Left Gudur early - there really wasn't much reason to hang around, plus, in the event of Diva Dolly tantrums, we at least had plenty time to get to Mamallapuram, a beach backpacker resort where many of the other teams seemed to be hanging out before the final stretch to Pondicherry. Should I have been worried that it was Friday the 13th?! Last night when we were both half asleep, the hotel guy had asked for Dolly's keys to move her from a side street to in front of the hotel. I think he then probably spent the entire night looking after her, as he was sitting about one metre away from her at 6.15 when we left. I should have left the navigating to Sharon and just stuck to driving as I competely the missed the sign for Chennai and pulled onto the north bound lane. As soon as we realised my mistake, I did the only sensible thing: pull a U-turn and drive along the hard shoulder in the wrong direction.... You know what? It felt like the most natural thing to do! Dolly was fine for the next few hours, cruising along at around 40kpm, bedecked in loads of plastic flowers. We had a great laugh as we drove along; there seemed to be loads of young folk passing us, wearing the same t-shirts - possibly a college uniform. They were on scooters, in rickshaws and riding on top of trucks. They were all really amused to see us, all of them pointing, laughing and waving, which brightened the journey. Good breakfast and chai stops before heading on to Chennai. We switched so I was navigating which really wasn't a wise move. I struggle with maps anyway, but it really was something of an ordeal for us to get out of the city, which appears to have NO road signs whatsoever. Had to stop for directions countless times, denied a drunk access to Dolly, were given several hand drawn maps - and somehow managed to direct Sharon down a one way street - the wrong way... Finally, with great relief, we saw signs for Mamallapuram and knew we were headed the right way. We cruised along the coastal 'scenic highway' - which isn't even marked on our map. I think Dolly knows her impending fate as, just after we passed a 20km sign, she sputtered to a halt. And again with only 7km to go. (Note this tends to happen when I am a passenger.... Coincidence?!) Still, she got us there, and it was really cool seeing loads of other teams who had also decided to make the stop here. This is a real backpacker resort, travel agents, internet cafes, restaurants charging ridiculous amounts, ethnic wares... I cannot think where it reminds me of, but it is all so familiar - maybe I was here in a past life? Spent a very pleasant evening catching up with other teams, hearing about their adventures - or in some cases lack of... No breakdowns whatsoever? I call that an easy ride!!!