Bidis - Beadies - Beedies

This could be a perfect time to give up 'the dreaded weed'. Beadies have now become more popular than regular cigarettes in the Indian subcontinent.

Might try one, or two...............the thought of smoking in 45 degrees centigrade doesn't seem very appealing. Perfect time to STOP!

No seat belts required.....Indian buses.

What can be said? This afternoon had an interesting conversation with the owner of an Indian shop in Figeac who had visited India several times. Her recommedation was if you get a seat on a bus then try to sit as close to the front as possible as many of them don't have rear shock absorbers....I can understand why! In anycase it's better to use private bus companies rather than state owned. But I have a feeling that I would like to experience both, if I survive, then that's another story.



Photo: Bus in New Delhi......frightening!!!

Apparently it's cheaper on the roof. How much it costs to hang off the back is anyone's guess.

Apart from pot holes in the road, there are always the 'Holy cows' to avoid.

This will be a real adventure.....am I prepared for this? No!

Thomas the Tank Engine - Toy Train

This has to be a must journey. The Toy Train (steam engine)known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

The Toy Train track was built between 1879 - 1871, and was listed a World Heritage sight in 1999. There are 17 stations and 15 stops, and during one part of it's journey it runs through a bizaar almost touching the market stalls.

Sri Lanka Visa hop.

It's looking more likely, whether you have a year or 5 year visa to enter India that you have to leave the country before the 180th day expires. The question is where?

By October I will be in the South, therefore I will cross over into Sri Lanka, and on entry immediately apply for another visa to return to India. Officially this takes two months, but travellers have obtained re-entry visas to India in Kandy within a week. But no problem as I will travel, and explore Sri Lanka until my visa is granted. In anycase it will be a break before heading up the Eastern side of India to Ponicherry, Kolkata, Dargeeling for the second part of the adventure.

Another guide book on order......Sri Lanka. The land of elephants, whales, sun, beaches and tea..sounds good!

Indian facts.

A few facts:

Official Name: Baharat (Hindi), or the Republic of India.

Capital: New Delhi.

Languages: 2 National languages are Hindi and English (Indian constitution recognises 22 religious languages).

Major religions: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.
President:Pratibah Patil (1st Indian president).

Prime Minster: Dr.Manmohan Singh.

National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana.

National animal: Tiger.

National bird: Peacock.

National song: Vande Mataram.

National emblem: Replica of the lion, capital of Sarnath.

Flag: Circle in centre of flag, called Chakra represents a Buddhist symbol dating back to the 200th Century BC.

Pin cushion time....no real choice

Well that's out of the way. Interesting that it isn't obligatory to have vaccinations to enter India, but recommened!!!

So to feel a little safer have had Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus, and Hepatitis A.......two injections, but have to have another injection on my return in relation to Hepatitis.