Well, its been a while since the last post and I apologise for my slackness. Not that anyone is probably checking this regularly, though the pictures in my head tell me you are all dilligently logging on each morning to see waht the next exciting installment is.
Exciting? Well, not so much. Unless ironing and risottos excite you that is. Actually, risottos are exciting, especially the one I made.
I've settled in quite nicely to my London life. Its so good to be moving into an established house where I the only things I had to do to get organised was to buy some soap, toothpaste and milk. I'm very lucky.
The main thing I do each day is look for a job. It has taken me a while to get my head aound the best way to do this and I feel like my first week was filled with dead ends. With me flailing around in a sea of information and not knowing the best path to take. Which is a bit demoralising but necessary. It just means Im closer to actually getting somewhere. Im not sure how long it will take me to find a marketing position that suits me so I suspect I will be doing some office work to make ends meet until that time.
But my off time is spent having a look around London, planning and cooking dinner, reading and relaxing with Dave. There are some great markets down the road (Borough Markets)that we went to this morning and got ourselves a coffee and bought our food for the weekend. We are going to play golf tomorrow. Apparently I have a lot of potential. Which is probably all bollocks and Dave's way of coersing me into be positive that playing golf is a good way to spend out long weekend.
Must go. The sun has come out and Dave wants to go outside and take off his top.
Happy Mothers day for Sunday mum. Hopefully will have called you.
xx Heather
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
London
Well, ive arrived in London finally. after three or four days in mumbai and a final 8 hour flight, we arrived early this morning. feeling a bit shaky at the moment from the flight but will have an early one and hopefully land on my feet tomorrow. Though seem to have come down with something of a cold with my nose constantly blocked and my sentences punctuated with a sneeze.
Mumbai was excellent. However unfortunately besides the Gateway to India not much sightseeing was done. And this was mostly to blame on the Taj Mahal Hotel where we were staying and their immaculate pool. I have never stayed in such a luxurious place and after a week of wandering the streets of Bangalore by myself, I felt it was only fair to indulge myself. Plus it was good to have Dave as pretty much constant company, and as he was keen to keep his tan to show those in England, I too attempted to develop one (somewhat unsuccessfully).
Mumbai itself was a really interesting place. As predicted, the extremes were evident.
However that will have to wait till the next post as dave is standing behind me demanding that we go and find food.
Send me emails to heatheranders@hotmail.com and give me tall teh latest. as so much happens in adelaide in 10 days....
xxx Heather
Mumbai was excellent. However unfortunately besides the Gateway to India not much sightseeing was done. And this was mostly to blame on the Taj Mahal Hotel where we were staying and their immaculate pool. I have never stayed in such a luxurious place and after a week of wandering the streets of Bangalore by myself, I felt it was only fair to indulge myself. Plus it was good to have Dave as pretty much constant company, and as he was keen to keep his tan to show those in England, I too attempted to develop one (somewhat unsuccessfully).
Mumbai itself was a really interesting place. As predicted, the extremes were evident.
However that will have to wait till the next post as dave is standing behind me demanding that we go and find food.
Send me emails to heatheranders@hotmail.com and give me tall teh latest. as so much happens in adelaide in 10 days....
xxx Heather
Friday, April 15, 2005
Farewell to Bangalore
in a few hours we leave bangalore for mumbai. im not too sure what to expect of india's biggest city (18 million) but no doubt it will be a case of extremes. Extreme wealth vs extreme poverty. And no doubt it will make bangalore look relatively pristine - an odd concept. There is a recurring smell in bangalore that wafts into your path every now and then when walking the streets - a mixture of the awfullest smelling feet imaginable and rotting fruit. It is quite putrid and hits the back of your throat in a burning fashion. Even five days later it makes me retch. But I suspect the pollution in Mumbai will be far worse, as Bangalore is considered on of the cleanest cities in India. Another thing that worries me is the beggars and homeless people. No doubt it will be far worse in Mumbai and from what I have seen here in bangalore... terrible. Its quite haunting. I'm still trying to shake the image of a little five-year-old girl who approached me, holding her mangled arm up for me to see which was covered with a a sea of red and black and an evil-yellow puss, shrilly yelling for money. I cant bring myself to venture near the corner where I saw her, I cant quite shake the image.
