So, the 12 hour train journey to Goa which turned into a 16 hour journey ....

I honestly have to say it was probably one of my favourite experiences yet! That obviously sounds weird to say about a train journey, especially one with hard "so-called" beds, which actually resemble tables, no air conditioning in a country where it is 38 degrees and the usual chaos that is India!!

So this is why it was, for me, such a wonderful experience.....

...After sleeping for around 8 hours (Yes, I have found my talent - I can sleep almost anywhere!!) I woke up to the shouting of "Chai, Chai" constantly over and over. This is Indian tea which is served on the trains for around 5p a cup. And it's delicious!! After sinking a couple of Chai's I made my way down the train to the open doors and hung right out of them!!! Just like they do on Slumdog Millionaire!! Wow, it's amazing!!! Sounds weird but if feels fantastic!! Just to hang your whole body out of the doors and take in the incredible sights of rivers, crooked wooden bridges, blue mountains and bright green paddy fields (and of course the odd slum) along the way - Thw warm breeze on your face after spending 6 days and nights constantly sweating in the heat of Mumbai is exhilarating!! I stayed there as the sun went down and the rain came and was still there 6 hours later listening to great music and feeling as though I was the only person in the world!!

2 stops before mine I decided I should tear myself away and return to the carriage - It was here I met some beautiful people who have been a part of my journey since. Our group of 3 who boarded the train in Mumbai (Laura, Janner, from Oz and Me) has now become a multi-cultural group of 7 including guys from Finland, South Korea and Italy and 2 gorgeous girls from Spain. We stayed in Anjuna, North Goa for 4 nights and rented mopeds (3 pounds 50 for 2 days) to explore Calangute and Baga and some of the smaller beaches. With only one accident - A close encounter with a giant bush, we had an amazing 4 days enjoying the chilled out, hippie style of Goa. We jumped waves, climbed Chapora Fort, smoked some of the famous sheesha, shopped, sunbathed and lived it up.

So leaving Goa, on a high (and on local buses) for Gokarna with great friends and memories.

Life is good............

PS - Pictures to follow - So far have not found a single computer that allows me to upload photos!