After a tense taxi journey through crazy traffic in Delhi, I just about arrived at the Airport in time for my flight to Goa. It was great to arrive somewhere with clean air and clear blue skies, after the pollution of Delhi.

After confirming my flight to Kochin (outside the aiprort) in five days time I wasn't allowed back into the airport to the cheap pre paid taxi service as I had no flight ticket, only a boarding pass. So with heavy bags and 35 deg temperatures I was told I had to walk all the way around the airport with no transport close by. Luckily that was wrong, a friendly cabbie came along and quoted me less than the prepaid rate anyway. Off we went on a scenic trip but ended up at Panolim, not where I was staying, Benaulim. "Oh sorry sir" he said. "No worries" I replied, we sat and had a coke on Panolim beach and finally got to Camilsons in Benaulim just after dark.

The place looked a bit dingy with dirty sheets and no bog roll/soap so it didnt look too good. All changed quickly though, clean bedding was found and I made the bed up and toiletries came quickly and the staff were very helpful. Had a couple of nasty cockroaches yesterday though! However, it was right on the beach, with comfortable sunbeds and a decent restaurant. Starting to miss home cooked food though... Its quiet in the evenings, by 10.30 most taverna's are starting to empty out.

After that days have followed a similar patten - early morning run on the beach (and a short boat ride to see the dolphins this morning), brekkie, reading&ipod, walk in the sea, lunch, ipod, walk up the lovely deserted beach to the internet cafe-an air conditioned oasis. Met a few people, a couple from Poland the first night and a Wigan fan last night both in a beach taverna up the road and an older couple who used to live in Crawley. All good to chat to but you do miss "proper" freinds a bit.

Alls generally going well though, although slightly dodgy guts today. Hopefully that'll be better before my 4am start to get to Kochin tomorrow.

Thanks for all the messages, they are really great to get.

Cheers all