But its not all doom and gloom, much of my stay has been pleasant and fascinating. My 'tailor' (who produced some 'fitted clothes' for me which can only be described as potatoe sacks.. though the materials and the ideas are nice so im hoping to get another tailor to fix as i dont have the heart to insult him) was generous and kind and taught me alot about the culture (and that at 24, i was getting on and really should get married!!) and we have made plans to meet when he comes to England (as is his dream). I truely hope he makes it there to see his beloved Liverpool play.
Last night I met a Tibetan monk (Tenzin) who is staying at the same hotel as us, a kind and generous man who offered me a blessing from the Dhalai Lama for myself and my family - because i was australian and therefore a friend of the Dhalai Lama. I received some blessed silk sheet things to hang in the house to remove obstacles from my homelife and some special tea bead type things (which was a VERY special thing to receive apparently) to clear the obstacles in my personal life and create inner peace (I drink them with hot water in the morning, then shower and eat no breakfast ). He then got me to bring Dave to his room and Dave recieved a different type of blessing for his business and his family also which involved a bell, singing, and wind blowing. It was an interesting ceremony, quite beautiful and at certain points i found myself very eager and toyed with the idea of embracing a bit more spirituality in my life. Certaily the Dhalai Lama a wise and gifted leader and his story is truely amazing. Buddhism seems to be such a positive and peaceful way of life which encapsulates the idea of Karma - a philosophy I completely agree with. Perhaps more inner peace is something my firey temprement needs. But then- in a manner -he asked for some money which sort of cheapened the whole thing - but I cant fault him as how will he be funded to spread the word otherwise? It definately fuelled dave's and mine dinner conversation (where i tried to explain to dave what happened in the Dhalai Lama's life but was a bit patchy as it is years since i saw and was moved by scorsace's 'Kundun') I had seen a few monks around bangalore these past few days and Tenzin explained that there is going to be a big meeting with one of the holiest leaders today in bangalore and monks from across the globe were gathering. It was quite a beautiful, and definately unexpected way tospend an hour in India.
The thing about Indians that cracks me up every time is the head bobble. When the are agreeing or saying yes to something the comical the side to side head bobble is performed. Its positively hysterical when the chinese people who yrun the hotel we are in also employ it I cant quite pinpoint why I find it so amusing, lets just call me a crude westerner.
The plan is to stay at a rather nice hotel which has a pool - a rarity here. im looking forward to being able to have the odd swim as i feel like ive been constantly tacky for a week. whether its the sunscreen, the mosquito repellant or the pure humidity- a glistining film of sweat has encased me constantly.
must go and pack. try to fit all the crap i have bought into my already full suitcases.
love, Heather
ps i hope nobody expects postcards because i literally cant find any!
But its not all doom and gloom, much of my stay has been pleasant and fascinating. My 'tailor' (who produced some 'fitted clothes' for me which can only be described as potatoe sacks.. though the materials and the ideas are nice so im hoping to get another tailor to fix as i dont have the heart to insult him) was generous and kind and taught me alot about the culture (and that at 24, i was getting on and really should get married!!) and we have made plans to meet when he comes to England (as is his dream). I truely hope he makes it there to see his beloved Liverpool play.
Last night I met a Tibetan monk (Tenzin) who is staying at the same hotel as us, a kind and generous man who offered me a blessing from the Dhalai Lama for myself and my family - because i was australian and therefore a friend of the Dhalai Lama. I received some blessed silk sheet things to hang in the house to remove obstacles from my homelife and some special tea bead type things (which was a VERY special thing to receive apparently) to clear the obstacles in my personal life and create inner peace (I drink them with hot water in the morning, then shower and eat no breakfast ). He then got me to bring Dave to his room and Dave recieved a different type of blessing for his business and his family also which involved a bell, singing, and wind blowing. It was an interesting ceremony, quite beautiful and at certain points i found myself very eager and toyed with the idea of embracing a bit more spirituality in my life. Certaily the Dhalai Lama a wise and gifted leader and his story is truely amazing. Buddhism seems to be such a positive and peaceful way of life which encapsulates the idea of Karma - a philosophy I completely agree with. Perhaps more inner peace is something my firey temprement needs. But then- in a manner -he asked for some money which sort of cheapened the whole thing - but I cant fault him as how will he be funded to spread the word otherwise? It definately fuelled dave's and mine dinner conversation (where i tried to explain to dave what happened in the Dhalai Lama's life but was a bit patchy as it is years since i saw and was moved by scorsace's 'Kundun') I had seen a few monks around bangalore these past few days and Tenzin explained that there is going to be a big meeting with one of the holiest leaders today in bangalore and monks from across the globe were gathering. It was quite a beautiful, and definately unexpected way tospend an hour in India.
