The octopus is losing its legs. At our largest, we had built up to a group of 8 people, wildly exploring and feeling out the nooks and crannies that we encountered. We have since dropped to 5 and in 2 days, 3 more will leave India (myself included).
A group of 8 people is theoretically hard to travel with. Moving from point A to Point B can be difficult, either because you need to arrange transportation (3 rickshaws, 1 giant taxi, train tickets...), accomodation (3 rooms? 2 huts? 3 huts?) or because people get sidetracked. Not pointing any tentacles. We all have our weaknesses.
The final five moved to Gokarna a couple of days ago. A new beach, promises of temples. And neo-hippies wielding didgeridoos (true to the guidebook's warning). We ended up on a coastal hike, scrambling up rocks, grasping at roots and tree trunks (after making sure they were not hanging snakes) as we tried not to slip on the small pebbled animal path. It was amazing. After two and a half hours we exited the thorny bracken, thoroughly drenched, stinky and exhilarated. Only slightly scratched, bitten and frazzled. We never did find the promised temples (though Sara found a fence that she could not penetrate) by the time we arrived at the next beach. And awarded ourselves as we do at least 3 times a day: with food and drink.
One more reward found at that beach: Ayurvedic massages. Think of a serious oily rubdown executed on your loincloth-clad body. Pictures not included.
Steve gets his parting wish
So...on to supper. Celebrate our last night as a group of 5. Try out some new dishes or old favourites. Prawns, kingfish, calamari, paneer have all been daily staples. Dals, masalas, kormas, a new vocabulary that needs to be brought home.
And as for going home...I'm excited. 3 weeks away is time enough to make you re-appreciate your country, home, family, friends, life. Allows you to fall in love all over again.
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