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.