Feb 2010 and Mieke's visit

Back from a great trip to Kerala and Mieke has arrived. We have had a great time as you can see from the pictures. A lovely relaxing stay at the beach huts of Mandrem Sea Paradise to try and get over the time difference although we still fitted in the Ingo's market experience, don't you just love those hippies. Still here making all sorts of tat that they sell each other.... Anyway enough of my prejudices. We had a great meeting with an elephant at the Spice Plantation, quick trip around Old Goa to see churches and St Francis Xavier laying in the cathedral. We spent valentines evening with the Reps at the Dona Alcina Gala Dinner. Valentines is a BIG deal here, lots of in love Indian couples of all ages. Stunning Russian ladies taking prizes for turning up. English couples grateful for the buffet. Good fun was had by all! We took an epic trip to Hampi, a 12 hour train journey to arrive in an area of great beauty. Bolders of huge proportions that they fashioned into statues of Hindu gods, temples and beautiful palaces dating back 1000's of years. I hope some of the pictures capture the essence of the place for you. Our hotel was a basic local, leave you to imagine the comfort and ambience of the rooms. Another 12 hours to get back to Goa on the sleeper train. Fight for a 3 tiered bunk, sharing with strangers, travelers, young locals travelling from Calcuta to Goa. Very enlightening.
Back in Goa and we took a boat trip to Anjuna and dolpins joined the boat, more shopping, at the local flee market, lunch at a beach shack, more shopping on the beach from a lovely young lady, 19 years, who proudly tells us her name is Sharon, has a husband who drinks all her hard earned money and has 2 children already. She came from Karnatika but says she will never be able to go back now, her family married her to the man in Goa and thats her lot in life. Thought provoking!! So glad our daughter has choices.
We had a fab visit together in Goa and saw more Indian culture during our trip east. Sad to see Mieke go home!