely your joking mr fennyman’ and it’s a true story about a physacist (better than it sounds – he likes topless bars;- ) I also made some head way on the history of india book which I can’t wait to finish.
Got to dehli a bit tired and smelly and before I got a hotel decided to see if I’d been contacted by the guy from face india (manoj). He hadn’t emailed me back so I called him (it turned out I had emailed him a blank email so he hadn’t bothered to email me back … opps). When I called him he told me to come to faridabad straight away and I did. Its only a 30 minute train journey away but it took me 3 and a half hours to get there as no bloodly person in the entire train station could tell me the right platform for the train!! (got a little angry) I got on the wrong train twice and was lugging my back pack every where, not a happy chappy. Got to faridabad and called manoj he turned up another hour later!!!!! Was chilled out by now though so it wasn’t a problem except every rickshaw driver was convinced that I would change my mind and need a rickshaw any minute so they were following me like a pack of dogs. Was funny. Manoj turned up and he is a great guy. Offered me a choice of accomodation (I’m currently residing in the face india offices on a pull out bed) and took me to his house for dinner. His wife cooked great food and we chatted. Went for a walk when I got back to the office and although I’d agreed to have a meeting with manoj at 10 oclock I fell asleep.
Unluckily for me I told him a little white lie to give him the impression that I was a grafter. I told him I’m use to waking up at 6 in the morning…. So this morning I got woken up a guess what time.. 6 in the fucking morning.. (my own fault:). Had a wash with cold water and got ready. Manoj also works at a school and invited me to go with him and I accepted (first we had another lovely meal at his house, cooked my his delectable wife). I though school was going to be really boring as it started quite slow and a little bit uncoumfortably. Firstly I was dressed like a complete scruff. No shave, flip flops, baggy trousers and my silly green jacket. Manoj got me to wear some of his shoes (that made me look even worse in my opinion) so I was feeling a little self consious before I’d even met the principle of the school, then the chariman, then the sectretary then half the teaching staff.. they were all lovely and I had some good chats with the staff. They let me go and speak to a couple of the classes. The first class were learning about the french revolution and the ideas of liberty espoused by it. I deceided I was an expert and told them every fact I knew about the revolution – the statue of liberty in new york was a gift from france, that france sepereated religion and the state to have a secular governement and I told them about how america use to have the same ideals untill in changed the countrys motto to include the line ‘in god we trust’ and I tried to get them to have a discusion on india secular politics with a little success. Was nice enough untill at the end I said ‘is there anything else you want to know’ and after a few rubbish general question one cheeky little imp asked me to sing a song!!!! I started to sing wonderwall by oasis but stopped after a couple of seconds (didn’t want to get arrested for abusing children :-0
Second class was different. Same sort of thing apart from they were learning economics so I tried to share my knowledge and find out what they new about the subject. Got interesting when one of the kids pointed to a big stick on the chair in front of me. Turns out the kids get beaten. I’m not a big fan of corporal punishment as I think theres always a better way without violence but I’m sure there are some people who would have benefited from the cane (Ria for one; ). I asked the kids if they liked the cane (duh .. they said no) so I told them to do something about it. They said that it wasn’t possible so I told them not to be so silly of course it was possible, I used the example of indians getting rid of england as their ruler and the more obvious example of the cane being baned in england. I was trying to inspire a revolution don’t know if it’ll work but I think the teacher got scared as he moved me on very quickly. After that I played basket ball with some of the kids and took part in shooting class as well (I’m a crack shot ) did other stuff to so was a good day. After school (which finishes at 2.00) went back to office so I could start planning some work as I’m still not 100% what I’m suppose to be doing but I have a good plan to find out. Bought some new cloths to make me smarter as well as coffeee making equipment so I can drink coffee and work. Ate some chilli corn for dinner which was nice and now I’m on the computer.
Oh one other think happened today which was brilliant. Snuck out of school for a fag (I’d already had one on the roof but didn’t want to risk that again) and walked to a village. All the villagers came out and were really amazed to see me. Eventually one of them offered me a cup of chai (tea) and I accepted. Was really good fun and all their family turned up. There must have been ten people who came to see me and though I was brilliant had a great time although they couldn’t speak any english and my knowledge of the hindi language now stands at an impressive two words (hello and move)
extras
Will be living in this office for a while now and there isn’t much to do during the night apart from work and sleep so will probably be online quite a bit.
Mumbai (a city in india) has just been bombed. I’m know where near it but I walked past the taj hotel (where hostages were taken)while I was there
the good thing about the bombings is that the english cricket team has decided to end there embarrasing tour of india
hope this job works out the way I want it to as it could be amazing
Got to dehli a bit tired and smelly and before I got a hotel decided to see if I’d been contacted by the guy from face india (manoj). He hadn’t emailed me back so I called him (it turned out I had emailed him a blank email so he hadn’t bothered to email me back … opps). When I called him he told me to come to faridabad straight away and I did. Its only a 30 minute train journey away but it took me 3 and a half hours to get there as no bloodly person in the entire train station could tell me the right platform for the train!! (got a little angry) I got on the wrong train twice and was lugging my back pack every where, not a happy chappy. Got to faridabad and called manoj he turned up another hour later!!!!! Was chilled out by now though so it wasn’t a problem except every rickshaw driver was convinced that I would change my mind and need a rickshaw any minute so they were following me like a pack of dogs. Was funny. Manoj turned up and he is a great guy. Offered me a choice of accomodation (I’m currently residing in the face india offices on a pull out bed) and took me to his house for dinner. His wife cooked great food and we chatted. Went for a walk when I got back to the office and although I’d agreed to have a meeting with manoj at 10 oclock I fell asleep.
Unluckily for me I told him a little white lie to give him the impression that I was a grafter. I told him I’m use to waking up at 6 in the morning…. So this morning I got woken up a guess what time.. 6 in the fucking morning.. (my own fault:). Had a wash with cold water and got ready. Manoj also works at a school and invited me to go with him and I accepted (first we had another lovely meal at his house, cooked my his delectable wife). I though school was going to be really boring as it started quite slow and a little bit uncoumfortably. Firstly I was dressed like a complete scruff. No shave, flip flops, baggy trousers and my silly green jacket. Manoj got me to wear some of his shoes (that made me look even worse in my opinion) so I was feeling a little self consious before I’d even met the principle of the school, then the chariman, then the sectretary then half the teaching staff.. they were all lovely and I had some good chats with the staff. They let me go and speak to a couple of the classes. The first class were learning about the french revolution and the ideas of liberty espoused by it. I deceided I was an expert and told them every fact I knew about the revolution – the statue of liberty in new york was a gift from france, that france sepereated religion and the state to have a secular governement and I told them about how america use to have the same ideals untill in changed the countrys motto to include the line ‘in god we trust’ and I tried to get them to have a discusion on india secular politics with a little success. Was nice enough untill at the end I said ‘is there anything else you want to know’ and after a few rubbish general question one cheeky little imp asked me to sing a song!!!! I started to sing wonderwall by oasis but stopped after a couple of seconds (didn’t want to get arrested for abusing children :-0
Second class was different. Same sort of thing apart from they were learning economics so I tried to share my knowledge and find out what they new about the subject. Got interesting when one of the kids pointed to a big stick on the chair in front of me. Turns out the kids get beaten. I’m not a big fan of corporal punishment as I think theres always a better way without violence but I’m sure there are some people who would have benefited from the cane (Ria for one; ). I asked the kids if they liked the cane (duh .. they said no) so I told them to do something about it. They said that it wasn’t possible so I told them not to be so silly of course it was possible, I used the example of indians getting rid of england as their ruler and the more obvious example of the cane being baned in england. I was trying to inspire a revolution don’t know if it’ll work but I think the teacher got scared as he moved me on very quickly. After that I played basket ball with some of the kids and took part in shooting class as well (I’m a crack shot ) did other stuff to so was a good day. After school (which finishes at 2.00) went back to office so I could start planning some work as I’m still not 100% what I’m suppose to be doing but I have a good plan to find out. Bought some new cloths to make me smarter as well as coffeee making equipment so I can drink coffee and work. Ate some chilli corn for dinner which was nice and now I’m on the computer.
Oh one other think happened today which was brilliant. Snuck out of school for a fag (I’d already had one on the roof but didn’t want to risk that again) and walked to a village. All the villagers came out and were really amazed to see me. Eventually one of them offered me a cup of chai (tea) and I accepted. Was really good fun and all their family turned up. There must have been ten people who came to see me and though I was brilliant had a great time although they couldn’t speak any english and my knowledge of the hindi language now stands at an impressive two words (hello and move)
extras
Will be living in this office for a while now and there isn’t much to do during the night apart from work and sleep so will probably be online quite a bit.
