We are finally starting to feel more involved in the Indian way of life now...we don't bat an eyelid when we see a cow in a restaurant, we don't worry if the local transport is 5 hours late and we even look forward to a biriyani at the end of the day - Vicky is especially keen to purchase her own biriyani pots!

We've made many friends along the way, travellers and locals alike. Our favourite personality so far was the overly enthusiastic, if not slightly drunk coach man whose main job was to wake people up and shout 'don't sleep, go' when we stopped for a break on our overnight bus journey from Gokarna to Hampi! (Usual journey length 8 hours, actual journey length 13 hours.)

From Mumbai we went to Panjim and Old Goa where we randomly bumped into some friends from London! Then we spent a few days relaxing on the beautiful beaches in Goa and getting a full body massage, which really was full body!! We now know where all the hippies from the 1960s have gone; catch them in Goa by the bongo stand in their original clothing.

Heading further south, we reached Gokarna, a spiritual place full of Hindu pilgrims visitng the many shrines and temples in the town. Unfortunately, it's a rule there that foreigners aren't allowed in the temples but we still managed to soak up the calming atmosphere in the streets (with the cows)! Alas, alcohol was forbidden in this town but a group of Indian guys on holiday made friends with us and were keen to share their beer. We also got an invite to stay with them in Bangalore and have dinner with their mums!

We're currently inland, in a beautiful riverside town called Hampi surrounded by lush rice paddies, palm trees and temple ruins. It's a very laid back place, a perfect place to relax...