The train journey was unbelievable. There would be a more orderly queue at a free food counter in Uganda. I made sure Lara was on first before I was elbowed in the face by an old Indian woman a foot shorter than me. It was at this point I saw the bag as an advantage rather than a disadvantage. As my elbows are head height for most people here they also came in useful. Eventually caught up to Laura where she had secured our seats. Did find it quite strange that there were five men sat on the (small)bench opposite all on each other's laps. After enduring 4 Hours of this and few rounds of name the band alphabet game, and photos with peoples children we arrived at Nasik. Getting off wasn't quite as bad as getting on so a little relief.

Long rickshaw ride to the hotel which was actually quite nice. We did however erect the mosquito net just in case. I also managed to watch some football. Win. We went to a local restaurant recommended by the hotel staff. Proper local restaurant. I sympathised with the waiter running the show so left him a hefty tip hopefully what goes around comes around.

First full day in Nasik. Decided to explore for ourselves. Is not as touristy as the other sites we've been to. Instead it's a big pilgrimage to the Ramkund is a big bathing tank in the river where people visit to bathe and wash and the streets are lined with Hindu shrines and decorations. We saw some real Indian markets with the food out on the floor and we didn't get as much attention as n other cities we've been to so we were able to wander around and browse without being hassled but everyone does want to say hello. We bought ourselves some hankies like the real locals to mop the brows. Sean's also doubles as a rather fetching bandana. He bought a t-shirt a couple of pairs of shorts, one which would only just fit a five year old- bit of misjudgment there. Everyone was friendly and pleased to see us and not just pleased to see us for money. The guy Sean bought some boxers off dropped his price when we pd for the time we had spent talking to him Laura got her bag fixed by the sewers who lined one of the streets. There was a whole row of men just sat at little benches with Singer machines just waiting to fix things. Best bargain of the trip.

Really good day. Went back to Manas for the service and food. The only time we have ever been in a rush and it took an hour to get our food. No tip was left. Skyped home quickly and again retired to the mozzie net. We watched Die Hard on the telly. Apparently it's a classic everywhere.

Went to check out. Not before Laura had another debate with the staff. No we didn't have any room service. Then began the epic journey to Trivandrum.

We tried to spend as long as we could in a local restaurant to kill some time but as we were the only ones there it was a bit obvious and a bit awkward. We left willingly with the promise there was a Cafe Coffee Day nearby - our little slice of Western heaven but still Indian enough not to be cheating. No one knew where it was so we headed to the train station a tad early. Just four hours to kill there then.

The train station at Nasik was an interesting experience. We were bored so played cards. Never before have I played cards to a crowd. Who knew it was a spectator sport. We switched to pontoon and bored our onlookers into submission. when Laura went to get food I thought I'd swot up on the LP which attracted another crowd. So swiftly put it away and sat still hoping to blend in. This did not discourage one man for staring at Laura for an hour and a half. From our platform, the opposite platform, and then when we moved to sit on the bench he then circled around us doing weird limbo stretches. Maybe a war dance or an effort to impress we're not sure. Eventually the police stepped in and escorted us down the platform and onto the train. Cattle class round three. Not nearly as bad as last time and the journey practically flew by. Almost. Into Mumbai and back to our favourite haunt the sports bar. Bit of cricket and a Kingfisher later and a peaceful nights' sleep before the monster 34hour journey to Trivandrum. We now have five hours left and are a bit bored of trains now. Looking forward to kicking back in Kerala and taking our time in the south. also looking forward to some more sun fingers crossed.

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