Whilst back in the UK for a couple of weeks we sorted our visas, a nervous wait as when we applied in London we were told that on a whim the Consulate could just give 3 mths!
As the boys and Kirsty are due to fly out for Xmas this was not what we wanted to hear.
Anyway VSF Global who dealt with the application kept us updated with text and email and when Dyl collected them we were pleased to find we had 6mths.
Next a search for accommodation when we arrive in Trivandrum at 4am and we’ve picked a Homestay B&B.
So we flew out to India on 22nd September a good flight with Qatar Airlines stopping over at Doha.
Doha airport
With a long stopover we had been on the go for 23hrs and delighted to reach Trivandrum.
The Indian Rupee is a closed currency which means you can only exchange money in India.
Because of this our host at the homestay, Giles had arranged and paid for a taxi to collect us.
Clearing immigration and baggage collection took 15mins and we were on our way.
Giles had waited up to show us our rooms, we are paying £15 per night for B&B and if we require evening meal its £3!
We sleep in till 12.30 but breakfast is waiting for us.
Bananas and pineapple, coconut rice balls, potato curry and boiled eggs, a little bit different but delicious.
The house is beautiful and we have decided to stay a week and get stuff sorted.
Graceful homestay
Our veranda
Our hallway
We are lucky to be the only guests and have the run of the place.
We have a lovely room without air conditioning as we want to get used to the heat and humidity.
All windows and doors have mozzie screens. Terracotta floors and lovely wooden furniture.
We have struck lucky with this gem of a place and Giles speaking English has helped us no end.
We have a Tuk Tuk driver who is also helping us, firstly we need a sim card and this requires ID photos and passport.
The photos take mins and cost £1.20 for 7!
Call charges are 5p for text and 20p to call UK.
Veejay our driver takes us around Trivandrum and its a senses overload.
The homestay is in quite an affluent area but half a mile down the road its a different scene. The traffic is chaotic and although they drive on left that doesn’t mean anything.
Doing the school run!
The sights, sounds and smells are as extreme as everything else we have encountered so far.
We travel to Kovalam and just travelling from A to B is an experience.
Kovalam
Kovalam fishing boats
Next he takes us shopping to a department store. Nothing like ours, there are so many staff. I’m greeted as I get off the escalator, each aisle has at least 6 people working it. I was served by one, taken by another to have it scanned , given a receipt taken to cash desk to pay and then taken to collection point. More staff than customers.
Then on to lunch at roadside cafe where we are served a platter with rice and small bowls containing curry and chutney, no cutlery, eat with your right hand, the trick is to pour some sauce on the rice and work with your fingertips until you can roll the grains together, needless to say I had it all over the place.
Each cafe has a sink where you can wash. The meal for the 3 of us was £4.50 and they refill your plate till you tell them to stop.
We were back to Graceful by 3pm, shattered and decide to eat in, Elsy, Giles wife cooks us a fish curry, wonderful.
We’re off to buy bikes today and seeing 2 Scott bikes we like Dyl starts negotiating and is getting his card out when the guy says he’s made a mistake in his adding and it will be an extra 100, so we leave and look for another shop, sadly this seems to be the only one with decent bikes so we decide to go back tomorrow.
So back in to Tuk Tuk as I want to buy a Shalwar Kameez ( pyjama suit) to see if that will be any cooler.
I end up buying a couple as they’re only £3/4
In pyjama suit in garden
They are really comfortable and help me blend in, not that I feel uncomfortable, I have walked in to town on my own and felt safe, I think I’m more a curiosity!
There is a tailors down the road and I will take them to be altered.
Eating out this evening at a hotel restaurant, food very hot and spicy and with a couple of pepsi came to £15. No alcohol as the restrictions are tight, although some cafes get around it by serving beer in teapots!
Alcohol is not available in shops and can only be purchased in Government shop so they get all the revenue.
Decided we will purchase the bikes and get them back one at a time in Tuk Tuk.
One way to get your bike home!
Nearly up to date with blog!!
September 28th
We take a taxi ride to Verkala, the resort is nestled on a cliff with stunning views.
There are plenty of cafes and shops waiting to entice the tourist.
Even advertising English breakfasts!
Back to Graceful to pack and sort out ready to go on the road tomorrow. I’m a bit apprehensive as the roads are so busy.
Walk in to town and pick up my tailoring, 3 items altered for £2, its amazing.
Tailor
Settling the bill with Giles we are pleasantly surprised, 6 days B&B en suite with hot water, 6 evening meals which have been exceptional, use of washing machine and taxi from airport (at 4 in the morning) £120!…..and he’s storing some bags for us!
So…its back on the bikes and let the Indian adventure begin!!!
twonowgopedalling 