The thing about Indians that cracks me up every time is the head bobble. When the are agreeing or saying yes to something the comical the side to side head bobble is performed. Its positively hysterical when the chinese people who yrun the hotel we are in also employ it I cant quite pinpoint why I find it so amusing, lets just call me a crude westerner.
The plan is to stay at a rather nice hotel which has a pool - a rarity here. im looking forward to being able to have the odd swim as i feel like ive been constantly tacky for a week. whether its the sunscreen, the mosquito repellant or the pure humidity- a glistining film of sweat has encased me constantly.
must go and pack. try to fit all the crap i have bought into my already full suitcases.
love, Heather
ps i hope nobody expects postcards because i literally cant find any!
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Lost in Translation
(apologies for bad spelling in these past couple of posts - I have the toughest keyboard in the world - especially the i's and the l's)
Been having a few moments over the past few days that i can only liken to Lost in Translation. It's more a feeling than exact events, as there is something a bit disconcerting about wandering the streets by day, waiting for the person to share it with to come home. It's trying to assimilate to a culture and enjoy the adventure, but to only to feel increasingly baffled and alone. But these feelings can be directy related to the fact that Bangalore is probably a place that can be done in a day or two (and I'm on four) and my great planned day trip to Mysore has been cancelled. A bus trip was advised against for a number of reasons and getting a driver meant a seven hour round trip on bumpy roads. The drawcard of the Maharajah's palace was droolworthy, but for those who know me well, im a creature of comfort and doing such a slog by oneself lessened the appeal. So im very much looking forward to the weekend and a change of scenery (Mumbai).
I'm ripping thought my novel (Dave Eggars "You Shall Know Our Velocity" which is great company and has me laughing out loud often [Eggars was one of 2 authors (with Da Vinci Code's Dan Brown) just named in Time's 100 most influential people in the word along wth Bush, Bill Gates etc. etc .... Eggars?!?! Don't understand!]) and venturing out for three or four hours each day. Still shopping somewhat but finding it exhausing. Going to the art gallery this afternoon hopefully. There have been 2 backouts this moring - whch is pretty much on par as backouts seem to occur 3 or 4 times a day (especaly during heat of day) and last for half an hour to an hour.
Have sustained 4 mozzie bites so far, whch isnt too bad consdering their desire for me and the fact that there are so many here you need to be careful when you talk/eat not to swallow one. But up with my malara pills...i think...
Went to another roof-top restaurant last night, which was a very calssy, sliver service affair (cost us under $20AUD - so ive made a deal with dave that i buy him dinner here if he buys in London!). Had the best curries ive ever had. Bliss! Going there again tonight with Dave's work colleagues which should be great. We went there last night after going shopping, where Dave had put my batering skills to shame. I have a tendancy to pay whatever they ask me or get a 3 for 2 type deal whereas dave will spend half an hour debating the price of every litte thing. I have to walk away I find it so embarrassing - but he thrives on it. One of the most amsusing tidbits about shopping/going to restaurants here is the sheer number of staff. Last night we went into a small men's underwear shop, where we were the only people in there for the 20 mins we were there... and had about 7 people serving us!! No kidding.
xx Heather
Been having a few moments over the past few days that i can only liken to Lost in Translation. It's more a feeling than exact events, as there is something a bit disconcerting about wandering the streets by day, waiting for the person to share it with to come home. It's trying to assimilate to a culture and enjoy the adventure, but to only to feel increasingly baffled and alone. But these feelings can be directy related to the fact that Bangalore is probably a place that can be done in a day or two (and I'm on four) and my great planned day trip to Mysore has been cancelled. A bus trip was advised against for a number of reasons and getting a driver meant a seven hour round trip on bumpy roads. The drawcard of the Maharajah's palace was droolworthy, but for those who know me well, im a creature of comfort and doing such a slog by oneself lessened the appeal. So im very much looking forward to the weekend and a change of scenery (Mumbai).
