Pamela's Worldwide triparama!!

Arrived Bangalore!

2008-05-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so it's 6.30am and I had to come to an internet cafe to book accomodation so figured could write a quick update! Got my purse stolen last nite wasn't much in it and thank god I'd transferred my credit cards to my money belt but you know what the ironic thing is I know where it happened and I remember coming out of the shop thinking oh what lovely people Indians are.. Bless 99% are lovely but I've just learned to be more alert!!
Bangalore is certainly a lot cleaner than Chennai although it wouldn't be hard but it's another big city.. Can't wait for Goa - gorgeous beaches and no traffic probably still hassle of some sort but sure you can't have everything!!

Back to Chennai to catch Sleeper to Bangla!

2008-05-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

So completed the 4 hour bus journey once more.. Chennai isn't as bad as I remembered.. Or maybe it's just cos Im getting used to it now.. Met some characters at the bus station people (actually just guys) have a habit of coming up to me and shouting, 'What country!" Charming.. Oh well I'd be bored if noone spoke.. Again the kids are the cutest.. It's funny there are a lot more affluent Indians than I expected.. Thats what makes the contrast so sad between these people who have everything that middle class at home have in comparison to the walking skeletons on the streets... Next update from Bangalore....

Pondicherry

2008-05-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

Got the bus to Pondicherry (a mere 4 hour journey!) it was grand the women sat beside me but then the men asked to sit down and I was like yeah of course! Bless them.. Had a wonder about at first was a little surprised that it was another big city full of chaotic traffic where every vehicle uses their horn to indicate that they are coming round the corner due to lack of any order or traffic lights!! I don't know how I'll escape these 6 weeks without some kind of road traffic accident! Stayed at Kamala Lodge when I checked in the every pleasant reception man barked "No outside guests after 11.30pm" I was like no problem smiling "I've got no friends here!" Oooow the response I got.. Obviously we worked on a differing level of humour.. But discovered a gorgeous park - some of the cutest kids ran up to me and were asking my name etc.. they were adorable.. Also I got my photo taken with this guy's father and brother - I must have looked the most dishevelled and unattraictive in my life but whatever makes them happy! Also there is a beach - Im not going to lie the sand was littered with well rubbish but it was nice to see all the families out and everyone was having a good time..

Chennai!!

2008-05-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

So I arrived in Chennai.. It was midnight and mayhem at the airport! Still about 25degrees!! Yes a little humid I couldn't help but wonder what temperature it was during the day!? Explored Chennai same population as Ireland in a much more confined space - mental! The people are on the whole nice.. They don't try and cheat you as much as I'd expected.. In fact I find the majority of auto-rickshaws to be much more honest than the Thai ones! Had my first Indian crazy Johem (who was on my flight) and I had a spicy mutton and a coconut fish curry (the menu claimed it would be cooked to perfection!) and it wasn't far off!! Delicious!! Booked my train to Bangalore Friday night and then to Goa from Bangla on Sunday night actually went to the station instead of using an agent but then 2 hectic queues later I was told to go to the room at the back!! Yep it was especially for foreigners! Air/con and so they could get their commission oh well!

Perth!!

2008-05-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Slight deviation from my original blog cos I think this one is much more user & reader friendly.. Im in Perth and have 2weeks left before I fly to Chennai (formerly Madras!) Im so excited!

My nearly 7 months in Oz has been a treat but now I am definately ready to move on & sample the kalediscopic country that is India.. Im prepared for culture shock - Im prepared for the poverty - Im prepared for people to attempt to rip me off at every opportunity hell Im even prepared for Delhi belly!!

These factors are secondary to the fact that all my life I have wanted to visit this country and in 2 weeks it's going to happen...