Mumbai (a city in india) has just been bombed. I’m know where near it but I walked past the taj hotel (where hostages were taken)while I was there
the good thing about the bombings is that the english cricket team has decided to end there embarrasing tour of india
hope this job works out the way I want it to as it could be amazing
Sunday, 23 November 2008
i don't like cricket oh noooooo
So went to Indian ‘nu metal’ concert. Was an experience, it turned out that it was a bit like a battle of the bands and that Sunday they had the ‘big bands’ playing (I was there Saturday). Wasn’t very busy but stayed for an hour listening to the music. One band was a bit ‘cock rock’ think nickle back (who I like) and the other was a bit like slipknot. In the end it started raining so I set of back home as it was quite far out. I was the only touristy person there. Was an experience to see all these Indian kids dressed like moshers and head banging just like people in England. Globalization is defo here to stay. After that I got back to majestic area and decided to watch the football as there wasn’t really much else to do. Walked round asking everybody where the football was showing and no body even knew what football was. What a pain. In the end a guy just grabbed me into his bar and I managed to explain that I wanted him to put star sports on the tv. Had a great time in the bar chatting to Indians making them roll ups and generally being a happy English man surrounded by crazy Indian people. Meet up with Reina (girl I met in goa) for the second half and we had a drink and a catch up. Lovely person, she’s going to meet her sponsored child on Wednesday which will be cool. Oh at some point (not sure when) in Bangalore it was raining and I watched Harry potter and the order of the phoenix (sad I know) and It was brilliant!
Next day was cricket day. Woke up singing 10cc’s hit song – I don’t like cricket oh nooooo… (prize for person who guesses the next lyric, answers on a postcard please) got to cricket ground very very early. Tried to find sky sports so I could be on tv but they were no where to be found. Meet 4 English guys all day !! Place was full on Indians. Ended up sitting with two of the English guys all day. Was a fun day but didn’t stay all day which was a shame. After the first break for the rain I was getting a sore bum (sat on a concrete step for 7 hours) and a little pissed of with the rain. When it rained again I assumed (wrongly) that that was going to be it for the day so I set of back to the hotel. Got back to hotel after a long journey by bus and foot in the pouring rain to find that the cricket was back on. We lost by the way. Quick note – was sat in front of these 3 Indian kids who were cricket mad. They made my day. Imagine 3 kids who are at least twice as cheeky as me giving you gentle abuse about England being crap at cricket. Really nice kids so quick on the piss take I couldn’t keep up. Any way went home had a wonder around then went to bed. Knackered as cricket day was a very long day. Atmosphere was electric, I took some videos but don’t think they do it justice.
Today I go to dehli. Think its only 34 hours and not 42 hours which is good. Need to buy supplies. I’m wearing the clothes I had on yesterday as there wet and need drying, think I may smell of damp so please feel sorry for whoever sits next to me. Was suppose to go to British trade consulate today but there having a training day (thanks for telling me woman at reception :(!)
Other bits and pieces, still love Bangalore but there isn’t much to do apart from drink and smoke and eat. Could go to a museum but don’t want to, met so many nice people its unbelievable only one Indian has been a bit ‘off’ with me and that was because I spilt water on his seat at the cricket and he sat in it :)
Confession – I did something I’m not proud of the other day and feel I must tell. Was walking down MG road and smelt a familiar smell, a smell from home, a smell from my childhood. I was drawn in I couldn’t resist, I tried to justify it by telling myself that I just wanted to see what it was like in India but its not true. I just wanted to be bad so I was. I ate a KFC!! it wasn’t very nice though. I know it was wrong but couldn’t help myself I will not be doing it again. For those that don’t know whats wrong with kfc here are a few of the things to thing about: animal rights issues: the local economy issues: workers rights issues
Extra’s
Thanks Shirley for chasing up driving license (I will call them at some point)
Will hopefully be using website www.couchsurfing.com to find places to stay where possible
India is quite expensive so I need to rein in spending
Starting to miss out some detail on the blog at moment, must be getting lazy
Next day was cricket day. Woke up singing 10cc’s hit song – I don’t like cricket oh nooooo… (prize for person who guesses the next lyric, answers on a postcard please) got to cricket ground very very early. Tried to find sky sports so I could be on tv but they were no where to be found. Meet 4 English guys all day !! Place was full on Indians. Ended up sitting with two of the English guys all day. Was a fun day but didn’t stay all day which was a shame. After the first break for the rain I was getting a sore bum (sat on a concrete step for 7 hours) and a little pissed of with the rain. When it rained again I assumed (wrongly) that that was going to be it for the day so I set of back to the hotel. Got back to hotel after a long journey by bus and foot in the pouring rain to find that the cricket was back on. We lost by the way. Quick note – was sat in front of these 3 Indian kids who were cricket mad. They made my day. Imagine 3 kids who are at least twice as cheeky as me giving you gentle abuse about England being crap at cricket. Really nice kids so quick on the piss take I couldn’t keep up. Any way went home had a wonder around then went to bed. Knackered as cricket day was a very long day. Atmosphere was electric, I took some videos but don’t think they do it justice.
Today I go to dehli. Think its only 34 hours and not 42 hours which is good. Need to buy supplies. I’m wearing the clothes I had on yesterday as there wet and need drying, think I may smell of damp so please feel sorry for whoever sits next to me. Was suppose to go to British trade consulate today but there having a training day (thanks for telling me woman at reception :(!)
Other bits and pieces, still love Bangalore but there isn’t much to do apart from drink and smoke and eat. Could go to a museum but don’t want to, met so many nice people its unbelievable only one Indian has been a bit ‘off’ with me and that was because I spilt water on his seat at the cricket and he sat in it :)
Confession – I did something I’m not proud of the other day and feel I must tell. Was walking down MG road and smelt a familiar smell, a smell from home, a smell from my childhood. I was drawn in I couldn’t resist, I tried to justify it by telling myself that I just wanted to see what it was like in India but its not true. I just wanted to be bad so I was. I ate a KFC!! it wasn’t very nice though. I know it was wrong but couldn’t help myself I will not be doing it again. For those that don’t know whats wrong with kfc here are a few of the things to thing about: animal rights issues: the local economy issues: workers rights issues
Extra’s
Thanks Shirley for chasing up driving license (I will call them at some point)
Will hopefully be using website www.couchsurfing.com to find places to stay where possible
India is quite expensive so I need to rein in spending
Starting to miss out some detail on the blog at moment, must be getting lazy
Friday, 21 November 2008
I've got a ticket for the cricket
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Sunday, 16 November 2008
Got to Get a Guru
So I drank lots of rum at tipi with a nice bonfire and nice people. There were a few drummers and ‘flute’ players playing music and had a really good time. I ‘practiced’ my drumming (banged it) and ‘played’ a Tibetan prayer bowl (very eerie sound), funny moment when we were talking to the flute player about how nice it sounded and then he let us have a go on the flute (I was rubbish) he then tried to sell us his flute, turns out he’s a flute seller (you had to be there;).
Its quiet funny not having lots on English people around when you drink as the other nation’s don’t drink nearly as much as me/us. There was 4 English people (out of 30) at this bonfire and we each singularly had more to drink then everyone else put together. We weren’t drunken idiots but just drank a ‘normal’ amount and we should have drank more really seen as the rum was only 60 roupes (1 pound) a bottle. As a nation maybe we do drink more than other nations – although I don’t see it as a problem, the ‘foreigners’ all talked about hooligans an English people fighting. I was of course a great ambassador for my country managing to fall over only once (while doing traditional Nepalese dancing)!
Not sure what I did the next day, had a hangover got some lunch, went to other side, walked about a bit with mara, did some poi, meet israely guy (who I will mention again soon), spoke to my guru (Baba g - who tells me that bung lassi’s are nice and makes me chillum). Its hard if I don’t write this for a few days as you can forget what you’ve done if you don’t do very much.