I'm ripping thought my novel (Dave Eggars "You Shall Know Our Velocity" which is great company and has me laughing out loud often [Eggars was one of 2 authors (with Da Vinci Code's Dan Brown) just named in Time's 100 most influential people in the word along wth Bush, Bill Gates etc. etc .... Eggars?!?! Don't understand!]) and venturing out for three or four hours each day. Still shopping somewhat but finding it exhausing. Going to the art gallery this afternoon hopefully. There have been 2 backouts this moring - whch is pretty much on par as backouts seem to occur 3 or 4 times a day (especaly during heat of day) and last for half an hour to an hour.
Have sustained 4 mozzie bites so far, whch isnt too bad consdering their desire for me and the fact that there are so many here you need to be careful when you talk/eat not to swallow one. But up with my malara pills...i think...
Went to another roof-top restaurant last night, which was a very calssy, sliver service affair (cost us under $20AUD - so ive made a deal with dave that i buy him dinner here if he buys in London!). Had the best curries ive ever had. Bliss! Going there again tonight with Dave's work colleagues which should be great. We went there last night after going shopping, where Dave had put my batering skills to shame. I have a tendancy to pay whatever they ask me or get a 3 for 2 type deal whereas dave will spend half an hour debating the price of every litte thing. I have to walk away I find it so embarrassing - but he thrives on it. One of the most amsusing tidbits about shopping/going to restaurants here is the sheer number of staff. Last night we went into a small men's underwear shop, where we were the only people in there for the 20 mins we were there... and had about 7 people serving us!! No kidding.
xx Heather
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Bangalangalangalore
day two. i have upgraded from the tin shed and found an internet place in a pleasant department store. Air-condintioning inventor for president of the word!!
The numerous hours spent roaming the streets of Bangalore over the past two days have meant that I am now an old hand at crossing the road, avoiding dogshit and telling the flower children to bugger off (cruel but necessary to stop the tidal wave).
After getting lost and very disoriented for an hour or two yesterday i was grateful to have Dave home in the evening to go exploring together. We had dinner at this rooftop funky bar called 'Zero' atop a 10 storey building that overlooks Bangalore. We wandered the streets a bit, laughed a lot at the pure insanity of the place and bought me some highheels (!!)
We also managed to bookourselves into another Hotel which is one sixth of the price of where we are currently staying and has double the Indian Charm (ie. no air con, no proper shower, seperate beds and a bay windows that open onto a balcony that overlooks Bangalore's busiest road). We move in tonight. Not sure if this is a wise dea as the traffic will be waking us up very, very eary in the morning I suspect. Indians (like many other cultures) absolutely loooove their car horn. I'm pretty sure a car without one is considered unroadworthy. A toot on the horn can be interpreted as "Get out of my way!!" "I'm coming up behind you!!" "You fuckwit!" "Would you like a ride white lady?" and my favourite "Hello. I have a vehicle!" It had dave and I in stiches last night wen we caught a rickshaw home from the restaurant and even though the road was completely empty the driver woud periodcally beep just for the hell of it!
Hit the tailoring district of Commercal street today which was unreal. Thousands of shops packed together in a maze of narrow dusty streets, selling everything you could and couldn't imagine and hawkers yeling at you from the moment they spotted you 30metres away. So I had my frst foray into barganing today. With mixed results. Actualy suffering from post-purchase disonnance at the moment and pretty convinced that I have paid too much (though definatey not in aust terms) and that they were laughing at the sily white lady. And also not sure why the hell I bought what I bought. Have ordered two indian sets to be tailored for me (beautful fabric, georgeous patterns) but had the realisaton as I waked away from the store that I would probably never wear them (*georgia rubs her hands together*). Was going to get some silk scarves as well, but exhausted from the battle it was to communicate what it was i wanted at the tailoring store, and couldnt summon the energy to talk to anyone else.
