Toddles In India

Farewell Marriott and Goa Here We Come

2006-02-19T09:56:00.000+11:00

The plan for today was to get up early and have a last swim etc before finalising the packing and heading to the airport. Well there was an early morning but no swim and just packing. It was strange that this time around I had only been to the pool a few times and only swam twice. All packed and checked out we headed to the airport after a little sad look around. We knew we would be back for the bags we left behind so didn’t think too much about a last farewell yet.

We decided to use a new airline to fly to Goa this time called Go Air. We had heard that the planes were new and the service good. Of course that was after Miranda sent a SMS that they were shocking and to change airlines if we could! I was beside myself thinking how we can get new tickets and I didn’t want to fly with them. Tommy kept the joke going for a while too, but it was all just a joke. Check in was a little annoying as we were not given the seats that we had chosen on the internet as the system did not work. I was not happy and they told us the flight was full just to move us on, this is the usual not liking confrontation! The flight wasn’t full so we did get three seats together for the two of us. The boarding was smooth and there were no major issues with people not sitting down etc before taking off. The flight was good and landing was per normal not like last time we were in Goa and thinking we would never stop. We did however have to wait on the side of the runway for about 10 minutes before we could park as there was no space for us and we had to wait for a couple of other planes to take off first. One runway with many airlines and the air force doesn’t leave much room for parking!

Our bags came quite quickly but we couldn’t find the driver who was to pick us up. After a call to the hotel the driver appeared and in we got and headed off on our over one hour drive to the hotel. We had a four wheel drive and were not paying for AC so it was quite warm, but then the driver turned the AC on to cool us down. It was quite hot and humid so the cool air was very welcomed and we didn’t care if we would have to pay more for the ride. The drive is always long and only one lane each way, so there are some hairy moves made by drivers to get past the slower vehicles. At one point at a section where there were a few shops and houses the traffic slowed right down. We wondered what was happening, and then before our eyes we saw a horrifying sight. A man had literally just been hit by a truck and was lying on the road. There was yelling and people everywhere trying to help him, splashing water on his face. The vision that stuck in both our minds and made our stomaches sick was the blood that started to seep out of his head all over the road. There was nothing we could do and the driver just kept moving along. The picture is still very clear in my mind. We also had a very near miss as well while trying to pass a slow car on a corner. I think both of us closed our eyes and hoped for the best, and just wanted to be at the hotel safely!

Finally at our hotel we checked in at the new section of Casa de Goa across the road from where we stayed last time. Checked we headed over the road to the suite that we had booked. It was the same one as last time but still nice although on the first floor. We had a little rest and by this stage it was getting dark, so we headed off down the beach along the laneway. It seemed a lot darker than we remembered from last time and by the time we got to the beach we couldn’t see a thing. It was then I realised that the power must be out and only the bigger hotels had there own generators going. Being so dark we didn’t want to walk along the beach so we headed back, it was on the walk back that the power came on and like the French would say voila we could see! We decided now that we would walk along the road we came in on instead to see what was around the corner. Tommy and I have a habit of not seeing what’s just around the corner and miss out on a lot from doing so. I was glad we walked this way as there were heaps of shops and restaurants. It was clear though judging by the menus in the street that Goa was geared up for the English tourists. We wandered along for a bit and then settled on a busy place to eat. We couldn’t believe how busy it was in comparison to the last time we visited. Dinner over we walked back to the hotel, sweat dripping off us, and crashed for the night, ready for the next day!

Last Blast

2006-02-18T09:10:00.000+11:00

Our final full day and night before heading off on our travels was to be sad but also fun and surprising! With most of the packing done and 38 kilos of stuff sent off with TNT Tommy and I just enjoyed breakfast and a last look around Hiranandani shops. Of course the night would be a little different. As I said before the large room we were staying in became the party room kick off for the night. All of the group came along and the drivers as well for a few warm up drinks, a game of Buzz and a bit of dancing. Ganesh teaching some of his Bollywood moves! About 1am and after the rooms next door started to complain we headed down to the Velvet Lounge for one last hoorah! And boy was it going off! The place was packed and as usual we dragged a few locals in for free. The drivers were beside themselves again with being there and drunk enough to go crazy on the dance floor. The room was stifling hot and I could only stay in there for short periods of time. The best part of the night was Tommy being dragged inside by the drivers and making him dance! A sight that was hilarious when you see Tommy in the middle and the three drivers grinding their bodies all over him. Anyone who knows Tommy knows that dancing is not one of favourite things to do so this was worth more than a million dollars to see! Each time he tried to get away they would just grab him and drag him back.

One funny thing for the night was trying to get Ganesh to call Tommy by his name instead of calling him Sir! No matter how hard anyone tried, including Tommy, he would not give in. Tommy remained Sir!

Knowing that we had a flight the next day to Goa and that I hate flying with a hand over, Tommy and I headed home. There was quite a sad farewell with Ganesh and a quick so long to the others in the group as it was not the last time we would see them. We heard later that the party continued into the wee small hours of the morning, I was glad we headed home early!

Royal Palms Again

2006-02-17T08:34:00.000+11:00

I couldn’t leave Mumbai without one last visit to Royal Palms, the place with cheap drinks and last time had a DJ playing burnt copies of CDs! Tommy and Tanya had to attend a work dinner so that left Andrew, Deb and I to go on up the hill and enjoy a quiet couple of bevies! Of course there was the usual trouble of actually getting up the hill; we did get a taxi this time to make it all the way up. We had almost made it but the last hill was just too much for the battered piece of metal with an engine! The driver made it up about a quarter of the way then rolled backwards a bit to get more of a run up for a second shot at it! This was to little avail as we only made it about a third of the way this time, with the three of us laughing our heads off and urging the little taxi up the hill like the little red train engine saying I think I can, I think I can. Unfortunately he couldn’t! Although the driver did want to give it another go! We paid him and walked the last 100 metres.

The bar was a more empty this time and no DJ, boo hoo, but we found ourselves a nice spot and began the ordering! Martinis for me and Andrew and Deb her usual Capriosca! The drinks went down well and we chatted for ages. Finally we headed back to our hotel as we hadn’t heard from Tommy or Tanya about coming to meet us. So the three of us headed to Velvet Lounge for a couple more quiet ones! Oh and a bit of a boogie! Tanya met up with us while Tommy went to bed. Tanya was amazed that Andrew was dancing, but he didn’t last long and headed off to bed too. Deb also disappeared. That left Tanya, a friend of hers and I to have a couple of more drinks a more dancing. It wasn’t so busy so there was plenty of room to move, just the way I like it! I knew the next was our last and that we would be out again the next night so I headed back to the room for some sleep reasonably early too.

Valentines Day

2006-02-14T16:49:00.000+11:00

A truly romantic day that ended up with Tommy being sick and I going out for dinner with the group to a restaurant called Olive. I think I have mentioned this place before. It is a beautiful Mediterranean style décor place for the rich and famous to eat or just have a dink or two. We had made a reservation for the group a week before just so we could get a table on this Valentine’s Day. I was feeling a little guilty that Tommy was staying at home in bed but he insisted I go and enjoy myself. You know me, don’t need to be told a second time! We all fitted in the two cars and headed off, it was peak hour! Stuck in traffic for what seemed to be a very long time and having to call the restaurant to tell them we were going to be late, I think they expect this to happen in Mumbai, we arrived. Tanya’s husband arrived that day so it was his first experience out in the streets.