The evening time though was a different matter. Don[‘t think I’ll ever forget it. Went for a walk with the Israeli guy (han I think he was called – but pronounced haannnnn with lots of spiting sound). Tried to get mara out of shops, told the taxi driver that keeps asking her for dinner that she use to be a man (his face was one of the funniest things I think I’ve ever seen), mara wasn’t too happy I don’t think. Any way we’re walking along and han says there’s a jewish ‘hostel’ that he’s going to have a look. We decided to come with him and it turns out today is alike a fast day in the jewish calendar as Saturday is the holy day where your suppose to do nothing. The place had about 10 people in and they gestured us to stay. Some prayers/songs were being sung and we sat there and listened. I wore a skull cap and listened. The music was really magical and the setting was really picturesque (said a little prayer for all you heathens out there:- p). Then more and more people came until the place was full and we all ate a big meal together and sang songs. There is loads more to this place but I really can’t do it justice, this may not sound like the most amazing time but I can assure you that to me (and mara) it was really beautiful and one of the most random and rewarding experiences I’ve had in India.
Next day I hear a strange voice outside. Its enka (I met her in vagatour), her and Laura have arrived in Hampi. They’ve already arranged a room in my hotel but I try to discreetly tell them not to stay here and stay at the one next door with the tipi. Being Austrian they don’t fathom what I’m trying to say to them and get the room next to mine. Me and Mare go in search of the waterfall today on the bikes. Get pushbikes and ride them as close as we can to waterfalls before we have to enter jungle. As we enter jungle this old man tells us to follow him and because he told me to follow him I did. After about 5 minutes of walking I thought I better ask him where we’re going as the signs saying no entry are starting to worry me. He tells me ‘no worries water fall this way’, I can’t see a water fall and me and mara are making each other worry that we’re going to get murdered. As we cross a river and headed towards some reeds we decided to stop, have a cigarette and take stock of the situation. As we’re waiting we see a harassed man (English) crossing river with 4 indian teenagers. He walks up to us and is visibly grateful to see us (and we him) he asks to stay with us and we heartily agree. Now feeling confident that we can take the old man (its now 3 on 1 – the Indian boys were soed away by old man) we carry on to the waterfalls, turns out he was a guide earning money. Because we didn’t arrange price before hand we had to negotiate after the fact. I felt bad for not trusting him so to assuage my guilt i tipped him extra 50 as well. Funny though, at the Jewish hostel, the rabbi/person was explaining a prayer/song and it was about fear and somebody saying
This world is just a bridge between two worlds and that you shouldn’t be afraid to cross the bridge. Same sentiment as the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
I wasn’t afraid but I was very very nervous, shouldn’t have been.
This was the most exciting part of the trip. The waterfalls were nice but not really waterfalls.
After that we went to mango tree where we met a journalist called Reshma who works for www.marwar.com. She was lovely but even more amazingly she’d not only heard of black pool but was there for the 100 anniversary of blackpool tower being built. Made my day!! Went back to hotel were my guru Baba G was. He’d been to hospit (town near hampi) to get some stuff to make the lassi’s. A Bungo Lassi is also called a ‘special lassi’. We sat and had a chat and then went for dinner with Laura, Elka and Mara. Before I left I told Baba G not to make the lassi’s as we probably won’t do then tonight. After meal (which was good – although I didn’t order anything and just ate everyone else’s) we went back to hotel where Baba G had made the lassi’s, so we drank them. Went to the tipi place and chilled out there. Had a great night and spent lots of time with great Israeli girl!
This morning it’s raining. First rain I’ve seen in India. Everything is wet… couldn’t face a cold shower this morning so I had my first hot bucket!! This is a hot bucket of water that you pour over yourself. I haven’t had a hot shower in maybe 2 weeks and this was great!!!! Not doing much today as it’s raining and you’ll get very wet, I’ve got a big chess game with Reishy (great Indian guy who owns tipi) later so that should be fun.
Extra’s
I’ve had a goatee shaved in to my face
I don’t like rain that much
I’ve been offered a volunteer/work with an organization in northern India that wants me to be a project co-coordinator and go all over India. Sounds too good to be true though. They give me a local wage and pay food and accommodation.
I’ve got myself a guru, who is cool; he’s no trouble and just smokes a lot of pot. He was going to come with us to the temples today and tell stories (his English is good) but its raining.
It’s my brother’s birthday!! Happy birthday Elliot xxx
Its quiet funny not having lots on English people around when you drink as the other nation’s don’t drink nearly as much as me/us. There was 4 English people (out of 30) at this bonfire and we each singularly had more to drink then everyone else put together. We weren’t drunken idiots but just drank a ‘normal’ amount and we should have drank more really seen as the rum was only 60 roupes (1 pound) a bottle. As a nation maybe we do drink more than other nations – although I don’t see it as a problem, the ‘foreigners’ all talked about hooligans an English people fighting. I was of course a great ambassador for my country managing to fall over only once (while doing traditional Nepalese dancing)!
Not sure what I did the next day, had a hangover got some lunch, went to other side, walked about a bit with mara, did some poi, meet israely guy (who I will mention again soon), spoke to my guru (Baba g - who tells me that bung lassi’s are nice and makes me chillum). Its hard if I don’t write this for a few days as you can forget what you’ve done if you don’t do very much.
The evening time though was a different matter. Don[‘t think I’ll ever forget it. Went for a walk with the Israeli guy (han I think he was called – but pronounced haannnnn with lots of spiting sound). Tried to get mara out of shops, told the taxi driver that keeps asking her for dinner that she use to be a man (his face was one of the funniest things I think I’ve ever seen), mara wasn’t too happy I don’t think. Any way we’re walking along and han says there’s a jewish ‘hostel’ that he’s going to have a look. We decided to come with him and it turns out today is alike a fast day in the jewish calendar as Saturday is the holy day where your suppose to do nothing. The place had about 10 people in and they gestured us to stay. Some prayers/songs were being sung and we sat there and listened. I wore a skull cap and listened. The music was really magical and the setting was really picturesque (said a little prayer for all you heathens out there:- p). Then more and more people came until the place was full and we all ate a big meal together and sang songs. There is loads more to this place but I really can’t do it justice, this may not sound like the most amazing time but I can assure you that to me (and mara) it was really beautiful and one of the most random and rewarding experiences I’ve had in India.
Next day I hear a strange voice outside. Its enka (I met her in vagatour), her and Laura have arrived in Hampi. They’ve already arranged a room in my hotel but I try to discreetly tell them not to stay here and stay at the one next door with the tipi. Being Austrian they don’t fathom what I’m trying to say to them and get the room next to mine. Me and Mare go in search of the waterfall today on the bikes. Get pushbikes and ride them as close as we can to waterfalls before we have to enter jungle. As we enter jungle this old man tells us to follow him and because he told me to follow him I did. After about 5 minutes of walking I thought I better ask him where we’re going as the signs saying no entry are starting to worry me. He tells me ‘no worries water fall this way’, I can’t see a water fall and me and mara are making each other worry that we’re going to get murdered. As we cross a river and headed towards some reeds we decided to stop, have a cigarette and take stock of the situation. As we’re waiting we see a harassed man (English) crossing river with 4 indian teenagers. He walks up to us and is visibly grateful to see us (and we him) he asks to stay with us and we heartily agree. Now feeling confident that we can take the old man (its now 3 on 1 – the Indian boys were soed away by old man) we carry on to the waterfalls, turns out he was a guide earning money. Because we didn’t arrange price before hand we had to negotiate after the fact. I felt bad for not trusting him so to assuage my guilt i tipped him extra 50 as well. Funny though, at the Jewish hostel, the rabbi/person was explaining a prayer/song and it was about fear and somebody saying
This world is just a bridge between two worlds and that you shouldn’t be afraid to cross the bridge. Same sentiment as the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
I wasn’t afraid but I was very very nervous, shouldn’t have been.
This was the most exciting part of the trip. The waterfalls were nice but not really waterfalls.
After that we went to mango tree where we met a journalist called Reshma who works for www.marwar.com. She was lovely but even more amazingly she’d not only heard of black pool but was there for the 100 anniversary of blackpool tower being built. Made my day!! Went back to hotel were my guru Baba G was. He’d been to hospit (town near hampi) to get some stuff to make the lassi’s. A Bungo Lassi is also called a ‘special lassi’. We sat and had a chat and then went for dinner with Laura, Elka and Mara. Before I left I told Baba G not to make the lassi’s as we probably won’t do then tonight. After meal (which was good – although I didn’t order anything and just ate everyone else’s) we went back to hotel where Baba G had made the lassi’s, so we drank them. Went to the tipi place and chilled out there. Had a great night and spent lots of time with great Israeli girl!