So got in a rickshaw and made like a hockey player and got the puck out of there. Only to realise that the coupe of beautiful sequened handbags I had bought were left in the store. Unable to get the driver to turn around, I cut my losses and have started to hope that I can get them tomorrow when I collect my cothes from the tailor. And you better cross your fingers too mum cos one of those bags had your name on it. So i was feeling quite low and questioning everything I had just spent money on, why i was in Inda, and what the meaning of life was in genera (42). THANKFULLY I reaised that I should just buy the Robbie Wiams greatest hits cd, as that i would be guarenteed to make me (and eleanor when i send her a copy) happy. (shops se cds fro 10 dollars here!)
Bout to go and investigate getting a day trip to Mysore tomorrow or Thursday. Also need to get home and gather my stuff to move hotels. Im predicting a scene of me standing on the sidewalk of the busy road (no parking of course) screaming at people to not touch the luggage I am guarding as Dave and his driver carry it up the 700 fights of stairs to out new budget accommodation.
But then i am going to assult an indian curry and everythng will be brilliant. And if it sn't, the cd store is never too far away....
xxxx Heather
ps: cheers to nadsie for the comment. sure, it was mean - but its code for the fact she loves me.
Notes: it does you well to tell people you are bargaining with, that you are from austraia, that you love cricket and how s the inda/pakistan game going.
The numerous hours spent roaming the streets of Bangalore over the past two days have meant that I am now an old hand at crossing the road, avoiding dogshit and telling the flower children to bugger off (cruel but necessary to stop the tidal wave).
After getting lost and very disoriented for an hour or two yesterday i was grateful to have Dave home in the evening to go exploring together. We had dinner at this rooftop funky bar called 'Zero' atop a 10 storey building that overlooks Bangalore. We wandered the streets a bit, laughed a lot at the pure insanity of the place and bought me some highheels (!!)
We also managed to bookourselves into another Hotel which is one sixth of the price of where we are currently staying and has double the Indian Charm (ie. no air con, no proper shower, seperate beds and a bay windows that open onto a balcony that overlooks Bangalore's busiest road). We move in tonight. Not sure if this is a wise dea as the traffic will be waking us up very, very eary in the morning I suspect. Indians (like many other cultures) absolutely loooove their car horn. I'm pretty sure a car without one is considered unroadworthy. A toot on the horn can be interpreted as "Get out of my way!!" "I'm coming up behind you!!" "You fuckwit!" "Would you like a ride white lady?" and my favourite "Hello. I have a vehicle!" It had dave and I in stiches last night wen we caught a rickshaw home from the restaurant and even though the road was completely empty the driver woud periodcally beep just for the hell of it!
Hit the tailoring district of Commercal street today which was unreal. Thousands of shops packed together in a maze of narrow dusty streets, selling everything you could and couldn't imagine and hawkers yeling at you from the moment they spotted you 30metres away. So I had my frst foray into barganing today. With mixed results. Actualy suffering from post-purchase disonnance at the moment and pretty convinced that I have paid too much (though definatey not in aust terms) and that they were laughing at the sily white lady. And also not sure why the hell I bought what I bought. Have ordered two indian sets to be tailored for me (beautful fabric, georgeous patterns) but had the realisaton as I waked away from the store that I would probably never wear them (*georgia rubs her hands together*). Was going to get some silk scarves as well, but exhausted from the battle it was to communicate what it was i wanted at the tailoring store, and couldnt summon the energy to talk to anyone else.
So got in a rickshaw and made like a hockey player and got the puck out of there. Only to realise that the coupe of beautiful sequened handbags I had bought were left in the store. Unable to get the driver to turn around, I cut my losses and have started to hope that I can get them tomorrow when I collect my cothes from the tailor. And you better cross your fingers too mum cos one of those bags had your name on it. So i was feeling quite low and questioning everything I had just spent money on, why i was in Inda, and what the meaning of life was in genera (42). THANKFULLY I reaised that I should just buy the Robbie Wiams greatest hits cd, as that i would be guarenteed to make me (and eleanor when i send her a copy) happy. (shops se cds fro 10 dollars here!)
Bout to go and investigate getting a day trip to Mysore tomorrow or Thursday. Also need to get home and gather my stuff to move hotels. Im predicting a scene of me standing on the sidewalk of the busy road (no parking of course) screaming at people to not touch the luggage I am guarding as Dave and his driver carry it up the 700 fights of stairs to out new budget accommodation.