A few drinks and dinner over the bill arrived. We were all caught out again with the drinks. They had been serving us doubles again without telling us and of course with Absolut Vodka the price was enormous. After many discussions with the waiter and then the manager we had the bill reduced. The ride home was not as long as getting there but we were all glad to be home and ready for bed, and I had to make sure Tommy was ok.

Goodbye Apartment

2006-02-12T16:16:00.000+11:00

Due to Tommy staying an extra week at work we have had to move up to the Renaissance Hotel part of the complex. We were a little sad that we couldn’t stay in the apartment until we started our travels but so be it we packed and packed and packed all our stuff. Check in and check out time is 12 noon but we were able to check into the hotel a bit earlier and also requested an end room. The end rooms are much bigger and as we had so much stuff to fit in the room it was a relief to have the extra space to move and an equally great view. We could tell our room would be the party room! After walking up the hill a couple of times with the lighter bags, it was time to get he big guns in to move the rest. We did one last wander around the apartment saying goodbye to nearly everything we could name and then one last stare at the view that stretched out in front of us. A bit of tear and the door closed for the last time behind us.
Out the front the four seater golf buggy was loaded full of our larger bags and boxes, we sat in the back holding all our clothes that had been hanging in the robes. We figured that it was easier to carry them and hang them straight up again rather than packing and unpacking. The buggy found it a little difficult to get up the hill to our new home and it was a little embarrassing to be taking so much stuff with us but it all made it safely into the room and our last week had now begun.

2006-02-11T16:44:00.000+11:00

That's using your head!

2006-02-11T16:43:00.001+11:00

Get her off me!

2006-02-11T16:43:00.000+11:00

Local Character.

2006-02-11T16:42:00.000+11:00

Spectacular view from Tiger Point.

2006-02-11T16:39:00.000+11:00

View in the other direction from Tiger Point.

2006-02-11T16:38:00.000+11:00

The long haul up and down.

2006-02-11T16:37:00.000+11:00

Stalls on the way up and down.

2006-02-11T16:36:00.000+11:00

Blessed.

2006-02-11T16:35:00.000+11:00

Carvings outside the cave.

2006-02-11T16:34:00.000+11:00

More carvings.

2006-02-11T16:33:00.000+11:00

Pillars inside the cave.

2006-02-11T16:32:00.000+11:00

More pillars.

2006-02-11T16:31:00.000+11:00

Incredible.

2006-02-11T16:30:00.000+11:00

The whole picture.

Lonavala and Royal Palms

2006-02-11T16:29:00.000+11:00

As there were some new people in the team this time round, it was decided to make a return trip up in the hills to Lonavala. Beautiful place with lots of little resort type accommodations, dams, hill stations and caves. On the drive up we came upon a rickshaw that had just overturned on the road going in the opposite direction. People started running out on the road to see if all was ok so we didn’t need to stop but two of us from different cars thought we noticed a leg sticking out from under the rickshaw. It was just a reminder that these vehicles are not overly safe if they get up a bit of speed on a big road.

First stop was the dam, a lot less water but still pretty. The next stop up the hill was Tiger Point. I have written about this look out before on our previous time in Mumbai. It was monsoon and clouds covered the lookout so nothing could be seen. This time though there was clear sky, except a little pollution, and the view was quite spectacular. All the usual characters were at the look out, corn sellers, beggars and camel rides. A couple of the girls decided a camel ride was in order and I must say we all had a good laugh. One of the camels wasn’t exactly keen on being mounted and protested with some ugly sounds and looks! All in all though their ride went fairly uneventful even though the drivers were trying there hardest to scare the camels. Lunch was the next stop and we decided to go back to the restaurant called Cloud 9. Again I have written and this time no clouds came in. We ate lots of food, all vegetarian, at a cost of about $25, $30 with the tip! That was lunch for 8 people. Two stops left, one being a quick visit to a shop to buy Chikki and jelly lollies. Chikki is very famous in Lonavala and it is fruit and nuts in toffee. The combinations are almost endless and quite nice to eat and cheap. Our final stop was some caves up a big hill. We could only drive a half way up and then we had walk up a very steep and winding trail made of stone steps. The walk was worth it though, there was an amazing view and the cave up there was quite interesting and spectacular. The pics never do it any justice though.

After such a big day only three of us were game to head out for a drink at the Royal Palms. It is a golf club resort on the hill behind our hotel that had mega cheap drinks and I hadn’t been before. So Deb, Tanya and I get in a rickshaw and head off on the adventure up to the hotel. The girls were very doubtful that the rickshaw would make it up the hill as previously they had trouble. We passed by the first entrance and started hurtling down this dark road. All I could think of was the overturned rickshaw we had seen earlier in the day and could barely keep my eyes open! We turned back to the entrance after a bit and headed down another dark track that the very dim light of the rickshaw hardly made a dent on the darkness. How the driver could see was beyond me. We made it to the first security gate of the estate and started up the hill on a much brightly lit road. About half way up the driver stopped the rickshaw and said we had to walk the rest of the way! Ha, the girls were not happy as they were wearing heels and knew there was still a long way to go. Tanya tried to hail a couple of cars to no avail so we started our trek. I was in awe at the number of large beautiful houses that would rival any in Toorak or Dalkeith! I just couldn’t stop staring at the wow factor. The usual Indian contradiction was there as well. Between two mansions was a row of slum houses. A little further along a Tanya hailed down a truck that was heading to the hotel. Not sure if they understood anything we said but we ended up in the front seat with the 3 people already there. That was 6 of us crammed in the front, who knows how the driver could change gears! They were all smiles though when Deb handed them 500 Rupees and why wouldn’t they, smiling and waving as they drove off!

The bar itself is stuck somewhere in the eighties, in fact the whole hotel seemed to be that way. Huge chandeliers and daggy carpet adorned the wooden walled building. The view from the bar was quite spectacular looking over our hotel and Hiranandani. Drinks under way and a DJ playing eighties music we could sense the night may get messy! I was drinking vodka martinis for less than $3, hmmmmm! Some guys had started dancing with each other as they do here in India so we decided it was time to have some fun on the dance floor too. Who am I to refuse after a few drinks!! It was heaps of fun and they kept the bar open as we danced to eighties and then the latest Hindi tracks. I performed as usual without a care of who was watching or what they thought! I must have been doing something right though cause I returned to the table for a rest and a fresh martini was handed to me by the barman with a note on a napkin saying I was a “fab dancer”. Looking around I saw 3 girls and a guy waving to me. Of course I had to go over and thank them for the drink and we had a little chat about how they liked my dancing to the Hindi tracks, it finally paid off all those dance lessons! Time to head home as they closed and we had no idea how we would make it down the hill. Then a car was out the front with the guys from the bar that the girls had danced with so Deb asked for a lift down the hill and in true Indian hospitality they obliged. So home we went for free and dropped right at the doorstep! Of course home meant a trip to Velvet Lounge for a drink and another dance. I have figured out now that if I am drunk I can handle the pushing and shoving and heat of the club, except for the bar. I had a little altercation at the bar after a guy reached over me to get served first. I chose a choice word or to in telling him to wait his turn and he wasn’t overly happy with my language, however he then started abusing me with some colourful adjectives himself. We both got over it and continued our night, luckily because I don’t know how to fight!