This morning it’s raining. First rain I’ve seen in India. Everything is wet… couldn’t face a cold shower this morning so I had my first hot bucket!! This is a hot bucket of water that you pour over yourself. I haven’t had a hot shower in maybe 2 weeks and this was great!!!! Not doing much today as it’s raining and you’ll get very wet, I’ve got a big chess game with Reishy (great Indian guy who owns tipi) later so that should be fun.
Extra’s
I’ve had a goatee shaved in to my face
I don’t like rain that much
I’ve been offered a volunteer/work with an organization in northern India that wants me to be a project co-coordinator and go all over India. Sounds too good to be true though. They give me a local wage and pay food and accommodation.
I’ve got myself a guru, who is cool; he’s no trouble and just smokes a lot of pot. He was going to come with us to the temples today and tell stories (his English is good) but its raining.
It’s my brother’s birthday!! Happy birthday Elliot xxx
Thursday, 13 November 2008
i've been getting complaints about not writing enough detail in this blog (mitchel:-)! well tough, your just going to have to make do with these small snipets that i write ;-)
so i got stuck on this side of the river but luckily i got put up by a friend which was nice. next day moved hostels and came to 'this side of the river' which is much better. its costs 10 roupes to cross and is just more chilled out.
A bit about hampi, Hampi is amazing it is covered in temples - some nice, some shit. and the craziest rock formations that i have ever seen. if you come to india you have to see this. will try to put photo's up soon to prove i'm in india and not hiding in blackpool and also to show you what its like (although i doubt they do it justice)
so yesterday, we hired push bikes and went for a ride. saw a temple carved into the inside of a rock which was cool. the women gave us a red dot and expected some money off us (i made a quick exit). drove round a bit and found a great place for lunch (mango tree) and had a 65 roupe tali, was good. me and mara then rode the bikes the wrong way out of hampi and then back into hampi.. was nice, came back and had a little nap. the guys who run the hostel we are staying in and the one behind us are really really cool (cooler than cool keith!!) and they showed us this spot behind the hostel to watch the sun go down witch was good. when we came down we went to the other hostel and stayed there all night. i invented a new drink with the bottle on coconut fenni (like liqueur) that i'd bought in goa for 80 roupes. its ginger, lemon and honey tea with a liberal splash of fenni! very nice. stayed there for a while chatting to people, trying to play guitar and generally chilling went to bed about 11ish but couldn't sleep. was still awake when this guy tried to come into my room (turned out he'd tried everybody's room) i got up and shouted after him, but some guys who worked there didn't seem bothered so i wasn't too bothered although was a little weird.
next day woke up went to bank and my credit card worked !!!! yes feel rich again. spend 150 roupes (2 pounds) on a shirt to celebrate. we decided to hire mopeds - me and mara on one and anna (Irish girl - really lovely - taught her all about the moon :-). was really good fun, got lost, missed speed bumps.. then we got a flat tire. luckily we were dead near a shop that had a puncture repair kit (i for some reason forgot about puncture repair kits and assumed i'm be buying a new tyre)and they made us chai and fixed the puncture. so we set off again when only 10 minutes later we got another puncture. was slightly annoyed by now so i took the other bike and went to shout at bike shop owner. got him to agree to send somebody to fix this puncture which they did, although they asked me for money and i gave it him (i shouldn't have really). started riding the bikes again and me and mara decided ours wasn't safe so she got on with anna and i drove ours back very slowly to the man where we had a huge argument in the middle of the street. was really good fun. if finsihed with me trying to get the tire of the bike with a spanner. went for dinner, played cards with anna (who's just left for kerala) and now in Internet cafe. going to 'other hostel' for jam session tonight.
story i missed, while waiting for mechanic to fix bike me and mara went to this temple just up the road. arrived there and was assailed by 6 of the oldest toothless,most zombie like creatures I've ever seen, trying to get money out of us, was really really weird. like dawn of the dead. They just sort of moaned and put there hand out asking for money and trying to put red dots on our forehead. i wanted to tell all the westerners that went past to go up there just to freak them out but we didn't..
extras
had some spare time yesterday so surfed some people's facebook pages
check out the pictures of sean gill as a fresh faced college student - priceless
well done keith for missing flight - great stuff hope france was ace
and some great Halloween photos
also
thanks Shirley for doing driving license xx
in a very silly (but good) mood, drinking some rum tonight.
so i got stuck on this side of the river but luckily i got put up by a friend which was nice. next day moved hostels and came to 'this side of the river' which is much better. its costs 10 roupes to cross and is just more chilled out.
A bit about hampi, Hampi is amazing it is covered in temples - some nice, some shit. and the craziest rock formations that i have ever seen. if you come to india you have to see this. will try to put photo's up soon to prove i'm in india and not hiding in blackpool and also to show you what its like (although i doubt they do it justice)
so yesterday, we hired push bikes and went for a ride. saw a temple carved into the inside of a rock which was cool. the women gave us a red dot and expected some money off us (i made a quick exit). drove round a bit and found a great place for lunch (mango tree) and had a 65 roupe tali, was good. me and mara then rode the bikes the wrong way out of hampi and then back into hampi.. was nice, came back and had a little nap. the guys who run the hostel we are staying in and the one behind us are really really cool (cooler than cool keith!!) and they showed us this spot behind the hostel to watch the sun go down witch was good. when we came down we went to the other hostel and stayed there all night. i invented a new drink with the bottle on coconut fenni (like liqueur) that i'd bought in goa for 80 roupes. its ginger, lemon and honey tea with a liberal splash of fenni! very nice. stayed there for a while chatting to people, trying to play guitar and generally chilling went to bed about 11ish but couldn't sleep. was still awake when this guy tried to come into my room (turned out he'd tried everybody's room) i got up and shouted after him, but some guys who worked there didn't seem bothered so i wasn't too bothered although was a little weird.
next day woke up went to bank and my credit card worked !!!! yes feel rich again. spend 150 roupes (2 pounds) on a shirt to celebrate. we decided to hire mopeds - me and mara on one and anna (Irish girl - really lovely - taught her all about the moon :-). was really good fun, got lost, missed speed bumps.. then we got a flat tire. luckily we were dead near a shop that had a puncture repair kit (i for some reason forgot about puncture repair kits and assumed i'm be buying a new tyre)and they made us chai and fixed the puncture. so we set off again when only 10 minutes later we got another puncture. was slightly annoyed by now so i took the other bike and went to shout at bike shop owner. got him to agree to send somebody to fix this puncture which they did, although they asked me for money and i gave it him (i shouldn't have really). started riding the bikes again and me and mara decided ours wasn't safe so she got on with anna and i drove ours back very slowly to the man where we had a huge argument in the middle of the street. was really good fun. if finsihed with me trying to get the tire of the bike with a spanner. went for dinner, played cards with anna (who's just left for kerala) and now in Internet cafe. going to 'other hostel' for jam session tonight.
story i missed, while waiting for mechanic to fix bike me and mara went to this temple just up the road. arrived there and was assailed by 6 of the oldest toothless,most zombie like creatures I've ever seen, trying to get money out of us, was really really weird. like dawn of the dead. They just sort of moaned and put there hand out asking for money and trying to put red dots on our forehead. i wanted to tell all the westerners that went past to go up there just to freak them out but we didn't..
