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.

Mumbai

Im going to use this blog again to keep track of where I am. I flew into Mumbai this evening. India is 10.5 hours ahead of New York. The flight from Newark was about 13 hours. I plan on being back in the US by May 11th. I dont have a definite plan for while Im here, but I will probably try to go to the Taj Mahal (Agra) and Goa. I think I will be in Mumbai for a few days. I fly out of the same airport so I will be back either way.

The end

The motorbike trip went really well. We rode around Northern Vietnam for 6 days. During that time we only saw a handfull of Westerns and in most places we were the only people who spoke English. During the ride I saw some of the most beautiful sights on the entire trip. It was a great time and a good way to end the trip. Tomorrow I start flying home. Its going to take me at least 48 hours in airports and flights so it will be a long couple of days.

The trip turned out much different then I originally planned but thats how a good journey should be. I will miss meeting new people from different cultures everyday. There are many things I will miss about traveling, but this will not be my last journey abroad.

When I first started the trip I was a little nervous about being alone for 7 months. Looking back I realize I was rarely alone. Its crazy to think its over but this is the end. The trip flew by and now I am lucky enough to be able to return home to a great family.

The next step is home, so no more blog until next time.