Time is Slipping Away

2006-02-06T18:19:00.000+11:00

Although we know that time is slipping away before we come back to Oz, this week has given us jolt on how quickly the end is almost here. This is our last week in our apartment as they have no room for us to stay and we have to book onto the hotel for a week. Shock number one, going from a two bedroom two bathroom apartment to a hotel with one room and one bathroom! Shock number, two, how will we get all our stuff home? Shock number three, the thought of leaving India and possibly not returning for a long time!

So far I have tried to avoid the feelings of leaving, but with all the things we need to do and organise I can not ignore it any more. I just don’t want to leave. I know that most will be thinking yeah because he has to go back to work, that is only a part of it. We have managed to settle in really well here and both of us love living here. The constant adventures and sights that we see on a daily basis will hardly be matched in Melbourne. I love Melbourne don’t get me wrong but I have grown to love India too. The friendliness of the majority of people here is amazing. As far as work goes I can only describe the feeling of going back being like going back to school after the summer school holidays, a mix of fear, nervousness and excitement.

Soon our trip will be a distant memory that will seem almost surreal, but a memory that will be etched in our hearts and minds like no other.

2006-02-04T18:09:00.000+11:00

Pre party drinks.

Bryan Adams

2006-02-04T18:04:00.000+11:00

Who would believe that while in Mumbai, India that we would get a chance to see a concert by a western artist! And that the concert was only $A36 for the next best positions other than the VIP lounge! Yes it is true Bryan Adams for only a fraction of the price you would pay in Australia!

Tommy didn’t want to go when I first mentioned it to him but the others in his group were keen so off I go and get tickets for all of us. The concert was standing only with two sections depending on the price you paid. Our section was at the front. It was an outdoor venue which had us a little worried at what to expect. Surprisingly though it wasn’t that bad, a sectioned off area in a dusty vacant block that even had reasonable portable toilets! They had placed some sort of carpeting or covering of some kind over the dust and dirt so that made it possible to sit down at the back when were tired. We arrived what we thought was earlyish, almost an hour before the gates opened. Unfortunately that wasn’t early enough as there was a huge queue already and many more arrived after us. The gates opened at 6pm, we got in the venue at around 7.20pm after the support act had begun playing!! Yes almost two hours standing in line and then having to stand for the concert as well. My legs and feet aren’t as young as they used to be so about two thirds of the way into Bryan Adams I had to sit down at the back. Tommy joined me and slowly some of the others did the same. The concert itself was good, he sounds just like his CDs so that makes it better. The crowd was as usual a little pushy as we got closer to the entrance especially because the support act had started. Inside was ok though. Tommy and I didn’t stand as close as the others but we still had a great view of the stage. With so many shorter people though, there was a constant stream of people trying to get closer to see. We had space to move as no one really got too close and as we are reasonably tall there was a gap behind us! A few amazing scenes when a good song came on and everyone held up their phones to take pics or video, a great sight to see.

There was one point when he was singing one of his slow songs that we all sang to and I got goose bumps when I looked around and realised where I was and what I was doing. In India at a Bryan Adams concert under the stars!

Later that night we headed up to the Velvet Lounge at our hotel as it was the last night for a couple of the team. We had pre party drinks in our apartment with our drivers as well. Lots of laughs as they taught us many things that you probably shouldn’t say! Tommy stayed in but I headed out for a little while. It was a lot of fun but the club was very hot and I only had to dance to one song and was sweating like crazy. Lucky there is an outdoor area with bean bags and chairs to sit and relax in the cooler air. The bar was crazy though and unless you yell and reach over other people you never get served, or that’s what most of the local believe! I had some words with a couple of guys after they kept pushing and reaching over me to get served, telling them to wait their turn. I guess in one way it’s hard to drink a lot if you are not prepared to fight your way at the bar! This was this case for me, 3 drinks and I left. Even the dance floor is packed. You can imagine the scene if you have watched any Bollywood films. A packed dance floor with all the guys trying to outdo each other with their Bollywood moves. Arms and legs going everywhere! This too gets too much for me and that’s saying something when most of you have seen me go off on the dance when I have had a few to drink! Crazy times but worth the experience.

So it is fair well to Kirsty who has left and see you soon to Nicole and Luke who are on the move around India for a short time.

Travels Arranged and Confirmed

2006-02-03T17:34:00.000+11:00

We have confirmed all our travel arrangements for our almost 3 week trip across the north of India and down to Goa. It will be one long ride that could be a fantastic adventure or a holiday from hell. We start our trip with a flight down to Goa for 4 nights flying back to Mumbai then straight out to Kolkata (Calcutta), 3 nights in Kolkata then a 10 hour train ride to Varanasi for 2 nights followed by a 17 hour train ride to Jaipur for 1 night. From here we train it for 9 hours to Udaipur for 2 nights and then 8 hours on a train to Ahmedabad for our flight back to Mumbai. We have to nights and three last days in Mumbai with our friends Russell and Anna before heading back to Melbourne. We are both so looking forward to the trip and to visit Kolkata and Varanasi especially. This will be the mystical, magical and spiritual part of our journey no doubt. To be rowed in a boat down the Ganga (Ganges) River past the ghats where people come to bathe, prayer and cremate their loved ones. I hope it will be a truly amazing experience. The train rides will also be an experience as the longest we have been on a train is 5 hours. This time though we have sleepers and the most of the trips are at night so we hope to sleep a bit along the way! The wheels on the train go round and round! I am sure there will be many stories to add to the blog once I get back to Oz.

We have also confirmed that we will be staying in the Quest apartments in Southbank for the first 4 weeks when we arrive back. Great spot while the Commonwealth Games are on. The atmosphere will be electric, can’t wait.

2006-01-26T18:28:00.000+11:00

Indian Republic Day.

Indian Republic Day

2006-01-26T18:27:00.000+11:00

Today is also Republic Day in India. It is a very big day here with a big parade in New Delhi down the huge road past all the political buildings and to the India Gate. The parade consists of a lot of military outfits and includes missiles etc; pretty scary considering it is such a peaceful nation! The day is usually marred by some sort of terrorist activity too. In the past bombs have been detonated in public areas. This year the police arrested some guys in the Capitol with detonators so they thought they had failed an attempt to disrupt the day’s events, however a bomb was exploded under a railway culvert and that has disrupted railway services in the east. Quite a few bombs were placed on tracks but the majority of them had been defused in time.

The other news about today’s public holiday in India, unlike Australia, it is a dry day. That means no alcohol to be sold or served in public! AAAAAHHHHHH can you imagine if that happened in Australia. We might as well not celebrate Australia day if that is the case, no beer to go with the barby!!!!! NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO

Happy Australia Day

2006-01-26T18:25:00.001+11:00

A big “G’day Mate and how’s it goin’?” to all of the Aussies out there celebrating our big day. Cheers!!!

2006-01-26T18:25:00.000+11:00

Happy Aussie Day!

Model Awards

2006-01-25T18:19:00.000+11:00

The last couple of days have seen a complete metamorphosis of the lawn area behind the apartments. The transformation was due to a big awards night for the India Fashion Industry. In a matter of days the area had been filled with two stages, one large and one extremely large! The smaller of the two stages was used on Tuesday night to host a fashion parade. This was a smaller affair that lasted a couple of hours with all the guests then heading to the roof top after party. All very glamorous and all clearly visible from our apartment windows! The music was fantastic and the models, well the male ones very nice!

