With a late start out of Portland Friday afternoon, and many hours of sitting in traffic, we finally made it down to Newport four hours later than expected, but thankfully before dark. Spent the next morning on the beach, walking around the small town, and then headed down to the Aquarium. Oregon Coast Aquarium, exploring and examining every inch of every exhibit for over five hours. Not missing a beat. The sea lions and seals were probably my favorite though. I've seen them out in the wild many times and always thought of them as "dicks" of the sea, but the ones at the aquarium were fun, playful, and enjoyable to sit and watch for about an hour. They've moved up in my book. I kind of want one now. Heading out on Sunday, stopping at the lighthouse for one last view of the ocean before we continued up highway 101. Destination: Tillamook Cheese Factory! Which just opened back up in July after the visitor center had been closed for remodeling. Like everything else, we took our time, watched the curd get packaged, workers ignoring the gawking observers from above, sampling cheese, then waiting for ice cream downstairs. Next stop: Vernonia Photo Credits: Kat Wilson & Santhosh Nemmaluri
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The original plan, of my friends 30+ day visit to the Pacific Northwest was to spend the first weekend at Crater Laker. Unfortunately due to the forest fires, fire ban, and air quality from the smoke in the air... I detoured our plan to Seattle. Luckily though, I think it turned out to be more of a blessing. I'm glad I was not out camping in the cold air when death came over me. I was so sick. Congested, headache, throat... you name it, it was all brewing inside me. Seattle... the sister city of Portland. It was a really nice weekend with clear skies, full sun, warm, and way less smoke up North. We wondered around, did the normal tourist stops (ferris wheel, space needle, pike street, fish market, wharf, MoPC, etc), all while nurturing my low energy levels due to forgetting my cold meds and feeling like my head was on verge of explosion. Even with all that going on, it was still an enjoyable weekend with an amazing view. [Its been a few years since I've been up to Seattle, outside of the airport. The weekend we went seemed to be the right time to visit as they had just recently finished remodeling the observation deck of the Space Needle. Adding a rotating glass bottom floor, which I will admit... made me really queazy and threw off my equilibrium (slow circular motion), but still really cool all the same. Very much a head trip... whats moving? the wall or the floor?] Photo Credits: Kat Wilson & Santhosh Nemmaluri
As we were heading to Boston for purpose of attending a concert, we decided to add a few extra days for exploring the city. Although our time was too brief to really get a complete feel for it, we did manage to explore many of the sites that make Boston so appealing. From the rich history, architecture, and unique neighborhoods. I'm sure even another few extra days still wouldn't have given enough time to cover everything. Thursday Following along The Freedom Trail, a red brick path guiding you through the city, this is an easy way to catch glimpse of all the historical landmarks without too much effort. Its a few miles, but worth sticking with till the end. Starting at The Boston Common and continuing on stopping at the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burial Ground (graves of Adams, Hancock, and Paul Revere), first public school, Benjamin Franklin Statue, Old South Meeting House, Boston Massacre site, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and ending at Bunker Hill Monument. Winding around, but always looking down to ensure we are still following the path... except for one small detour, which was an absolute must. Cheers! The bar and set for the 80's TV show where "everybody knows your name". A little nostalgic. Friday As a kid I was always asked in school what I wanted to be when I grew up. Frankly, I had no idea. None. I knew I liked to draw, loved poetry, and was into the arts... but what does that make out to in a career back in the 80's? Nothing. So, I put down a fake career goal. A professional baseball player. Had I ever played? No. Had I ever been to a game? No. Did I know anything about the game? No. But who cares. That's what all my assignments were now on from 3rd till 6th grade... baseball and how I was going to be the first female professional player. My teachers weren't too pleased with my new founded career path, but I stood my ground. Why couldn't I be one? And who says girls can't play professionally? We bought tickets for the Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park that evening. My very first game... 30 years after I started putting that as my career path. I never did pick up playing and learned nothing of the game. But none the less, I really enjoyed tonights game. I knew there were innings, but as people cheered and boo'd I couldn't tell you why. hahaha Saturday After a day covering sites and landmarks not covered by the freedom trail, such as the location of the Tea Party where they dumped the tea into the sea. We headed back to our hotel to get ready for the whole purpose of our trip. Radiohead was playing at TD Gardens. Third time seeing them in the past three years. Each time being memorable, different, and an amazing show. I get chills each time. Always a surreal experience. Sunday The great departure back to home. Leaving Boston and heading back to our regular scheduled lives. Knowing we barely uncovered this city. I do feel we will be back someday. Farewell Boston. For the past couple weeks I have been trying to figure out how to start this post. On one hand, attempting Costa Rica again after a stressful visit two years ago, and on the other wanting to find a delicate way to touch on the crisis in Nicaragua but stay away from it at the same time. Costa RicaRound two of this beautiful country, but again having to work and no time to play. Spending the days in a hotel, long hours, logged onto work, only to take a break in the evenings to finally find food. Yes, I worked during the trip. Yes, I was stuck inside all day. No, I did not get to venture out much. Would I come back? Yes. Of course. NicaraguaTaking a break from work, and a little hesitant, but we decided to hop over to Nicaragua for the long weekend. With an increase of crime, violence, and riots.. what could go wrong?
