Hello again all.

We are now in a city called Mysore, which is probably the cleanest place we have been so far, also hardly any stray dogs - woo hoo! There is a huge palace here which is one of the most opulent things we have ever seen. Conversely, about 15minutes walk away we went to a craft co-operative market, where in return for working and selling their goods, each family get a small house, 7kgs of rice, 4kgs of sugar and school places for the children. We found this out from a man who works in a church-run orphanage, where they go out to find abandoned female babies in parks, police stations etc., about 50 children are found every week, but not many survive.

On a lighter note, we had a true south Indian eating experience when we arrived here. We went to a restaurant where instead of a plate you are given a banana leaf, everyone eats the same meal, a vegetarian thali. Several people come round and put various dishes on your leaf. We wimped out of eating with our hands and requested a spoon. It was certainly very different from a chicken korma in the UK.

The markets here are amazing, will put some pictures up soon.

We have been observing Indian driving habits and have some to the conclusion it is a bit like a video game. The main objective is to arrive at the destination as quickly as possible. Points are not deducted for hitting obstacles. Points are added for hitting animals, beeping the horn and shouting at other drivers. Overtaking, whether necessary or not earns you a bonus point.

We're off again tonight on a public night bus - not anticipating much sleep.

Love to everyone at home, xxxx