During the night the small stage was cleared to make way for the seating for the big fashion awards night. Watching the goings on during the day and the rehearsals indicated a big night of glitz and glamour with a dash of entertainment to boot! Turns out the award night was less interesting to watch as we could not hear all that was being said. If only we had a balcony or opening windows we would have experienced the whole night and free of charge! The night did go on a little late and the noise level from the music every now and then was sure to keep a few people awake. I felt for the shift workers who were trying to sleep from about 7pm! That I the down side to the apartments being so close to this new Mecca for entertainment, the noise factor, and in India sound is always very loud. Sometimes to the point that our windows vibrate! Hmmm you wouldn’t want that going all night! It is really hard though when these parties and events happen and we can see them all but are not allowed to attend, very jealous!!

2006-01-25T18:13:00.000+11:00

The glitz and glamour of the stage.

2006-01-25T18:12:00.000+11:00

Got an eye on you!

2006-01-25T18:11:00.000+11:00

The morning after clean up.

2006-01-25T18:10:00.000+11:00

Dismantling the stage.

Time of Sadness

2006-01-23T17:52:00.000+11:00

It is a time of sadness for mum’s side of the family this week as my uncle passed away after a long illness. It was my Mum’s brother in law and I must say that I hadn’t seen him in about 8 or 10 years. This does not mean I feel any less about the loss and the pain the family will be enduring right now. My heart goes out to my Aunt and cousins at their loss and all my thoughts during this time of sadness. He is in a better place now and no longer in pain.

Wedding

2006-01-22T17:43:00.000+11:00

I wanted to attend a wedding while in India and today was our chance. One of the guys from Tommy’s work had invited the team to come and witness the ceremony. We all got a bit excited about it and all of us made sure we went out and purchased traditional wear to wear on the day. Saris and kurtas all round! The pics show us in our Indian best. And the best dressed at the wedding actually. The couple were not wealthy so it would seem that we had overdressed a little maybe but we all enjoyed the dress ups, well I did especially! The invitation indicated that the wedding commenced at 10am, although it was found out that the groom would not be getting there until 10.45am, go figure but “this is India”! We were late getting away from the apartments and late arriving but many were still not there anyway. The ceremony took place in the groom’s apartment block grounds as many do. Some colourful shade and plastic chairs for people to sit. The process of the wedding is that the ceremony is actually for the couple and family mainly so the rest of the people there just come and go as they please and talk all the way through it. There is also music playing so you can’t hear what is being said! This was great because we could also get up and move around when we started getting hot or bored. Before the ceremony though, breakfast was provided for the guests and lunch after the ceremony, we went to a restaurant for lunch. Some of the others ate at the wedding though. We were of course looked at quite a bit but the family made us all feel very welcome and were happy we came along. The ceremony got started at 12pm and took about an hour, so all up we ended up there for about 3 hours. The reception wasn’t until 7pm but we didn’t attend that as most of the team had to work very early the next morning. I was a little disappointed as I would have liked to have seen the celebrations at night. Although when we got back to the apartment there was a wedding on and we got to hear the band pay and see the fireworks going off! So all wasn’t lost.

It was a little weird and funny at how everything went. There were seats at the front which were for the older people attending. The funny thing was that they kept rearranging the people at the front whenever someone older would arrive to make sure they had front row! This was quite amusing. It was interesting although we couldn’t really follow what was happening so it did get a little boring here and there. Tommy and I had an adventure looking for the toilet at the back of the apartments. Earlier a couple of the girls were taken up to an apartment to use the toilet; we just went for the public ones! We found the building and the door was right next to two huge garbage skip bins full to the top including a cat that was napping on top of all the rubbish. This made for a pleasant smell while we waited to use the toilet. Men and women shared the toilet, some cubicles and urinals. I find this quite contradictory of the beliefs and values of the Indian people. This is because they are not allowed to show affection in public with the opposite sex and should endeavour to cover their bodies and not show too much skin, this completely goes out the window when it comes to toilet time! People just go wherever and whenever they can, be it in the middle of the expressway or sharing a public toilet!

We left around 2pm and headed into the city for lunch at Tendulkars restaurant for the second time. We figured we were dressed up so might as well enjoy a nice place for lunch. From here we went to Planet M in the city or the first time. It was little strange going into another store and not knowing where everything was or not knowing the staff. About 5 discs later including the infamous Porky's we headed home for a well deserved rest.

2006-01-22T17:41:00.000+11:00

Breakfast first.

2006-01-22T17:40:00.000+11:00

Groom.

2006-01-22T17:39:00.000+11:00

Bride to be.

2006-01-22T17:38:00.000+11:00

I Do!

2006-01-22T17:37:00.000+11:00

Guests.

2006-01-22T17:36:00.000+11:00

Girls in their Saris.

2006-01-22T17:35:00.000+11:00

2 Hunks of Spunk.

2006-01-22T17:34:00.000+11:00

Blue is my colour!

2006-01-22T17:32:00.000+11:00

Rules to follow at the apartments.

2006-01-22T17:31:00.000+11:00

Pussy asleep on the rubbish and two alseep on the couch.

2006-01-22T17:30:00.000+11:00

Entrance to Tendulkars, like a club!

Return to Essel World

2006-01-21T16:19:00.000+11:00

After our adventure to Essel World last visit to Mumbai, Tommy decided we should all go as a group but this time during the day. Three cars of people headed off about 10.30am for the trek to the theme park. The drivers though actually drove us all the way to the park instead of to the ferries. I was a little disappointed in not getting on the ferry because I remembered how much Tommy hated it. My disappointment was however surpassed by the experience of what was to come. It as a fairly long drive through parts of Mumbai we hadn’t been before, this made the trip more bearable as there were new things to look at. We drove past more slum communities and also a salt farm. Then we headed into an area that seemed to by like a little country town by the beach, small roads with nice little cottages dotted here and there, palm trees and many hotel/resort type places. Ganesh was driving a bit too fast and erratic for me but we made it safe to the parking area. Thinking we would be parking next to the entrance we found that we then had to board a bus to take us to the gate! The bus had no glass in the windows and one bench seat at the back and one at the front, for the rest we had to stand. This was a little difficult for Jarrod as he is well over 6 feet tall and could not stand up straight. It was difficult for Tommy and me although our heads just touched the roof. The trip was only about 500m anyway. The usual push and shove by the locals to get off first occurred, ho hum! The drivers came with us for the day, our shout, and they loved it and they are a bit of fun as well.

Inside it was time for the rides. As I have stated before I am not a ride person so I was left holding the bags with Kirsty as she was also a no ride person. There was a bit of a wait for a few of the rides but the time went quickly. First the roller coaster, then the water ride where everyone came off wet from yucky murky water in a pool, then the Enterprise ride to make you sick. Lunch was next, Domino’s pizza for all. Well almost all, Cameron was a little hung over from the night before! From here we walked along to find an outdoor dance area that was going off and had water spraying down to keep everyone cool. It was like a full on day rave except all the dancers were school kids on excursions! It is amazing though that these kids and adults have no fear when it come to getting up and getting down on the dance floor, all showing off their Bollywood dance skills to the max! A few of the team had a bit of a boogie and got surrounded by the masses all wanting to show off their moves. I danced a little on the side and a lot on the inside. We wandered along for some more rides and as we walked I was stopped by some kids who wanted to have a photo taken with me, star power strikes again. That is twice now that I have had perfect strangers want to be photographed with me, and many times that other people have thought I was a movie star! If only they knew I was not famous!

