Les Boys arrive

Derek, Dave and Benny have arrived relatively safe and sound (SEE: Book 3 of Derek's blog in "Links" section). Its great to have them and showing them around Chennai has been fun. Our plan is to make short trips to Pondicherry, Kodikanal (a hill station) and other stops near Chennai before launching into the main travel stint (which takes us onwards to Goa via Kerala).

Unfortunately I have been stricken with a sever case of septic tonsilitis which refuses to go away depite the heavy medication I am on...swallowing anything kills so my appetite has taken a hard shot which of course is seriously cramping my style (who's got apply sauce?). Am on the mend tho so nothing to worry about.

It is very interesting for me talking to the guys about how they find India. I am almost seeing the country in another light, or rather through the eyes of a new arrival. Things that I now regard as mundane for Indian life are so foreign and in some case disturbing for these fresh faced young travellers, it reminds me of my first experiences of returning. I'll have to enjoy this as much as possible now because I'm sure they will become hardy veterans in just a short while.

More Anything?...

I arrived in Chennai at 4am and am now waiting for the guys to show up (they get in in about an hour). I can't wait to show them around, its gonna be a blast. Hopefully they make it thru the 'mean streets' of Delhi okay...

My trip was very long (due to unplanned and unneccessarily long airport layovers) but took a turn for the incredible on the second leg of the journey (London to Chennai). A family of three travelling with a young child was separated and wanted my seat, because I remained pleasant and smiled (which was due more to how tired and out of it I was) they upgraded me to business class and gave me seat in coach away!! Sweet tities it was as I enjoyed expensive champagne, fine cheeses and rich chocolates by the basket-full...oh and did I mention the lie-flat bed?? The view was also spectacular as I could look straight into the Rolls Royce engine as well as see all the landscape far below thanks to the Boeing 777's low flying altitude. All in all the sweetest plane trip ever, and it couldnt have come at a better time cause boy did I need it.

The only problem is I don't think I'll be able to go back...

"They have cookies!!"

Shantaram

"The simple and astonishing truth about India and Indian people is that when you go there, and deal with them, your heart always guides you more wisely than your head. There's nowhere else in the world where that's quite so true."

- Gregory David Roberts

In late May 2006, four young men will convocate from Queen's University. Before they go their separate ways they will join in one last adventure, a voyage to a faraway land sure to change how they see the world.

Asia, full of bustle and bamboozlement, here we come.

Synopsis

The rickshaw is a mode of transportation commonly found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of South East Asia. The traditional version was a two wheeled cart seating two passengers and pulled by a runner. Now banned or being phased out, the original rickshaw gave rise to a family of simple vehicles that provide convenient and affordable transportation to locals and travellers alike.

The "cycle rickshaw" is a popular derivation commonly encountered in urban centers across Asia. This three wheeled cousin provides greater efficiency for the operator, who pedals the bicycle attachment rather than walking/running.








Perhaps the most common member of the rickshaw dynasty is the "auto-rickshaw" (also known as the "tuk-tuk" and "bajaj"). This vehicle for hire can be found on the busy streets of any Indian city and is similarily common all over South East Asia. The three-wheeler seats 4 passengers (there are also "share-rickshaws" which are larger and seat up to 8 passengers) and a driver who controls the scooter-engine driven taxi. Covered from the scorching summer sun or tumultuous monsoon rains, voyagers can enjoy a rapid, noisy, sometimes scary but always authentic take on life in the metropolises of Asia.