Varanasi

I stayed in Delhi for a couple of days. I liked it quite a bit. The metro was really clean and nice. There is a backpacker ghetto that is similar to Khoa San road in Bangkok. Its not peaceful or nice, but its an easy place to meet other travelers. Its also right next to the train station.

There was a really nice European style area called Hauz Khas Village. It was a break from some of the chaos in the city.

Traveling alone didn't last long. I met someone the first night in Delhi and hung out with him a few days. Then on the way to the metro I met another guy and caught a train with him to Varanasi (about 12 hrs away). We got here a couple hours ago. Its full of really narrow streets and on the Ganges. I havent had time to look around the city yet, but Im about to head out and do that.

I think that traveling alone will have to wait for a little bit longer. Its nice to travel with people because everything is cheaper and you have someone to keep an eye on your stuff. Its also interesting to learn how other people travel. Most of the people I travel with live in countries that I have never even visited. I learn a lot about their countries along with learning about what others think about the US. Its really amazing how easy it is to meet people when you travel. It usually takes almost no effort and within a couple days you really get to know the person.

Leaving the South

Im flying to Delhi today. I probably should have just taken a train, but it would have taken a few days.

Yesterday was the first day I was alone this trip. I had been traveling with a German friend for a couple weeks and before that some other girls. It is nice to be alone for now and have time to think. Im staying at a hostel in Delhi, so I probably wont be alone for long.

I dont really have a plan for the North. Going to the Taj Mahal at some point and I would like to do a trek.

It has taken me this long to get back into the traveling mode. Now I feel like Im ready to get into it. Its nice that I am flying north, so I will have a new start.

Kochi

After Mysore we went to Ooty to see the hill stations. It was really pretty taking a train through the mountains.

Now Im in Kochi which is in Kerala. Its on the southern tip of India. Im going to stay here for a few days. There are backwater cruises where you float down a river. After that Im going to catch a flight to Delhi to see the north. It would take 3 days by train, so Im not doing that this time.

This trip has been different then I expected. India is way too big to see in a couple months. Im trying to hit all the main points, but it would probably be better to see one region. Moving from place to place quickly doesnt give me time to really see and learn about the culture. It seems like the only way to really get to know a place is to live there. Its frustrating moving all the time. Thats what happens when you travel with a deadline. Either way its still nice and I have more time then a lot of people.

Mysore

The train rides to Mysore went well. The sleeper class isn't bad, but it would have been nice to bring a sheet or something to lay on. I got on a train to Mysore as soon as I got to Bangalore.

Mysore is nice. Its got a lot of culture and bazaars. Probably going to stay one more night.

Stayed in a Youth Hostel dorm last night for 75 rps (about $1.50) with a student id card. It was pretty weird. There was a 10:30 pm curfew and no alcohol allowed. It was also filled with Indian students, which was kind of cool.

I'm stuck on this Lonely Planet loop of South India right now. Its annoying me. Someone gave me a Lonely Planet in Goa and Ive had it ever since. It is helpful, but everywhere I go I see the same type of people doing the same things. Its the first time Ive ever carried one with me and I don't like it. When I get to the North I don't want to use a book.

Leaving Hampi

Hampi is nice but I already left. Im in Hospet for the day then catching a night train to Bangalore. We got sleeper class so it should be interesting. After that I think Im going to Mysore. There is a Tuk Tuk driver waiting for us so got to go.

Palolem Beach and Hampi

I spent about a week on Palolem beach in South Goa. I would suggest that anyone coming to India make it their last stop rather then one of their firsts. I almost couldn't leave. Its touristy, but you will meet people from all over. Its laid back, but there is stuff to do. It has a noise ordinance so some of the parties were Silent Discos (a bunch of people partying with headphones on), which were more fun than I expected. Not to mention bonfires on the beach, kayaking, skim boarding, and hiking. Really nice place.

Yesterday I got on a night bus to Hampi. Its a town with ancient ruins on a river. Pretty cool so far. Its been really hot, but its worth sweating. Im going to stay here for at least one more night. After that Im not sure.

Goa

Ive been in Goa for a few days. I started at Anjuna Beach for 3 nights. I also checked out Baga while I was up there. Anjuna was full of hippies listening to trance music. The hippies there make American hippies look conservative. Baga was packed with Indian tourist, so it was a little more interesting. Today I got to Pololem Beach in southern Goa. I will stay here for a night or two then head further south. I think the beach here is prettier then up north. The beaches have been relaxing, but I havent really seen Indian culture (with the exception of Mumbai). There are elections in Goa right now so no alcohol was served on March 1, 2, and 3. Today is also a dry day.

Mumbai day 3

Last night was the first night I slept more then 2 hours since Ive been here. The jet lag got to me a little + staying in a dorm room with mosquitoes made it tough. Yesterday I was in a Bollywood commercial for Nikon. I left Mumbai at 7 am and didnt get back till midnight. We were supposed to be done at 6 pm but they didnt really let us leave. I made 1000 rupees out of the deal. Thats about $20. Tonight Im catching a bus to Goa. Its a state south of Mumbai. I think its pretty touristy, but it will be nice to chill on the beach for a while.