extras
had some spare time yesterday so surfed some people's facebook pages
check out the pictures of sean gill as a fresh faced college student - priceless
well done keith for missing flight - great stuff hope france was ace
and some great Halloween photos
also
thanks Shirley for doing driving license xx
in a very silly (but good) mood, drinking some rum tonight.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
i've been ill, but i'm good and i'm in hampi (also i still don't like policemen)
So last time I said anything here I was going to have an early night….. well I did, read my book (history of India) which is growing on me and went to bed. Woke up early on Sunday and decided that I would file my wallet as missing at the police station so I could claim cost on the insurance before going to a big party. BLOODY POLICE again!!! Now this is a long story which I can’t be arsed writing and it makes me angry so the short story is they wouldn’t give me a report with out a bribe, which I wasn’t paying! Ended up almost running out of the police station saying I was getting some money of a friend. Any way enough about police as its so terrible. They are just like bandits, with all the power on there side and the people have very little right of recourse. Some people think its good that you can bribe the cops but I disagree. I like to think you can’t bribe the police in England and yet I’ve still not been arrested. I’ve had 3 run ins with the police in less than two weeks in goa. Shit! Annoyed me a bit :-( to make matters worse the party I was looking forward to didn’t happen. Spent most of day talking to American girl from seatle who had some great stories about what she’d be up to (a bit blue for this blog though - had me blushing!) Had a good evening, met up with some people. On way home though I felt hungry so stopped of for some veg noodles. Bad idea. Couldn’t finish the noodles and when I got home I puked everywhere, not nice, I blame the calamari masala I had for lunch. Puked most of the night and eventually got to sleep. Woke up in the morning and the hotel had managed to book me a coach ticket for that night. Nearly didn’t take it as was still ill but would have lost all my money so went anyway. (to Hampi by the way)
Took the night bus to hampi, was ok, slept next to this guy, oh just remembered it wasn’t ok at all. Went for a wee and broke the zipper on my pants and I wasn’t wearing any underwear. Had to sleep all night with my bag thingy in front of my crouch in case I popped out!!! Got to sleep in the end though. was a very bumpy ride. Shared a tuttut with irish guy and got to a nice hostel. Was running out of money and was a little worried as know where was my card working but I think I’ve sorted it out now so no problem. Met a girl in goa that I said I would meet in hampi (mara) saw her just before got on the coach (she was on different coach) and saw her again in hampi. Spent most of the day together with her and a lovely irish girl and we went to a place called can’t remember the name but its nickname is the monkey temple. OH MY SHIVA was amazing. Had to walk up nearly 1000 steps (probably) to get to the top of this hill where you can see the entire surround area that is covered in old ruins and amazing boulders. Really really cool. Got up there just as the sun was coming down and it I can’t describe how beautiful and brilliant it was. Was feeling a bit romantic as well (you would have too whoever you are). Was really good. Walked down starting speaking to some English people and tried to get 5 people in a tut tut. They weren’t having it then tried to get us to go 2 in one 2 in another and 1 person on there own we refused and they let us got in two (rubbish really) dropped girls back at there place then had to get boat to my place. I missed the last boat, so now I’m in the internet café writing this. Think I’m going to have to get a room on this side of the river tonight.
Hampi’s ace, glad I left goa as it is too much like a holiday (which I needed) and can’t wait to see more amazing things. Some of the indians are weird (no better word to describe)or maybe that’s just me and my ‘western’ view of the world. Who knows?
Extra’s
Thanks mum for pointing out correct spelling of beach
Krissy there is a farmer out there for you somewhere.... keep on cooking and they will come :-)
moff get well soon x
still love you all, but sorry to say not really missing anyone :-(
Took the night bus to hampi, was ok, slept next to this guy, oh just remembered it wasn’t ok at all. Went for a wee and broke the zipper on my pants and I wasn’t wearing any underwear. Had to sleep all night with my bag thingy in front of my crouch in case I popped out!!! Got to sleep in the end though. was a very bumpy ride. Shared a tuttut with irish guy and got to a nice hostel. Was running out of money and was a little worried as know where was my card working but I think I’ve sorted it out now so no problem. Met a girl in goa that I said I would meet in hampi (mara) saw her just before got on the coach (she was on different coach) and saw her again in hampi. Spent most of the day together with her and a lovely irish girl and we went to a place called can’t remember the name but its nickname is the monkey temple. OH MY SHIVA was amazing. Had to walk up nearly 1000 steps (probably) to get to the top of this hill where you can see the entire surround area that is covered in old ruins and amazing boulders. Really really cool. Got up there just as the sun was coming down and it I can’t describe how beautiful and brilliant it was. Was feeling a bit romantic as well (you would have too whoever you are). Was really good. Walked down starting speaking to some English people and tried to get 5 people in a tut tut. They weren’t having it then tried to get us to go 2 in one 2 in another and 1 person on there own we refused and they let us got in two (rubbish really) dropped girls back at there place then had to get boat to my place. I missed the last boat, so now I’m in the internet café writing this. Think I’m going to have to get a room on this side of the river tonight.
Hampi’s ace, glad I left goa as it is too much like a holiday (which I needed) and can’t wait to see more amazing things. Some of the indians are weird (no better word to describe)or maybe that’s just me and my ‘western’ view of the world. Who knows?
Extra’s
Thanks mum for pointing out correct spelling of beach
Krissy there is a farmer out there for you somewhere.... keep on cooking and they will come :-)
moff get well soon x
still love you all, but sorry to say not really missing anyone :-(
Saturday, 8 November 2008
life is good in goa
So last message I said I was going to see if my wallet was there
(it wasn’t) and go to bed with a book (I didn’t) instead I went for a quiet pint and met a great Spanish guy called Francisco (spell check) and had an absolutely storming time, he lives in London and designs cloths and comes to india to get them made don’t know the company name or I’d give him a link. Had to be kicked out of the pub in the end. Got home and chatted to people in the hotel for a while then went to bed. They run websites called www.fsdaily.com (free software) and www.illiterarty.com (book reviews) Its amazing the amount of people I’ve met out here who work from a lap top and just take it round with them (great life I imagine)
Next day got up went to watch the fishing boats and had a another day on the beech not really much to report, just sat there really, finish another Jeffery archer book, had some dinner, chatted to oil workers. Went for another bike ride and ended up at a book shop so I bought another book (a history of India – may have made the wrong choice but only time will tell) Went to a really nice restaurant after that to watch the sun go down and start my book. Was on the hill overlooking the beaches and they had Moroccanie cushions everywhere, brilliant. Came back to tin tins and meet Rory (another Irish guy from cork, he was a great crack;-) then went to the nine bar again. Walked in there on my own and met this group of people, chatted to them, danced with them and had a few drink with them. Was good fun and we all went to this other place called primrose (where the Halloween party was) because it was close and still open. Was a really nice evening, saw Francisco the Spanish guy again and met a few more Irish guys (also from cork) was speaking to this one girl and told her I’d meet her in Hampi (going on Monday I think) and arranged to have a moped ‘date’ today with this other lady who was from Holland but lives in Australia. Went home, slept then woke up
Next day slept in a little as I was suppose to be meeting this girl at 11, then drove to the wrong spot, had a coffee in a café that I have to say was the most awful disgusting most foulest (if that’s a word) cup of coffee i have ever had the misfortune of drinking. Couldn’t drink it so I left it there and found where I was actually supposed to go. Found said lady, chatted to her friends for a bit and we were off! Heading towards arambol on the scooter (me driving, her on the back) and we got stopped by the police!!! They asked to see my license, which was in my wallet, which is long gone!! The guy wanted to ‘fine us 1200 roupes. I offered him 50. I ended up offering him 210 roupes and he accepted 200 roupes ?? Go figure. Police here are a nightmare, so corrupt; I wonder if they ever catch any real criminals? Anyway went to Arambol had some drinks. Met matt again (who gave me his email but it doesn’t work ;-( We decided to go searching for some lakes that were behind Arambol, didn’t find them but had a great drive past boats loading sand into trucks. Went into another temple, and then ended up driving through this tiny village that struck me as a ‘real Indian village’ no tourist shops (only one shop) and proper shacks. Was great. Ended up stopping at this amazing beech that only had 10 people on it and a couple of restaurants. It was called Querim beach and is defo worth a look. Anyway couldn’t drive much further as I’d used half the petrol and needed the other half to get back. Drove back to Ajuna to drop lady off ended up having a drink in the sea view bar which was good (taught a kid how to ganster shake – sort of anyway), drove back watched end of man u game (come on arsenal) had two dinners!!! and then came to internet café. Having a quiet one today as there is suppose to be a day time rave on the hill tomorrow which I fancy. I could add loads and loads more color to this entry but I’m tired so you’ll have to use your imagination
Extra bits
didn’t get any from date but you never know ;-)
Hampi should be fun, girl seams cool so hope she’s there, got to get there yet though as I haven’t bought a ticket
can't believe how easy it is to meet nice people, absolutely piece of piss!
Can somebody get me a new driving license?
