South India Tour

Time for a catch up!! The overnight train on Friday was an experience. We were meant to have two carriages to ourselkves, but it did not work ouit like that. We had a scrum to get on the train and managede to get on OK. It was a mad night. Lots of drinks flowing in crowded conditions. Barbera from Denmark got very drunk, as did lots of others. At one stage there were 20 of us in the space for 8 - all singing songs, playing silly games and annoying any one who wanted to get to sleep!!. Eventually at about 1.30am most people tried to get some shut eye as we trundled throught the night on the Chennai-Madurai "Express".
Next day we arrived on the train at 7am and walked thru the crowds to the hotel. Somehow our bags got there too. After a nice Indian breakfast on the roof top, we were allocated to a bus - green, red, yellow, blue. We were green. Off to a fantastic temple in Madurai on a special day - there were thousands of worshippers and the temple had these 12 big towers covered in amazing sculptures. We saw lots of amazing stuff - an elephant, a market and lots of murals -plus a glimpse at the religious rituals - this temple covered many acres - very interesting, but quite complicated.
Then some shopping and back to the hotel - a quick rest and the off again a Cultural Cenre 15 miles outside the town. Very interesting explanation of the religions and some dancing demonstrations. Then cocktails on the hillside and we had a traditional southern Indian meal eaten off banana leaves - very nice and quite healthy. Idylic surroundings away from the city.
Next morning it was an early start at 7.30am, then a 4 hour coach journey to the mountains of Kerala - lots of hairpin corners as we climbed. We arrived at the Elephant Court Hotel at midday - it was lovely - we had room 118 - very nice. It was much cooler up in the mountains - only 20-25 degrees. In the afternoon we went to on a Spice Tour - just a walk round these gardens with all different spices growing - so now we know where and how they grow. The evening was on the terrace by the pool - absolutely lovely - first some smashing dancing and martial arts, followed by a meal and disco. All the groups were singing their songs. The disco was cut short after complaints from the locals so we ajouned to Alan and Claires' apartment which had its own inside pool!!!!!
Then came the first cock up when I set the alarm wrong and Rachel and I missed the nature walk. She was very understanding especially as it meant we got more sleep. Breakfast, then back on the bus for a 5 hour journey thru nice countryside with hundreds of tea plantations.
We then arrived here at Zuri and it is unbelievable - lovely apartments, a lake and lovely grounds - but by God it is hot again - 30-35 degrees.
Boat trip tomorrow - be back soon