But then i am going to assult an indian curry and everythng will be brilliant. And if it sn't, the cd store is never too far away....
xxxx Heather
ps: cheers to nadsie for the comment. sure, it was mean - but its code for the fact she loves me.
Notes: it does you well to tell people you are bargaining with, that you are from austraia, that you love cricket and how s the inda/pakistan game going.
Monday, April 11, 2005
passage to india
Im currently sitting in one of the technology capital of India - Bangalore's - many internet cafes. Though it looks remarkably like a tin shed (something like swan reach but 1/5 the size) and smells like **** I have been assured that this is cutting edge. And after the hour spent in Mumbai (Bombay) between airports yesterday - I dont doubt that.
We arrived at the Alex's place in Sydney on Saturday afternoon and after a few catch-up wines headed out to Doyles on Watson Bay to indulge in a bit of beer drinking. A few hours later and after a mad giggling dash to the toilets on the ferry as we avoided the ticket inspector, we found ourselves at Mojo - a funky Tapas restaurant on Bondi Beach with Tommy Moore. I would love to describe what happened there but I have little recollection beyond lots of Sangria and the fact that Dave ate TWO prawns ("fckn delicious - some of the nicest food ive ever had") and male Al convinced him to eat a mussle. Pigs. CAN. Fly.
The result of this night, of course, didnt exactly set us up for the best flying conditions the next day. Thankfully we managed to swindle a four-seater between the 2 of us. For the twenty hours we were in fligh/transit (Sydney to Bombay\Mumbai, Mumbai to Bangalore). I slept no longer than 30 minutes for the 8+ hour first leg and dave staed awake no longer than that. Though I will tell you that Meet the Fockers is average, Ray was excellent, Spanglish was sub-par and the Incredibles is better the second time.
Impressions of India so far? Madness. The transit period spent in Mumbai was quite shocking. Slums as far as the eye could see, the 'houses' within metres of extremely busy roads. Little babies wandering these streets and the rubbish and smell ... unbelievable. But will be back there later this week and have more bout there then.
Bangalore on the other hand is much easier to accept. Whist still very dirty and crowded, the poverty is not so obvious. It's very humid here but Darwin trained me well to cope with this. Everyone stares at me (probably never seen a supermodel before) and the street flower girls like to touch me. Constantly. But it's all ok, im really enjoying the experience.
Crossing the road is a half hour task which I have to build courage up for.... whilst pretending to be waiting for someone so im not accosted. Im in the process of trying to find another hotel as the one we are staying at now is absurdly priced and I still havent managed to cross the road to get to the main strip of hotels. Might have to hire a cab or something. Hmmm....
Been into a few shops where I get my own salesperson everytime but im getting good at looking uninterested. Feel the shopping bug creeping back on me but quite content to look around for a day or two before getting out the plastic... And then... well - Mum - Im sure we can fit much much more in those cases
The food here so far is nice. Drank the Lassi this moring to build up my natural immunity to the local bacteria and found it delicious. Ate a couple of curries and in heaven. YUM.
All is well, missing everyone lots, wishing you were all here to share this with me. Becaseu its crazy. Absolutely Absurd. Anyway - must go, roads to cross.
xxxx Heather
PS. Carn the Crows!!!! PREMIERS 2005.
We arrived at the Alex's place in Sydney on Saturday afternoon and after a few catch-up wines headed out to Doyles on Watson Bay to indulge in a bit of beer drinking. A few hours later and after a mad giggling dash to the toilets on the ferry as we avoided the ticket inspector, we found ourselves at Mojo - a funky Tapas restaurant on Bondi Beach with Tommy Moore. I would love to describe what happened there but I have little recollection beyond lots of Sangria and the fact that Dave ate TWO prawns ("fckn delicious - some of the nicest food ive ever had") and male Al convinced him to eat a mussle. Pigs. CAN. Fly.