Got message from someone today having a go… fuck it
Sleep tight
(it wasn’t) and go to bed with a book (I didn’t) instead I went for a quiet pint and met a great Spanish guy called Francisco (spell check) and had an absolutely storming time, he lives in London and designs cloths and comes to india to get them made don’t know the company name or I’d give him a link. Had to be kicked out of the pub in the end. Got home and chatted to people in the hotel for a while then went to bed. They run websites called www.fsdaily.com (free software) and www.illiterarty.com (book reviews) Its amazing the amount of people I’ve met out here who work from a lap top and just take it round with them (great life I imagine)
Next day got up went to watch the fishing boats and had a another day on the beech not really much to report, just sat there really, finish another Jeffery archer book, had some dinner, chatted to oil workers. Went for another bike ride and ended up at a book shop so I bought another book (a history of India – may have made the wrong choice but only time will tell) Went to a really nice restaurant after that to watch the sun go down and start my book. Was on the hill overlooking the beaches and they had Moroccanie cushions everywhere, brilliant. Came back to tin tins and meet Rory (another Irish guy from cork, he was a great crack;-) then went to the nine bar again. Walked in there on my own and met this group of people, chatted to them, danced with them and had a few drink with them. Was good fun and we all went to this other place called primrose (where the Halloween party was) because it was close and still open. Was a really nice evening, saw Francisco the Spanish guy again and met a few more Irish guys (also from cork) was speaking to this one girl and told her I’d meet her in Hampi (going on Monday I think) and arranged to have a moped ‘date’ today with this other lady who was from Holland but lives in Australia. Went home, slept then woke up
Next day slept in a little as I was suppose to be meeting this girl at 11, then drove to the wrong spot, had a coffee in a café that I have to say was the most awful disgusting most foulest (if that’s a word) cup of coffee i have ever had the misfortune of drinking. Couldn’t drink it so I left it there and found where I was actually supposed to go. Found said lady, chatted to her friends for a bit and we were off! Heading towards arambol on the scooter (me driving, her on the back) and we got stopped by the police!!! They asked to see my license, which was in my wallet, which is long gone!! The guy wanted to ‘fine us 1200 roupes. I offered him 50. I ended up offering him 210 roupes and he accepted 200 roupes ?? Go figure. Police here are a nightmare, so corrupt; I wonder if they ever catch any real criminals? Anyway went to Arambol had some drinks. Met matt again (who gave me his email but it doesn’t work ;-( We decided to go searching for some lakes that were behind Arambol, didn’t find them but had a great drive past boats loading sand into trucks. Went into another temple, and then ended up driving through this tiny village that struck me as a ‘real Indian village’ no tourist shops (only one shop) and proper shacks. Was great. Ended up stopping at this amazing beech that only had 10 people on it and a couple of restaurants. It was called Querim beach and is defo worth a look. Anyway couldn’t drive much further as I’d used half the petrol and needed the other half to get back. Drove back to Ajuna to drop lady off ended up having a drink in the sea view bar which was good (taught a kid how to ganster shake
Extra bits
didn’t get any from date but you never know ;-)
Hampi should be fun, girl seams cool so hope she’s there, got to get there yet though as I haven’t bought a ticket
can't believe how easy it is to meet nice people, absolutely piece of piss!
Can somebody get me a new driving license?
Got message from someone today having a go… fuck it
Sleep tight
Thursday, 6 November 2008
market, beer, wallets, books, more motorbikes .. this blogs got everything (well not everything)
So haven’t written anything for a few days and can’t think where to start as my memory is a bit rubbish. Ok so got back from my bike ride and tried to go to the old fort that overlooks the beeches but police men were there and wouldn’t let us up as it was going dark!! Just went out for dinner and after Christian suggested we watch a movie so me him and laura did that which was good (men in black 2 – was just the right sort of movie for a very hungover day) Laura fell asleep and then I went to bed. That night we’d decided to get up at 6 and watch the sun come up from the old fort. So next morning Laura knocked on my door at 6 in the morning and I shouted some obscenities at her but she was insistent that I come, luckily for me I’d fallen asleep in my clothes so I just got straight up and was ready to go (after cleaning my teeth obviously!!..) Was really worth it when we got up there as the sun was just appearing and the place looked spectacular (can’t really put it into words but magical) came back down and went to the hotel (which is still lovely) and had breakfast there. Had a little nap then we all decided to go to Arambol again. Phoned the Indian lads and they came and met us and met a random English guy called mat (he was cool) he started talking to me in the book shop and turns out we have a mutual dislike of Salmen Rushdies midnights children (not a good book in my opinion). Stayed on the beech all day surfing, swimming and having fun. Saw some Indians playing cricket so me and matt decided to show them how it’s done (think I hit the ball once before being stumped out!!!!) everybody (about 6 people) decided to have dinner in a restaurant on the beach but I didn’t fancy it and wanted a change. Ended up walking about 400 meters down the beach and bumping into the Irish guy (sean I think) that I’d met in Mumbai. Had a few beers with him chatted football politics and that sort of stuff, turns out he was a lawyer but didn’t really like it, nice guy! Met up with every body again and they were ready to go home. It had gone dark by now and I was a bit (understatement) pissed but Laura was driving. I decided I would turn the bike round but made a big mess of it and we had all the restaurant people watching, in the end one of them turned it round. If that wasn’t bad enough we still had to drive home with me giving directions… suffice to say we got really lost at least twice (probably more), thinking it was the right road then starting to have doubts and then being sure it’s the wrong way then finally saying something like ‘do you think this is the right way’ in the end we just kept asking people all the way and got home after about 1 hour 30 minutes, instead of 30 minutes. Was quite an adventure but glad when we got home as it was very dark and they don’t have many street lights. I needed a stiff drink after that and went to the mango bar because I’d never been there before and it was nice. Met 2 scousers and had a ball with them telling stories and having a few beers. We ended up getting the place to open the kitchen up again so we could have soup and noodles then we enjoyed the food so much we got them to open the kitchen again so we could have some more!! They went off with peter (south African) to find a party and I went home, 5 minutes later they had all come to our place and we sat outside chatting some more. Good times!!
Next day was ajuna market, a huge flea market selling all sorts of stuff. I bought some more trousers, a shirt and a beautiful chess set, just need to find someone to play with now!!! Market was cool went to beach there afterwards and I practiced my juggling with some pins?(don’t know if that’s what there called but they look like bowling pins) that some guy had. I’m getting better. Everybody else decided they wanted to go to vagator but I decided to stay around ajuna as it had a good feel to it. Was in this one café which was really cool, on the beech, families running around, sun shining and some really good trance music on (getting into my trance at the moment) after everyone had gone I went to a bar where a band were playing and started talking to an older Irish guy, he was cool, he’d been coming to goa for 20 years and loved it. Had really nice time getting slowly pissed, was suppose to meet everybody else at a nightclub at 10 so left to go to nightclub(about 11). Walked down the beech trying to find it, meet some nice randoms – a Russian who climbs buildings for fun (told him to climb blackpool tower) and his friends, a Canadian and a guy who owns a hostel. Guy who owns hostel phoned me a taxi and I went to club, got too club and they wanted loads of money off me to go in as I was alone. They wouldn’t let me check to see if my friends were there which was rude. Nearly went in with this Russian girl as her friends were going to go home but they came back and she went in with one of them, then I meet 2 English girls who escorted me into the place. Turns out entry was high anyway because it was free drinks once you were inside. I was already slightly drunk by now but decided to start drinking large gins. Not the best idea. Had a really good time in there, the girls were really cool and got on really well with them (can’t remember there names though – sorry !) had a good dance spoke loads of rubbish to nice people and then got a taxi home (was very drunk taxi driver charged me to much but couldn’t be bothered to argue. One small problem though was that I lost my wallet!!! No money in it but driving license and bank card. Had no money this morning and had to drive 30 minutes to go to a bank machine that would except my spare card, bit shit but shit happens (very profound if I do say so my self:) today Laura, elka and pete left but they’ve persuaded me to join them on a yoga ashram in December so that should be cool. May even see them in hampi.
Quiet day really today (hungover) went to beach, met an American girl who was nice, said I’d see her tonight but I’m knackered and want a quiet night, not really in mood for conversation), India girl came up to me today (one of the girls who sells stuff on the beach) she asked me to buy her a drink and I was feeling generous so I did. She sat and talked to me for about an hour. Some of the stuff she was saying made me very sad. You forget sometimes how lucky you are. This girl had basically been sold to somebody to work on the beach (not literally but the way she said it she sounded like a slave) and just worked all the time. Had no skills as such and not much hope that her lot in life was going to improve. Nice girl though. In the end she tried to sell me a shawl for far too much money, so I gave her half the money and told her to keep the shawl, maybe I was a bit of a sucker but was a sad strange story.
Just had fish curry now going to go to club and see if my wallet is there then I’m going to bed with a book
Extra bits
Found some places to volunteer but can’t work out dates as its trying to fit it all in while I’m going south with out rushing to much, may have to leave goa soon ;-(
Had to tell certain person on face book that there not my favorite person (sad but had to be done
p.s well done to Krissy for not killing anybody with pumpkin soup!!!