A few more fun moments were had with the Haunted Hotel and the Mirror Maze. It took Tommy a while to get through the mirrors as he had to stop and look at himself in each one! Finally a few of us had a go on the dodgem cars, yes even me. It is the one ride I can manage. It is a bit of mayhem driving the cars as unlike in Oz where there are rules about going in the same direction and not deliberately bumping into anyone there are no rules here. So it was on for one and all. Fantastic fun for the 3 minutes and would have loved to had another go but the queue was so long. Tommy had some fun as well with his little gimmicks from the magic shop. While we were eating a kid came up to him and offered him a chewy at which Tommy tried taking but got a big electric shock instead. This was his cue to purchase one himself and try on anyone who would stop. He got a few kids and adults, but soon everyone was on to him. I thought at any stage security would come and take him away thinking he was a paedophile trying to give kids a lolly! It was time to head home.

On the way home the drivers took us down a little laneway to the beach. The sand here was hard and the cars could drive along. Well actually the drivers went a little crazy and started doing donuts and skids and speeding along the sand much to my fear. We nearly crashed into one of the other cars. We stopped for to get out for a look and it was fantastic. The sea breeze was cool, the sand nice but the water still wasn’t the best. It reminded me a little of Goa with all the palm trees around and a few food shacks and many people taking in the sunset. Cars, horses and motorbikes making the most of the wonderful time of day. Again we headed off with one last burnout and donut before zooming back to the road, this time though we found trouble. Police stopped our car!! Yes we were busted. The other cars took off in the distance. Ganesh tried to apologise about 100 times but they wouldn’t here of it. He even tried a bribe but it wasn’t enough because there were 3 cars involved. He had to call them back as the police were arranging them to be stopped along the road if they didn’t! Once they came back we then had to follow the police to the police station, a little old run down 2 storey building in a very cute little village/town. The village was beautiful. It was full of old buildings that were just amazing, most looked run down and deserted but amazing still the same. Little streets big enough for one car winding in between the houses and shops. It was a Christian area so there were churches and many effigies of Jesus along the roadside. This was another reason that it reminded me of Goa. At the police station the drivers told us not to come inside. So this gave us a chance to look around at the nearby houses. There were some very cute puppies at the back of the station, eleven of them in fact! After some time and arguing inside, one of the drivers Raj came out and the police had agreed on a bribe of 1000 Rupees, A$30. This taken care of, we headed back to the apartments. As we headed back through the village there was a wedding procession. There was loud music from a band and people dancing and smiling in the streets, fantastic.

Then came the elephant! Yes folks coming down the road in the opposite direction was an elephant. Ganesh and the other drivers stopped for us to get out and take some pictures. My camera battery had run down so the only photo we got was with Tommy’s phone. Of course money had to exchange hands to take the pics! Miranda decided she wanted to go for a ride on it, so in the middle of the road the trainer got the elephant down on its knees so she could climb on board! This created some problems as far as traffic was concerned and some people in the cars started beeping their horns as is the usual practice in this country! It was just an incredible sight to be so close to an animal of such great enormity without a protective fence of a zoo to keep us apart. I was a little scared of getting too close but I did manage to be only about six feet away at some points. Tommy got closer as he had to put money on the end of the trunk of the elephant so it could pass it up to its handler. The sure footed way it moved was amazing and with very little sound. An experience that will always remain fresh in our minds. We had also stopped outside of a little house/hut and the people inside came out to watch the goings on of these strange white people! They watched in amusement and a couple of the team went over and spoke with them as best as could be managed. It was now finally time to head home and Miranda got off after the elephant once again dropped to its knees, this time with a little protest but again stopping all the traffic!

I would love to go back to the little town again and spend some time exploring it more. So many photo ops waiting!

2006-01-21T16:18:00.000+11:00

The back seat of the bus.

2006-01-21T16:17:00.000+11:00

Coconuts and flavoured ice.

2006-01-21T16:16:00.000+11:00

Take away kiosk in the car park.

2006-01-21T16:15:00.000+11:00

Kidding around.

2006-01-21T16:14:00.000+11:00

Sunset and donuts.

2006-01-21T16:13:00.000+11:00

Fun on the beach.

2006-01-21T16:12:00.000+11:00

Mangesh, Ganesh and Raj.

2006-01-21T16:11:00.000+11:00

Icecream at the beach.

2006-01-21T16:10:00.000+11:00

Horsing around.

2006-01-21T16:09:00.000+11:00

Police station.

2006-01-21T16:08:00.000+11:00

Motorbike outside police station in little village.

2006-01-21T16:07:00.000+11:00

Jesus.

2006-01-21T16:06:00.000+11:00

Old house.

2006-01-21T16:05:00.000+11:00

Old window.

2006-01-21T16:04:00.000+11:00

Puppies. Watch out for Cruella!

2006-01-21T16:03:00.000+11:00

Wedding celebrations.

2006-01-21T16:02:00.000+11:00

Wedding celebrations.

2006-01-21T16:01:00.000+11:00

Elephant ride anyone?

2006-01-21T16:00:00.000+11:00

Might want to wear seatbelts in this car!

Tragedy

2006-01-16T17:31:00.000+11:00

I am in a state of shock and mourning the loss of our local music store Planet M. it has been closed for renovations and will not reopen for two months, after we have left for home. The nearest store is half an hour away! This has meant that I have little need to go to the shops across the lake anymore as I always spent time in the store and usually purchased something. We are up to 48 discs now. All the staff knew us and made a point of saying hello each time we went in. I am a little disappointed that they didn’t tell us they were closing!

Happy Birthday Melimoo!

2006-01-11T14:43:00.000+11:00

Happy birthday to one of my dearest and closest friends. I hope you had a wonderful day and that you have many more. xxxxx

A Day and Night in the Big City

2006-01-08T01:38:00.000+11:00

Today we headed into the city as a group. A few people wanted to go to the Crawford Market including us. The drive was fairly uneventful except for Ganesh teaching a few new words in Hindi and passing by a learner rickshaw! I find this amazing that they actually learn how to drive in the chaotic mess of traffic, I though they must just get in and go, seems that way. The car park was about a 500 metre walk from the market itself and the lovely aromas that greeted us in the car park ensured we got away from there as quickly as possible! The market itself is purely food and you need a guide to take you inside but Tommy and I had decided we didn’t need to go in to see fruit and vegies and raw meat sitting out in the open! Or have a goats head thrust in our faces for us to buy, as one of the travel books describes! Around the market though are a number of narrow streets that wind away selling almost anything you can think of. We left the others in a store up some tiny stairs that sold pash minas. Tommy and I decided to take a little walk around and take in the atmosphere. The narrow streets have shops then stalls on the side of the roads and then people everywhere plus cars still trying to get through, crazy is the only word I can think of at the moment to describe the scene. If you walk too slow you will pushed aside like I was by a little lady. She put her hand on my side and basically shoved me out the way! There were more gorgeous smells to be had along the way, the really bad ones just made you pick up the pace a little. The items for sale were very cheap and down little alleys between the shops were more little shops. We walked around a corner to be met with a mosque. The building was beautiful and as we walked past a prayer began, wailing out into the street by loudspeaker. We both stopped until the prayer was completed, just taking in the moment in silence.