The result of this night, of course, didnt exactly set us up for the best flying conditions the next day. Thankfully we managed to swindle a four-seater between the 2 of us. For the twenty hours we were in fligh/transit (Sydney to Bombay\Mumbai, Mumbai to Bangalore). I slept no longer than 30 minutes for the 8+ hour first leg and dave staed awake no longer than that. Though I will tell you that Meet the Fockers is average, Ray was excellent, Spanglish was sub-par and the Incredibles is better the second time.
Impressions of India so far? Madness. The transit period spent in Mumbai was quite shocking. Slums as far as the eye could see, the 'houses' within metres of extremely busy roads. Little babies wandering these streets and the rubbish and smell ... unbelievable. But will be back there later this week and have more bout there then.
Bangalore on the other hand is much easier to accept. Whist still very dirty and crowded, the poverty is not so obvious. It's very humid here but Darwin trained me well to cope with this. Everyone stares at me (probably never seen a supermodel before) and the street flower girls like to touch me. Constantly. But it's all ok, im really enjoying the experience.
Crossing the road is a half hour task which I have to build courage up for.... whilst pretending to be waiting for someone so im not accosted. Im in the process of trying to find another hotel as the one we are staying at now is absurdly priced and I still havent managed to cross the road to get to the main strip of hotels. Might have to hire a cab or something. Hmmm....
Been into a few shops where I get my own salesperson everytime but im getting good at looking uninterested. Feel the shopping bug creeping back on me but quite content to look around for a day or two before getting out the plastic... And then... well - Mum - Im sure we can fit much much more in those cases
The food here so far is nice. Drank the Lassi this moring to build up my natural immunity to the local bacteria and found it delicious. Ate a couple of curries and in heaven. YUM.
All is well, missing everyone lots, wishing you were all here to share this with me. Becaseu its crazy. Absolutely Absurd. Anyway - must go, roads to cross.
xxxx Heather
PS. Carn the Crows!!!! PREMIERS 2005.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Links Archive
Feb 2009
- Best 3/4 Time Speech Ever
- van damme on the dance floor
- Jones' Big Ass Truck Rental & Storage
- Shoes
- Les peaux de lièvres
April 3
- garfield minus garfield
- Design*Sponge
- YouTube - Spiders On Drugs
- Music Video Clip - Radiohead - Street Spirit (Fade Out)
July 31
- YouTube - CSI Miami - Endless Caruso One-Liners
- YouTube - Logie Bonehead Challenge
- YouTube - Best Bridal Dance Ever
- YouTube - Conan Walker Lever
June 13
- 60 Reasons Why Spielberg Rules
- Celebrity Baby Blog
- YouTube Clip - MADtv iRack
- Music Video Clip - Thriller (Indian Style)
April 26
April 3, 2007
- Baby Rock Records
- Knitted Dog Hats
- YouTube Clip of the Week - Grape Lady
- Music Video Clip of the Week - Bjork - "Triumph of Heart"
March 11, 2007
- The Human Clock
- World Press Photos of the Year Gallery
- Music Video of the Week - David Hasselhoff "Hooked on a Feeling"
- YouTube Clip of the Week - "Brokeback to the Future"
February 2007
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
It begins..
Like all good tales, this one begins in Adelaide. City of Churches. Gateway to the Outback. The Home of Mt Therbarton. However, unfortunately it won't hover here long as the world is too large, and I am too impatient (impatient in a sloth-like way - as for 24 years, Adelaide has had me riveted)
Anyways - the point is, that this coming Saturday (April 9) I'm packing my backpack and heading into the wild unknown (read: numerous suitcases, Dave's comfy apartment). After a night in Sydney with Al & Al, it's off to India for 10 days (Mumbai/Bombay and Bangalore) and then on to London with an ETA of 21st of April.
And thanks to Courtney's suggestion, I'm taking all of you with me. Whilst some would argue this is a small step away from actually hosting a website and being an official computer nerd, I prefer to think of it as keeping an online diary. A public diary. It allows me to keep all of those people who are interested, updated on what i've been doing - without having to send group/individual emails [read: easier for me]. It allows me to let you guys see photos of my travels without you having to download huge files (*Ben lets out a yee haa*). It also lets you guys make retorts/adoring comments on anything I have written... in a public forum (ridiculing my spelling is not alloud).
So this is the website: http://hnanders.blogspot.com/ visit me often.
Go on... add me to your favourites. You know you want to.....
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