Next day was ajuna market, a huge flea market selling all sorts of stuff. I bought some more trousers, a shirt and a beautiful chess set, just need to find someone to play with now!!! Market was cool went to beach there afterwards and I practiced my juggling with some pins?(don’t know if that’s what there called but they look like bowling pins) that some guy had. I’m getting better. Everybody else decided they wanted to go to vagator but I decided to stay around ajuna as it had a good feel to it. Was in this one café which was really cool, on the beech, families running around, sun shining and some really good trance music on (getting into my trance at the moment) after everyone had gone I went to a bar where a band were playing and started talking to an older Irish guy, he was cool, he’d been coming to goa for 20 years and loved it. Had really nice time getting slowly pissed, was suppose to meet everybody else at a nightclub at 10 so left to go to nightclub(about 11). Walked down the beech trying to find it, meet some nice randoms – a Russian who climbs buildings for fun (told him to climb blackpool tower) and his friends, a Canadian and a guy who owns a hostel. Guy who owns hostel phoned me a taxi and I went to club, got too club and they wanted loads of money off me to go in as I was alone. They wouldn’t let me check to see if my friends were there which was rude. Nearly went in with this Russian girl as her friends were going to go home but they came back and she went in with one of them, then I meet 2 English girls who escorted me into the place. Turns out entry was high anyway because it was free drinks once you were inside. I was already slightly drunk by now but decided to start drinking large gins. Not the best idea. Had a really good time in there, the girls were really cool and got on really well with them (can’t remember there names though – sorry !) had a good dance spoke loads of rubbish to nice people and then got a taxi home (was very drunk taxi driver charged me to much but couldn’t be bothered to argue. One small problem though was that I lost my wallet!!! No money in it but driving license and bank card. Had no money this morning and had to drive 30 minutes to go to a bank machine that would except my spare card, bit shit but shit happens (very profound if I do say so my self:) today Laura, elka and pete left but they’ve persuaded me to join them on a yoga ashram in December so that should be cool. May even see them in hampi.
Quiet day really today (hungover) went to beach, met an American girl who was nice, said I’d see her tonight but I’m knackered and want a quiet night, not really in mood for conversation), India girl came up to me today (one of the girls who sells stuff on the beach) she asked me to buy her a drink and I was feeling generous so I did. She sat and talked to me for about an hour. Some of the stuff she was saying made me very sad. You forget sometimes how lucky you are. This girl had basically been sold to somebody to work on the beach (not literally but the way she said it she sounded like a slave) and just worked all the time. Had no skills as such and not much hope that her lot in life was going to improve. Nice girl though. In the end she tried to sell me a shawl for far too much money, so I gave her half the money and told her to keep the shawl, maybe I was a bit of a sucker but was a sad strange story.
Just had fish curry now going to go to club and see if my wallet is there then I’m going to bed with a book
Extra bits
Found some places to volunteer but can’t work out dates as its trying to fit it all in while I’m going south with out rushing to much, may have to leave goa soon ;-(
Had to tell certain person on face book that there not my favorite person (sad but had to be done
p.s well done to Krissy for not killing anybody with pumpkin soup!!!
Monday, 3 November 2008
party, police and the man with one testicle...
Just waiting for everybody else so we can go to shower then going to dinner (I’m not showering today – saving water!)
Yesterday me and Laura hired a moped between us and started a ‘motorcycle gang’ (in a very loose sense of the word!) I said I would only hire one with her if I drove which she agreed to but after sitting on the back of the scooter for 5 minutes she wanted to have a go, turns out she’s a better driver than me. Went to this little beech that somebody knew about called morgim beech. Was ace very quiet and chilled. Stayed there for a bit then came back to vagator stopping at a few sights on the way. One temple we stopped at we had to run away from though as there was 5 dogs guarding it and they started barking a lot (I ran back to bike very fast!) another thing we did was drive off road to top of hill over looking the beach as sun came down (brilliant) but then had to come down in the dark on the mopeds off road which was definitely an experience!! Came back and went to a place called the nine bar which people keep talking about, was brilliant. Really good music and a great time. Met 3 india guys from madras, who were a really good laugh, got a few drinks bought for me which made my night and danced like a maniac. Decided to go back to the tintin bar as the bar men there are now our best friends (we go there for breakfast most days –although not today) the India guys came with us. It was quite a walk from the nine bar but luckily the India guys had 2 motorbikes and we managed to get 3 people on each one, riding India style, was great fun. Had a few more drinks met some Russian and then went to the beech again. This is where the night turned a bit sour. Sat on the beech trying to converse with a Russian (who was a nice guy but the only English word I think he knew was slipknot) when all of a sudden heard this oi oi. Two India police men were among us asking to search people. No body had anything but they we being dick heads and really rude. I was a bit worse for ware and realize quickly I was best staying out of there way when they told me it was illegal to drink on the beech and I had an empty cup in my hand. I told them I hadn’t been drinking and he offered to take me to hospital for a ‘test’. Anyway when he went to talk to somebody else I just disappeared and went back to the hotel. Pretend I was looking for my shoe (which I had lost – but the other one was broke anyway) and just slide off, I’m not very good with figure of authority, luckily the three India blokes sorted the police out everybody got away with it. Something we all noticed thought was that the police didn’t fuck with the Russians (apparently there is a big Russian mafia thing) went back had a few more drinks in the room and then went to bed, I’d lost my tobacco and broke/lost my shoes but I was happy!
Next day tried to get some more shoes from same shop but women refused to sell me the same pair for a cheaper price so I went some where else and got them for 50 roupes less! Result. I took the moped off by myself today as Laura was very hungover and wanted to go to beech. Went every where getting slightly/very lost and ended up in baga beech (think Tenerife but a little more intense) walked down the beech and stopped for some food. This Nigerian fellow asked if he could join me and I said yeh ok, next second this English guy asked if he could have a word and told me to watch myself with the Nigerian, I thanked him for the advice but I wasn’t overly worried as there was people everywhere and I was quite wary anyway. Turned out the Nigerian was a drug dealer so I did what I do whenever I meet a drug dealer and bough some smack jacked up in the toilets and had a really good day (only joking parents!!;-) he left anyway and I went to sit with the English guy who’d come over. Nice guy (although within 5 minutes of speaking to him he told me he only had one bollock and he was a Chelsea fanL!) had a nice chat then spoke to some Indians about the cricket and it was time to go home. Drove my moped home meet up with two Swedes and dove to the fort India style having a small crash on the way, tried to view the fort but police were there not letting us up because it was to late so I’m now in the internet café waiting for people to shower.
Extra bits – getting a moped is absolutely brilliant!! I love it. Might try to learn how to ride a motor bike because they look even better. Some of the roads are shit (I got stuck in sand
Missed a story of yesterday, day after Halloween party went to buy water but forgot to wash my face, got a couple of funny looks to say the least. At the moment of my realization I wish somebody had took a photo as my look would have been priceless!
Hope everyone is ok x
Yesterday me and Laura hired a moped between us and started a ‘motorcycle gang’ (in a very loose sense of the word!) I said I would only hire one with her if I drove which she agreed to but after sitting on the back of the scooter for 5 minutes she wanted to have a go, turns out she’s a better driver than me. Went to this little beech that somebody knew about called morgim beech. Was ace very quiet and chilled. Stayed there for a bit then came back to vagator stopping at a few sights on the way. One temple we stopped at we had to run away from though as there was 5 dogs guarding it and they started barking a lot (I ran back to bike very fast!) another thing we did was drive off road to top of hill over looking the beach as sun came down (brilliant) but then had to come down in the dark on the mopeds off road which was definitely an experience!! Came back and went to a place called the nine bar which people keep talking about, was brilliant. Really good music and a great time. Met 3 india guys from madras, who were a really good laugh, got a few drinks bought for me which made my night and danced like a maniac. Decided to go back to the tintin bar as the bar men there are now our best friends (we go there for breakfast most days –although not today) the India guys came with us. It was quite a walk from the nine bar but luckily the India guys had 2 motorbikes and we managed to get 3 people on each one, riding India style, was great fun. Had a few more drinks met some Russian and then went to the beech again. This is where the night turned a bit sour. Sat on the beech trying to converse with a Russian (who was a nice guy but the only English word I think he knew was slipknot) when all of a sudden heard this oi oi. Two India police men were among us asking to search people. No body had anything but they we being dick heads and really rude. I was a bit worse for ware and realize quickly I was best staying out of there way when they told me it was illegal to drink on the beech and I had an empty cup in my hand. I told them I hadn’t been drinking and he offered to take me to hospital for a ‘test’. Anyway when he went to talk to somebody else I just disappeared and went back to the hotel. Pretend I was looking for my shoe (which I had lost – but the other one was broke anyway) and just slide off, I’m not very good with figure of authority, luckily the three India blokes sorted the police out everybody got away with it. Something we all noticed thought was that the police didn’t fuck with the Russians (apparently there is a big Russian mafia thing) went back had a few more drinks in the room and then went to bed, I’d lost my tobacco and broke/lost my shoes but I was happy!