After doing the block of the markets we decided that we had seen enough and were getting hungry for lunch. I had read about a place opened by the famous cricketer Tendulkar. Letting the others know where we were going so they could meet up with us for lunch we headed to the restaurant. The place was fantastic. Up some stairs you walk into a restaurant that could rival any in Melbourne. The décor was great and the food also fantastic. There was also a sports bar attached which was equally inviting. Lunch had it was time to head home, that’s of course after a visit to the gift shop downstairs where we all bought something!

Before heading home though some of the others wanted to have a look in the Government Emporia for gifts, which was in the same building on the ground floor. Tommy gets sick each time he stays in the store for very long so he stayed outside to keep the beggar kids company. They were a persistent bunch of kids and one of the mothers also very aggressive for money. Considering that if a quarter of the jewellery she was wearing was real she didn’t need to beg! I forgot to take the lollies with me so Tommy was giving little bits of money here and there. He had one little boy totally amused and wanting more money, so Tommy would start singing Hindi songs and the boy would join in and start dancing too. The kids were gorgeous but it is a shame they are used to get money for the parents or organised men. The others came out and we took a few photos which the kids loved because they could see themselves. As you can see by a couple of the photos Tommy got up and personal with some of the kids. Someone had some disinfectant gel that he used to clean himself up. The funny part was the kids wanted some too, so Tommy told them a story that it was for good luck and that you put it on your hands and rub together then wave them around. He had them follow his every move when doing this. It was quite hilarious and the kids loved it.

It was time to head out again for four of us after only a few of hours at home. I had read about a place called the Bed Lounge. It is a club in Mumbai that has beds everywhere and is listed as a great night spot. Off we went and about an hour and a half later we pulled up at the front only to find that it was closed for renovations! All of us just laughing because that was better than crying after such a long journey. Ganesh told us of another place so we headed in that direction, but then I remembered a place called Vie Lounge. Tommy took me there for my birthday and it was great food but quiet as it was a Tuesday night. So we changed our minds and headed there instead. The cost was 1000 Rupees per couple and you got that value on a card for drinks. We also took the drivers in for a night out too. The place looks over Juhu beach, so we sat outside and ate and drank and chatted with music playing inside for people to dance to. There were lots of people this time and all glitzy as this was a happening place. It closed at 1am so it turned out to be a reasonably early night. A great place and great company made it a nice night out.

2006-01-08T01:37:00.000+11:00

Leaner Auto Rickshaw.

2006-01-08T01:36:00.000+11:00

Old buildings that tower over the small streets near the market.

2006-01-08T01:35:00.000+11:00

Unusually beautiful architecture.

2006-01-08T01:34:00.000+11:00

Streets around Crawford Market, Mumbai.

2006-01-08T01:33:00.000+11:00

One of the many Characters in the market area.

2006-01-08T01:32:00.000+11:00

Beggar kids near the Gateway.

2006-01-08T01:31:00.000+11:00

Tommy with his new found friends! He did have to bribe them though!

2006-01-08T01:30:00.000+11:00

Cheekiest smile from a beauitiful little girl.

Happy New Year

2006-01-01T15:53:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year everyone, hope you all had a great night and are ready to start a brand new year.

Last night was a blast that got me home about 5.30am! We started with a 7 course dinner at the Chinese restaurant that was overall very nice. Tommy and I were the first to arrive on the whole restaurant, so we just sat and waited drinking the first of much Moet champagne. The cost of the night was A$135 which included the food and supposedly all drinks but it was limited to certain local band of spirits and beers plus the Moet, which was fine by me. All the others turned up and we had a great time laughing and joking and drinking. The table next to us arrived and it was a group of about 7 people and all dressed up posh just like in the movies, perfect hairstyles and all. We decided to make up a story as to who they were and where they were from. English and the two young people, one guy and one girl, were on with the older lady and man at the table. This came about because they sat so close together. We also decided that they probably would look down their noses at our dress sense and standard of behaviour. It was later found out by Deb, at the night club, that they were actually Swedish and all from the one family. Deb did try to pass on a story but she couldn’t hold it together long enough for me to believe it!

Just before midnight our table headed out to the pool area where another party was happening with a band etc. Everyone was up dancing and singing and finally when the clock struck 12, fireworks went off as well. A couple of the team had managed to get up on stage for a quick boogie before security came along! The new rang in nicely for all of us.

After the usual happy New Year greetings back in the restaurant, we headed out back to the Velvet Lounge night club for some more partying. We chatted with a few others from the apartments including some French people who were very nice. Tommy went home not long after that and left me to my devices with the rest of the Optus crew, many drinks later ending up on the dance floor with the last remaining team members. The dance floor in the club is not for the faint hearted as most Indians love their dancing and do so with much vigour. The men also get very friendly with the girls and think it is their right to dance close and touch them. This was when Anthony and I stepped in and danced around her to protect her from the groping hands. I had my usual stack not long before I left. I leant back to lean on the curtain on the edge of the dance floor; however there was a gap between the curtain and the wall so over I went! Deb and Anthony picked me up and off I went dancing again, thanks guys! Another great night.

2006-01-01T02:17:00.000+11:00

Laundry.

2006-01-01T02:16:00.000+11:00

Drying.

2006-01-01T02:15:00.000+11:00

5 Rupees a garment.

Juhu and Colaba

2005-12-31T14:14:00.000+11:00

Last night we went back to a restaurant in Juhu that Tommy and I had tried the previous week called Echoes. The food was fantastic and we wanted to go somewhere new with the team. The drive took over one and a half hours as one of the roads had been blocked off and we had to take the very long way in huge amounts of traffic. The newbies hadn’t been down to Juhu Beach as yet so we wanted them to experience a walk along the beach. The sun had set by the time we got there, being winter in the Northern Hemisphere we forget the sun sets early although it is still warm. The food stalls here are numerous and have such colour under the lights and smells that are mouth watering. We are not game to try the food although we have heard that as long as it is cooked fresh in front of you that there shouldn’t be any problems with eating there. There was certainly no disappointment in the walk. The masses of people were there to greet us with the carnival feel that is an every night occurrence. People selling everything from cooked nuts to toy helicopters. There is even a little sideshow ride area for the kids, including a tiny Ferris wheel, all motorised manually!

The walk over and our reservation time at the restaurant fast approaching, we headed across the road for dinner. Crossing the road at this particular point is hard enough with just the two of us but trying to get across with seven and not have anyone run over is a major feat! Dinner was lovely. We sat on the roof top terrace again so we could watch the world pass by below and watch the planes take off over head. Although the food was great once again, there was issues and confusion over the meals. At this restaurant you see the dishes listed under Appetizer are the Entree and the dishes listed under Entree are the Main Courses. Yes that is all very confusing when trying to order! And of course that lead to out first course coming out in 5 stages, my meal being the last after reminding them that I still hadn’t eaten. Then of course lucky for me the main courses came out very quickly and I was stuffed! Still all great food and would go back again.

All ready for the long trip home, we crossed over the deadly road and waited for our cars. A couple of beggars came along including one little girl, beautiful but filthy. I had bought from the supermarket a big bag of lollies to give to the beggar kids as I don’t believe that money is helping the situation and a lolly is treat they can eat themselves instead of having to give it to the grown ups like they have to with any money they get. This works great and the kids love it too, we gave out about ten at one of the traffic light stops. Their eyes light up and they can’t wait to try it!