I've decided not to write much about the crisis. It's a touchy subject, politics, and thats not what my blog is about. Even with the riots, road blocks, angry locals, and fear... I cannot say I felt it much while we were there. It only changed a couple of our plans, but we were able to adjust fairly quickly. I will, though, write about a few things we probably should have thought twice about. Saturday we kept it low key. Walking around the town. Getting a feel where everything was at. And stayed close to the hostel. Sunday, we took the city bus to Laguna de Apoyo from Granada for a day trip. With no marked bus stops along the way, we somehow only had to backtrack about 1/2 mile on foot and made it down to the lagoon to spend the day kayaking and avoiding the sudden downpour that was soon to be overhead. Once the rain lifted we decided to walk back from the lake, back up the hill to the main road to catch the bus... was only a couple miles... uphill! Tired, the rain starting again, then seeing a man sitting on the side of the road and Rehan whispers to me, "pay respect to the man with the machete", as I look up and make a mumbling sound in the direction of his large machete he had in his hand and watching us walk by. Out of ear shot, laughing at not dying, we took a wrong turn. Going through a small village, off the beaten path, kids paused their game of soccer to watch us walk by. I thought to ask to play, but we kept walking. I swear the path to the lagoon was much shorter than this. We were lost. Luckily, a truck stopped and asked if we needed a ride. Why not? I hitchhiked in India, why not Nicaragua too. By this time it was a downpour again. We were drenched. We jumped in back of the pickup bed where they then drove us the rest of the way to the main road. Again, we did not die. Next day, Monday, we made arrangements to kayak out on Lake Nicaragua to Monkey Island then drive up to Mombacho Volcano, to be back before we needed to head to the airport to catch our flight back to Costa Rica. Plenty of time. Unfortunately, there were road blocks that morning. And no traffic to/from the volcano. Change of plans, just meant more time on the water. Monkey Island. A small piece of land where they put six monkeys to live, and now are on display for tourists. It was interesting. And our guide was very informative. We talked a lot about the crisis and how its affected him/his family. [very sad] Walking back from the lake and passing a field of mango trees. We were being summoned by a group of men holding machete's waving us over. Again I found myself mumbling "we're going to die, this is it, we're going to die". We approach and were handed fresh mango's cut from the tree above. They weren't wanting to harm us, just wanted to share their harvest. Best mango's ever! Juicy, sweet, and were shown the best way to eat one... cut a hole in the top and slurp out the insides. Terror and riots aside, Nicaragua was welcoming, pleasant, and peaceful. The political party and violence is not who the people are. Tourism is their livelihood. Its just sad to see the people struggle and closing their doors due to a countries dictatorship. We will return, as three days was not enough to explore a beautiful country. I wish, all the best, to those we met along the way. They're good people, trying to stay in business, and trying to do whats best for their children's future... better yet, trying to make sure their children have a future. Prior to this trip I was feeling pretty pumped. I lost over 35 pounds, changed my eating habits, was exercising daily, and had done an overall cleanse of the mind. I thought I was ready to go on a long week jungle adventure in Peru. Why not? I was the healthiest I have been in over a year. How hard could it be? LOL. I was about to find out. No amount of planning could have prepared me for this week. LEAVE // 04.14.2018 | 06:30 AM PDT | PORTLAND, OR ARRIVE // 04.15.2018 | 11:19 AM CDT | CUSCO, PERU TRANSPORTATION // ALASKA AIRLINES | LATAM | AVIANCA LAYOVER // ORLANDO, FL | 2 HOURS // LIMA, PERU | 11 HOURS (HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN LIMA, PERU (WYNDAM) | CUSCO, PERU (HOTEL TIERRA VIVA)) Day 1: Choose Your Own AdventureAs soon as we arrived in Cusco the elevation took its affect. Headache, stomach cramping, and if you moved quicker than a slug crossing a street everything around you would spin, causing you to feel lightheaded and dizzy. On a good note, no vomiting. We immediately decided to walk around the town to speed up the acclimation process, which thankfully worked. Quickly overcoming the dreaded sea sick feeling and shopping around for the best deal on the jungle trek to Machu Picchu. We took the chance of not reserving anything prior to arriving in Cusco for the jungle trek. After doing some research online it would have run us an easy $400+ US dollar/per person, but we waited and it definitely paid off. Average price were $180+/per person depending if we also wanted to include the rafting, zip line, and any of the additional hikes at Machu Picchu (which we did). Picking out the different options and pricing it out from one tour company to the next, we finally settled on the one that left the following morning at 7:30am and was the lowest price of $510 total, which included rafting, zip line, and the Machu Picchu Mountain hike passes for two. Day 2: Bicycling & RaftingThe van arrived at 7:30am, driving from hotel and hostel picking up other travel companions that we would get to know very well over the next few days. Driving through the Sacred Valley then up to Abra Malaga where we started the first part of our adventure; mountain biking. Surprisingly, even though the elevation was much greater than in Cusco (over 4500 meters above sea level) it did not seem to affect me as much anymore. Still with a headache, but fortunately the dizziness and stomach cramping had dissipated. Gearing up and picking out our bike of choice, trying not to think about the last time I was on a bike was at least 10 years prior. Hoping the old saying "It's like riding a bike" (meaning, its something you never forget how to do) was actually true. We set off down the mountain side. At first a little wobbly, but once I got the feel for the brakes and shifting I was on my way. Waiting for openings between oncoming cars, I slowly leap frogged my way forward. Increasing my speed a little more after each person I passed. This was fun! After stopping for a short 20 minute break, we were off again. This time with a warning there would be a few rivers we'd have to pass through. Taking this information as there would be potential bridges we'd need to go over, reality this meant actually riding straight through water that was spilling over the top of the roadway (aka. the river actually passes over the road). Few hours pass and only one near slip when my front tire slipped into a crack and nearly took me down, we made it to the bottom. Soaked from riding through the "rivers", seat shaped bruise on my rear, and a huge smile on my face... we were headed to the river for the next adventure; white water rafting. Class 3 rapids are definitely something that give you a good workout. Paddling through the waves, trying to stay inside the raft, and avoid obstacles. Fortunately, we were the only raft from our group that did not seem to lose a person in the water. Day 3: Inka TrailStaying at a hostel in Santa Maria, 5:30am wake up call, we were back on the trail. Today was going to be the long day. Over 8+ hours of walking, no bus if we opted out, just our feet to move us forward. The next few hours were about to challenge everything in me. Making my way uphill. Trail getting steeper and starting to alternate between steps and dirt path. Looking uphill as the others in my group disappeared around the bend. Rehan following close behind them, unfortunately with our few bottles of water in his backpack. I wasn't sure I was going to make it and we were barely only a 1/2 hour in. 2 1/2 hours of continuously going up. Stopping to give my lungs a rest. Still putting another foot forward and climbing onwards. We finally made it to the "Monkey House". Giving us a chance to take a break, learn about the land, people, and their tequila, coffee, and chocolate making process. I wasn't going to complain. This was a much needed rest from that dreaded uphill battle. Only to start the trek again after an hour, uphill again. How much higher could we possibly go? Finally, we open up into a portion of the famous Inka Trail. With only a meter wide walking path and a large drop on the side, the view was breathtaking. One slip though and you would be yet another statistic lost to the jungle. The trek was still tough but it wasn't as strenuous as it had been just moments before. The path was more flat with some ups and downs, which was more my style. Hours passed, stopping for those golden photo opportunities, and taking a group photo before ascending once more to where we would be stopping for lunch. After a two hour break, taking a power nap on a large flat rock, we were back to walking. Rested and picking up the pace. The second half of the trail had a bit more obstacles to go around. From large rocks that you needed to climb up and over, twists/turns, ups/downs, and a pitch dark tunnel. Not to mention the very creative ways the trail took you to cross the river at multiple points; balancing as you walk across a fallen log, sketchy wooden bridge, suspension bridge, and two guys pulling you across in a wooden basket on a wire. Don't look down and it's all "safe" as long as you don't lose your balance. Vertigo is definitely a thing to avoid, if you can. The end of this long