Next day tried to get some more shoes from same shop but women refused to sell me the same pair for a cheaper price so I went some where else and got them for 50 roupes less! Result. I took the moped off by myself today as Laura was very hungover and wanted to go to beech. Went every where getting slightly/very lost and ended up in baga beech (think Tenerife but a little more intense) walked down the beech and stopped for some food. This Nigerian fellow asked if he could join me and I said yeh ok, next second this English guy asked if he could have a word and told me to watch myself with the Nigerian, I thanked him for the advice but I wasn’t overly worried as there was people everywhere and I was quite wary anyway. Turned out the Nigerian was a drug dealer so I did what I do whenever I meet a drug dealer and bough some smack jacked up in the toilets and had a really good day (only joking parents!!;-) he left anyway and I went to sit with the English guy who’d come over. Nice guy (although within 5 minutes of speaking to him he told me he only had one bollock and he was a Chelsea fanL!) had a nice chat then spoke to some Indians about the cricket and it was time to go home. Drove my moped home meet up with two Swedes and dove to the fort India style having a small crash on the way, tried to view the fort but police were there not letting us up because it was to late so I’m now in the internet café waiting for people to shower.
Extra bits – getting a moped is absolutely brilliant!! I love it. Might try to learn how to ride a motor bike because they look even better. Some of the roads are shit (I got stuck in sand
Missed a story of yesterday, day after Halloween party went to buy water but forgot to wash my face, got a couple of funny looks to say the least. At the moment of my realization I wish somebody had took a photo as my look would have been priceless!
Hope everyone is ok x
Saturday, 1 November 2008
day five or six
Went on the beach Friday day, had some breakfast sat read my book and generally explored vagator, had a small sleep in the afternoon then went back to the beech where I found the two Austrian girls (Laura and Velka), they were surrounded by Indian girls trying to sell them sari’s, toe rings and that sort of thing. I said hello to them ordered a drink and was surrounded by at least 4 girls myself trying to sell me sari’s. told them I only wanted pants(trousers to you southerners) and was then treated to 30 minutes of intense pant salesman ship by these girls, I’m know the owner of some beautiful green pants with 6 pockets (can’t explain). The Austrian girls ended up getting some stuff of one girl then this other girl starts saying to laura ‘you promised you buy something from me’ laura says I don’t want anything but I’ll have a pedicure for 50 roupes. This girls then throws a big huff and starts packing her stuff up and crying while shouting ‘you promise you promise, you bad person’ ! laura was mortified and trying to placate her this girl. Me, venka and some of the other Indian girls were laughing our heads off, (think you may have had to be there). The girls on the beach and the shop owners are very much ‘come here sir, you wanna buy and don’t really let you find your own way so I have started to get a bit of a thicker skin (although it was quite thick anyway). That night went for some food with the girls and met a few other people who we said we’d go out with. Played pool (I potted 5 balls in a row to win one game;-)!!> then went to Halloween party at a place called primrose although not before we’d been down to a bar on the beach that was closed. Party was excellent, got my face painted (very scary photo’s on lauras camera, got drunk, danced, chatted shit. Music got turned off when two Russians started fighting and the police came. It didn’t stop us as we stayed on the dance floor dancing and making our own ‘music’ (me beatboxing J) and generally having fun. Left there eventually and went to a guy called pete’s room with everyone sat in there joking about then went to beech. Beech was a amazing, sun wasn’t quite coming up but the air was warm and the sound of the sea was brilliant. Ended up paddling in the water and then deciding that the water was so nice I needed to sit in it … did this then got out and was surprised to find it was a little colder (I was wet). Made arrangements to meet everybody at 10 in the morning to hire bikes and go to aranbol. I woke up at 2 in the afternoon.
Next day was slightly hungover (this was the first time I’d been really drunk for at least a week (I think) and was suffering. Got up and saw laura and venka (they had slept in as well) went for breakfast and met every one else, turned out no body had got up at 10 (think we went to sleep at 6.30ish) decided we couldn’t ride bike to aranbol and so we got a tut-tut up there. Was nice drive over rivers and through villages. Arrived in aranbol and to be honest wasn’t that impressed, I was going to move up there today but have decided against it. Lots of shops and lots of crap looking bars, although some nice ones as well. Went to beech had a swim. Showed off my new thicker skin to the girls by getting rid of the selling girls with a very polite but firm FUCK OFF (not really J, just asked them to leave us alone and it worked!) had a nice day, had a little walk round, had some dinner, found a bar showing football (forgot it was Saturday – can’t believe I haven’t been here a week yet.) although no body else wanted to watch it so I watch end of pompey game then me and laura got a taxi back to vagator. Had a cool taxi driver who was convinced that he knew me and I’d helped him out (I may have?) he gave us ‘good price’ and regaled us with stories of shiva and ganesh. After we got back I went to our favourite bar (tin tin’s its called if you come to vagator) and got them to put on the football (watched last 45 minutes of man u game, thought hull were going to do it!) after that just went to the girls room and sat around and listened to music for a bit and smoked a few cigarettes. Doing the chav thing with my mobile and playing the music with out headphones works quite well and was loud enough for 5 for us in a little room.
This morning have decided to stay in vagator but I’ve moved rooms, was paying 350 roupes a night (very expensive) and I’m now paying 150 roupies a night!!!!! Nice place too, think a whole family (20 people) lives downstairs and we live upstairs (called hotel Doreen if you come over) got invited to a party last night today but don’t know If I can be bothered although I do like dancing in the sun.. might finally hire a bike, who knows may just sit on my arse all day and read my book!!!
p.s defo animals are after me, the frog came back but we came to an understanding and he left, also had a rat or something running on the roof of my room all last night, scared the shit out of me at one point as I thought what the fuck is that!!!!!!!!
Lots more little bits happened but this is the basics having really good time, very sunny here, when I was watching the football last night I noticed it was raining…. Shame!!
Next day was slightly hungover (this was the first time I’d been really drunk for at least a week (I think) and was suffering. Got up and saw laura and venka (they had slept in as well) went for breakfast and met every one else, turned out no body had got up at 10 (think we went to sleep at 6.30ish) decided we couldn’t ride bike to aranbol and so we got a tut-tut up there. Was nice drive over rivers and through villages. Arrived in aranbol and to be honest wasn’t that impressed, I was going to move up there today but have decided against it. Lots of shops and lots of crap looking bars, although some nice ones as well. Went to beech had a swim. Showed off my new thicker skin to the girls by getting rid of the selling girls with a very polite but firm FUCK OFF (not really J, just asked them to leave us alone and it worked!) had a nice day, had a little walk round, had some dinner, found a bar showing football (forgot it was Saturday – can’t believe I haven’t been here a week yet.) although no body else wanted to watch it so I watch end of pompey game then me and laura got a taxi back to vagator. Had a cool taxi driver who was convinced that he knew me and I’d helped him out (I may have?) he gave us ‘good price’ and regaled us with stories of shiva and ganesh. After we got back I went to our favourite bar (tin tin’s its called if you come to vagator) and got them to put on the football (watched last 45 minutes of man u game, thought hull were going to do it!) after that just went to the girls room and sat around and listened to music for a bit and smoked a few cigarettes. Doing the chav thing with my mobile and playing the music with out headphones works quite well and was loud enough for 5 for us in a little room.
This morning have decided to stay in vagator but I’ve moved rooms, was paying 350 roupes a night (very expensive) and I’m now paying 150 roupies a night!!!!! Nice place too, think a whole family (20 people) lives downstairs and we live upstairs (called hotel Doreen if you come over) got invited to a party last night today but don’t know If I can be bothered although I do like dancing in the sun.. might finally hire a bike, who knows may just sit on my arse all day and read my book!!!
p.s defo animals are after me, the frog came back but we came to an understanding and he left, also had a rat or something running on the roof of my room all last night, scared the shit out of me at one point as I thought what the fuck is that!!!!!!!!
Lots more little bits happened but this is the basics having really good time, very sunny here, when I was watching the football last night I noticed it was raining…. Shame!!
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