Our cars rolled up and off we went home. We seemed to be going a little faster than usual and dodging in and around cars very quickly. The other cars were also doing the same. It was then I realised that the drivers were racing each other to get back first! I mentioned this to Ganesh our driver and he replied “no sir” but all of a sudden we slowed down and one of the other cars went past. At this we had a message from one of the others that they were now in the lead. Well that was it, it was on for one and all and the race was back on! We were now behind and needed to catch up, that didn’t take too long and we were back in front. At this point we were laughing and strangely feeling quite safe swerving in and out of the traffic. Then as we approached the hotel the lights changed and we stopped, thinking that the other two cars would stop as well. Think again! One of the cars came flying through the intersection cutting in front of cars buses and autos. We couldn’t believe it, and then the second car flies through the red light too. At this point Ganesh takes off as well. Screaming with laughter and just screaming now we only had about 500 metres to win. We caught up but the crazy driver that went through the lights first, drove on the wrong side of the road to get past all the traffic. All we saw was the car disappear between a bus and a car that got made to run off the road and up the drive way. We headed up the drive flying past all these cars and pushing in front of the second car at the security gate. We had to smile and wave nicely to the security so they didn’t tell us off. Then down the hill to our apartment cutting in the entrance the wrong way so that we could get to the door the same time as car number one! We all got out screaming with laughter and pains in our guts from laughing so much. Listening to the horror tales of each others ride home while holding our chests from our hearts pumping so hard. It was very very funny to think about once we arrived alive but the drivers know that it can’t happen again.

We took a couple of the newbies to the city today to have a look around the Gateway and Colaba Causeway. Tommy bought some new jeans for the New Years celebrations and I a new pair of shoes. The girls also looked for some clothes. Nicole loved chatting to the beggars in the street and I gave out more lollies. At the Gateway we saw what could only be described as a “this is India” incident. Boats leave from the Gateway to lots of places including Elephanta Island. What we saw was about 4 or 5 boats tied up side by side together with only one moored at the jetty, like double parking only with 5 boats! This may not seem funny yet but the last boat that double parked was full of people and to disembark they had to walk through each of the other boats until they reached the jetty! The boats were all different sizes so they had to climb up and down depending on the boat. Now that was funny and very much a “this is India” incident.

The girls hadn’t finished their shopping so we went home while they continued to a mall. On the way home we stopped at the Dhobi Ghat where a lot of the laundry is done in Mumbai. Being late in the afternoon most of the washing was done and hanging up to dry while the guys cleaned up their wash area and themselves after a hard days work. It was an incredible site and sight, and one that we had only seen on TV and in pictures. Now we were taking our own pictures and watching live with the many other tourists amazed at the hard work that must be put in by each and every one of the men working there. Each concrete section filled with soapy water and the clothes being bashed with such ferocity to clean out all the dirt and stains. All this for a measly 5 Rupees per garment, that’s less than 20 cents Oz, the hotel charges 95 Rupees per shirt! I will never want to complain about putting the washing in the machine again, I probably will though!

Campest Rickshaw Ever

2005-12-30T22:27:00.000+11:00

Today I rode home from the shops on the campest rickshaw I have seen to date! Besides the normal black and yellow metal exterior it had a gold roof with a fur trim on the inside, and the best part yet was the seats were a metallic hot pink colour!! Yes that’s right metallic hot pink seats! The sun made the seats sparkle so much I could hardly stand the glare. I could just see this one ferrying the campest queens up and down Oxford St in Sydney or Commercial Road in Melbourne, it would make a fortune!! They must have seen me coming (not meaning I am one of the campest queens) as a few drivers directed me straight to this particular one! I ended up even giving him double what I would normally pay for the ride. I so wish I had carried my camera with me so I could show the world on here that even in India the campest things are still around for the eyes to see!

Tonight we are heading off to Juhu Beach to take the newbies on an adventure walk along the sand. We will finish up with dinner at Echoes, a newly renovated Italian restaurant that has beautiful food and a rooftop terrace that overlooks the hustle and bustle of the beach.

Tomorrow we are taking a couple of the newbies down to the city for a look. We haven’t even been down there yet so will be a nice change. We don’t want a too tiring day though as it is New Years Eve and we are joining one of the parties at the hotel. First dinner at the fantastic Chinese restaurant served with Moet and then off to the night club, Velvet Lounge, for some dancing and no doubt more drinking! All this for $135 inclusive of all food and drinks! I thought it a bit expensive to begin with and then thought of how much we would spend in Melbourne and believe me it’s a bargain!!

It maybe a few days before I update on what happens tonight and tomorrow night. For reasons I am sure you will all understand (hic)!

Oh Rats!

2005-12-28T14:12:00.000+11:00

As a bit of a health conscious effort I sometimes eat almonds rather than eat something unhealthy for lunch. I have a big breakfast each morning so a snack is generally all I need. I did this in Oz as a snack at work as well. I was also doing this last time in Mumbai. I buy the almonds from the local supermarket in sealed bags and they are really quite good. I put some in a bowl and cover them with cling wrap to keep them fresh and to keep any nasties out. Anyways I have been munching away on the bowl of nuts while I read or do stuff on the net, usually not looking just picking up a few at a time and putting them in my mouth. Well today I was reaching the end of the bowl, as I had to feel around for the almonds. At this point I thought I would have a look at how many I had left. To my horror what greeted me was a couple of small almonds left but also a piece rat poo!! That’s right RAT POO! I just didn’t know what to do. I thought about screaming but then thought they would hear me right across the lake and no doubt send someone like the police to the room thinking someone had been murdered. Next I thought oh my god I am going to throw up. Then finally I just realised that there was nothing I could do about it and so I tried not to think too much about it so that it wouldn’t gross me out. My thought was that I have been eating these almonds now for a few days and I haven’t got sick so why should I get sick all of a sudden just because I had now seen the poo. I did however drink a big glass of coke which would kill almost anything and brushed my teeth just so I felt better about having a clean mouth. I also kept the bowl with the poo in it in case I did get sick I had proof of what did it. Where it came from is anyone’s guess but as the bowl had always been covered it must have been in the sealed bag I bought from the store, hence throwing the rest of bag away. Now although you might be thinking typical that something like this would happen in India, I feel that it could happen anywhere. There must be rodents running all over food in all parts of the world, it’s just a matter of luck if you find one in your bag of nuts!!
Speaking of luck and poo! Tommy went shopping the other night with one of the girl’s over at the local shopping area. One part of the shops is just a small group of buildings with little roof coverage between them just concrete beams for aesthetic reasons. There are many pigeons that nest in these areas and poor Tommy had one of them drop a big bird poop on him! It was like the bird had eaten a bad curry or something because it was like diarrhoea all down the front of his shirt. The shirt was black too, so the white poo stood out a mile and seeped through the material on to his skin! I wish I had been there! I think he would have screamed like a girl and everyone would have looked and laughed. He came home so distressed and showered immediately!

2005-12-28T14:09:00.000+11:00

Who ordered the extra Flavour?

2005-12-28T14:04:00.000+11:00

How is this supposed to be Lucky????

The Fat Man in the Red Suit has been and gone!

