Hotel Khems Ootacamund

... is over. But at last we gave our best effort as a team keeping as that’s the only way we can survive in the Jungle where we were exposed to wildlife. I salute the local tribe (Mahesh) who takes enormous effort to ensure this trip should give us happy and safe...Hats off to him.. Thank god all our prayers worked and we reached safely to our place. That was the last thrilled night I ever had so far.

Early morning on 22nd we started from Masinagudi at 7am saying good ...

... to adjust to Canada. It took me even longer to properly identify with my nationality. Now as an ATCK (Adult Third Culture Kid) I’ve come to not only embrace my identity but also revel in it. Not every global nomad comes to terms with the conflict of who they are.

At least they are not alone, especially in Ooty. “Hebron has a unique cultural atmosphere that even the Indian students become like third culture kids,” John explained. “We have a good awareness ...

... Doddabetta, the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills where the panoramic views of the mountains would have been spectacular if it wasn't for the early morning haze. A tea factory which dissapointingly was not a patch on the one in the Malaysian highlands, botanical gardens with outstandingly bad topiary and a rose garden deemed "The World Best Rose Garden", which without any spec of doubt was the "Universes Worst".

The drive down hill ...

... deep valley under us. We strained our eyes to see but could only make out muddy coffee colored water in a thick green jungle-ed gorge. Then we noticed some black spots and were told that they were elephants on their daily splash. We then got out our
binoculars and zoom cameras to see them clearly and they are a sight to see.

Such bulky creatures can be quite playful in water. After ...

... small places like golf ground and military regiment. the chocolate tea was very good it taste of chocolate as well as tea !!...after lunch in a hotel we proceeded to 6 th mile ,9 mile, pykara dam and pykara falls.brought some amazing milk chocolates in shop in market.and dont forget to eat delicious wood ...

... run over. We went on a hike and visited a Toda (tribal) village, went to a Tea Museum and did some go-kart racing - a mixed bag of stuff. It was the last stop for the kids before they headed off to Bangalore for their flight back to Singapore/Melbourne - their verdict - overall a good trip with lots of new experiences, although they were quite homesick for all things familiar.

... an additional sign saying 'no MRP but GRP'. Sounds very good for the consumer to me, whatever it is. Claire has made a request (several actually :) that I include certain information in my blog, which I will try and fulfill. One of these was not just what we are eating ourselves, but what's on offer generally. Firstly, it changes as we move through the different states and we've already been through 3, Mahashtra, Goa, Karnataka (briefly) and now Kerala ...

... telling the offending person to sit down. I confess I joined in once the parade had started, but they were at it when there was nothing to see. The parade led off with 8 elephants wearing different colours of silk and gold hats and coverings; legs, trunks, ears and rears intricately painted. I nearly cried when I saw them, they looked so splendid. The rest was rather like an exotic Lord Mayor's Show except that the ...

... ride to get here from Mettupulayam was really spectacular and great fun. Next stop for us is Coonoor, tomorrow, where we'll be staying at The Tryst (http://www.trystindia.com/) which is our wedding present from Gail, Tim, Sam and Becs. That's going to be a real treat I think - it's not so high up so should be a bit warmer. Had an unexpected bit of fun today when we tried to hire a moped to tour the surrounding area. They didn't have any scooters and tried to give ...

... I came to to this month long intensive programme and figured that at the end of I would feel strong, flexible, centered and energetic...that wasnt quite the case. But, but was definitely a learning experience in many more ways than I expected. I've been doing yoga for about 6 years on & off, but never too intensely... so I'm very much a beginner in this game...and before the course here my knowledge of yoga was purely the physical postures ...