2005-12-26T15:57:00.000+11:00

Well another Christmas has come and gone. We waited until Tommy had gotten home before we opened any presents this year. Generally we open one Christmas Eve but I had a little joke set up for him that had to wait until the big day. Tommy has a child like habit that he must try and guess what he has been given either by picking up and feeling the present or by just opening it while I am not around and rewrapping it! So this year, although he knew most things I had bought, I decided to wrap all the pressies plus a few odd bits and pieces from around the apartment eg gel and put them all in a big box and then wrap that. This way he had no chance of getting at them and I had the pleasure of him seeing him get all excited over how many pressies he had in the box, only to see his face change when he realised that not all was as it seemed. Now this may seem cruel to you all but it was payback really for the last couple of years of gifts that I have received from him! We usually set down a $50 limit, not this year though. Last year he bought for me a gadget that you put your hand in and was supposed to be able to tell if you were lying and zapped you if you did! Nice one thanks, especially when I found out that you had been going around work and trying it on people before I even got to see it! The year before that I received a Wonder Woman window hanging thingy that I actually liked but I also received a nose hair trimmer! That’s like giving your mum a blender on Mother’s day! I know it’s the thought that counts but sometimes I wonder what thought was going through his head when he bought these gifts. This year though he managed to get some nice things for me. And things for me and not that he would like, um hang on he gave me aftershave that he likes as well, an Indian cook book that we agreed that we both wanted oh and a DVD of a movie that I liked more. I guess one out of three ain’t bad!

T didn’t have to work as long as might have been expected. So he managed a nice little nap before we headed off for lunch with all the work team. It was a great day and the food reasonably nice. The highlight would have to be taking turns going up to the dessert table and stealing parts of the ginger bread house that was a display without anyone noticing or being told off like little kids! Deb was the winner with the whole fence from one side, I think I came next with the actual ginger bread man that was standing in the garden and then Miranda and Tommy came back with various small pieces that broke off. I tried to get the other fence but only a small bit broke off and I ran. In the end although we thought we got away with it I think everyone was watching and just let us go! We also had a bit of a game of Pictionary. Our version of it of course but was a bit of fun and of course Tommy cheated first round! After lunch we headed back to our apartment with Tommy’s team for KK giving time. I was particularly interested in seeing what the reaction would be of the person that had chosen me out of the bowl. To make things interesting I wrote down knickers as an idea. I knew this would confuse things and couldn’t wait to see the look of shock once realising it was for a guy. I wasn’t disappointed at all. Nicole was a great sport though and we all had a ball with the many pairs of knickers she had carefully selected. I think we all tried some on over our clothes and some even put them on their head, nice look Miranda! A few more drinks and a bit f a sing along, or maybe that was just me, and it was time for bed for all except me as for the next morning was an early start.

I however decided to go for a walk down the poolside to see if anyone was still up. There were a few but only for a short time and I was left on my own once again. This being a lady of leisure thing can sometimes be a lonely affair! At this point I noticed the tennis court was empty so decided to practice my serve for a bit. Strange how when you have has a couple of drinks that all the balls seem to go in, or is it that the lines are all moving?? Still not ready for bed, it was only like 9.30pm, I headed up to the bar for a look and a quiet drink. I sat near the duo playing Christmas carols so that I had something to do. When I ordered my second and last drink of the night I asked the waiter to request the due sing anything but carols. Now being here for such a long time I wasn’t at all surprised when the singer called me over to ask what carol I would like sung as they had pretty much done the lot. In India it is sometimes like playing Chinese Whispers, the message hardly ever seems to get through the first time correctly! I just asked them to sing anything other than carols and with a smile and new enthusiasm they sang a few normal cocktail bar songs. They must have had as much of carols as I had and there were only like 3 other people in the bar who weren’t listening anyway. Cheers. With my last drink consumed and many complimentary cashews eaten I headed back to the apartment for bed, it was about 11.30pm. Another Christmas over and the New Years Eve party to look forward to.

2005-12-26T14:04:00.000+11:00

White Cocolate Fountain at Xmas Lunch.

2005-12-26T14:03:00.000+11:00

Ginger Bread House, Notice the absence of the right fence and the Ginger Bread Man!

Merry Christmas

2005-12-25T06:18:00.000+11:00

Well the big day has arrived and the big fat man in the red suit has snuck in and delivered some wonderful presents for you all I am sure. Today is a little sad as I know that my parents will be spending the day without any of the family. Please know that we will be with you in spirit and you will be in our hearts and mind. To my sister and family have a great day with Brian’s family in NSW. You will also be in our hearts and mind. I am looking forward to what the day will bring and hope that T will be home as early as possible, couldn’t think of anything worse than not spending much time with him on this beautiful day.

Merry Christmas to all our friends. May the day bring you joy and happiness. Eat drink and be merry and I will try not to end up trying to be Mary!!

2005-12-24T16:51:00.000+11:00

Christmas eve.

Christmas Eve

2005-12-24T06:17:00.000+11:00

T has to go to work tonight at 11.45pm! Yes he is working Christmas day on Oz hours. He hopes that he will be able to get home as early as possible if all things go well, fingers crossed. I would hate it if he missed our big lunch with all the people from Oz. It is going to be an amazing amount of food including a white chocolate fountain, hmmm! Oh and drinks. Might be a boozy afternoon and we have to open our KK back at our apartment. We are also going to play Buzz on play station, which should be interesting after a few drinks!

Pre Christmas Fun

2005-12-23T06:17:00.000+11:00

We had a little Christmas party at our apartment for the team tonight. Lots of alcohol and laughter that went into the early hours of the night. I can see there is going to be quite a bit of fun over the next couple of months!

2005-12-22T18:54:00.000+11:00

Christmas in our house at sunrise.

2005-12-22T18:53:00.000+11:00

Hand made decorations with the pink tree!

2005-12-22T18:52:00.000+11:00

Night show.

Dinner

2005-12-22T06:15:00.000+11:00

I joined the team for dinner tonight at one of the restaurants in the hotel. It was a bit of a laugh and we arranged our Kris Kringle amongst the team. I put the idea of writing down a one word interest that I picked from last Christmas at work. It is going to be interesting to see what gifts we can come up with in India!

New Arrivals

2005-12-21T06:14:00.000+11:00

The new team has arrived for the next part of T’s project. We went to the airport to meet them after the gruelling 12 hour flight. There are many familiar faces from last time and a few new ones too. Should be some fun and good times over the next few days for Christmas and New Year!

Happy Anniversary

2005-12-20T17:45:00.000+11:00

Today was the official anniversary of Tommy and I. We spent a beautiful two days relaxing at the JW Marriott in Juhu. Two lovely days and nights of nothing but walking along the beach, polluted as it is, and two wonderful dinners of divine food in divine settings and with divine company. Our love for each grows each year and we know that we have something very special that will last a long long time. Happy anniversary baby. MUCH xxxxxxx

Party at the Marriott

2005-12-16T18:20:00.000+11:00

We arrived back in Mumbai just in time for the party that the Marriott has put on for their guests. It may have some attachment to Xmas but the theme was Arabian. There is one thing that they do so well here and that is party full on. No expense spared it would seem with so much food you could eat for weeks and unlimited alcohol, my favourite, DJs and dance floor. Entertainment and setting up the ballroom with the all the feel of being in the desert in tents smoking hookahs. Magnificent. I did however wake up with an awful hang over again with no recollection of how the night finished! Only an ATM receipt for money taken out and not spent. People around the place still smile and say hi so I guess I haven’t offended anyone too much! Thanks again to the Marriott; they have been the best hosts once again.