day was the relaxing soak in the thermal hot springs. Paying just s/.10 per person, this made the long day worth the pain before settling into the hostel in Santa Teresa for the night. Something I told myself as the day went on: Physical weakness can be overcome, but mentally I needed to stay strong. These words resonated within me. Having a lot of time to think, lost in my own thoughts, encouraging myself, and rethinking my "life decisions". I did not quit. I will not quit. I kept going. Day 3: Zip Line & Railroad TracksAnother early wake-up, starting at 7:30am, we were going zip-lining today. This was my first time and the fear of heights was a little nerve wracking. Gearing up and then starting the hike up, again hating life as I barely made it to the top with a loss of breath and the feeling that my lungs were going to burst out of my chest. Now, looking over the edge. Waiting my turn. They hook me up and I was off soaring through the air. Oh my god this was fun. With only three zip lines, I was bummed it went so quick. Sitting in the grass at the end of the 3rd zipline, waiting for the rest of the group to make it over, I look down and see another long tension bridge over the river. This one wasn't like the others that we came across on the hike yesterday. This was a little more intense. The boards being my leg length apart, using our zip line harness as a safety, one by one we were sent out onto it. Again, not looking down, focusing on the boards ahead, and balancing every step. I loved it. Except for the few times others on the bridge lost their footing and caused the boards to flip sideways, leaving me with some nasty bruises from the wires. Still, it was exiting. I'd definitely do this again. The next 3 1/2 hours was something other than pleasant. Starting at the base of the railroad tracks, our guide deciding to take us through a "shortcut". Uphill again, crossing the railroad tracks as we come out of the trees for a quick opening, then darting back in and going up some more. My body was starting to hate me. Blisters on each of my toes. Two toenails taped down as they were in the process of falling off. And my hip was in a great amount of pain. I kept going up the trail. Never stopping. Still not quitting. Ultimately, though, still climbing. The railroad tracks were a slight gradual incline as we walked along at somewhat of a brisk pace to start. Meeting at one of the bridges as a group, then parting ways for the fast to go faster and the slow to go at their own pace. I somehow faired somewhere in the middle. Only stopping a couple times. The pain in my feet were becoming somewhat unbearable. Shifting the way I step to take pressure off sore spots. Digging deep mentally and wanting to walk in silence and not be bothered. Agus Calienta was in sight. Finally. The base of Machu Picchu was near. Day 5: Machu PicchuKeeping to the theme of barely having enough rest to let the muscles sync in and realize how much pain they were in. We woke at 3:30am to get into our respective lines. Me taking the bus and Rehan to the base of the 2000+ step hike, both heading up to Machu Picchu. As much as I wanted to do the hike and have that unbelievable experience, my body was giving up. At the risk of about to lose two toenails and my hip screaming, I opted for the bus to speed me to the top. After the last few days of having clear skies, perfect temperature, and just the right amount of sun vs shade, today was less than perfect. We woke to rain, fog, and cold. Bundling up in our rain gear and hoping the clouds would burn off, we kept our hopes up and were going to enjoy this ancient beauty regardless of the weather. As the tour came to an end, the guide leaving the group near the exit where we could enter again another two more times to roam the ruins on our own as long as we entered before Noon. Keep in mind, on entrance you start at the top and slowly you can make your way back down to the bottom. Once you pass a certain point though, there is no turning around and going back up without exiting and re-entering again from the beginning. I mention this because Rehan left for the Machu Picchu Mountain hike and I had gone down too far because I saw llamas and wanted to try to take a photo with them, not realizing I had gone past that point of no return and was unable to enter for my third time as I had missed the "enter 3 times before Noon warning". So I was stuck, waiting for him to exit for a couple hours. I was upset at first, but besides the sun gate, I had seen all of the ruins. I just didn't get a chance to really analyze all of it before I was forced out. Lesson learned! Yet again, finding myself alone with a lot of time to think and awe at what I had just accomplished the last few days. Day 6 & 7: Huaypo Lake and Salinas De MarasSleeping in for the first time in almost a week back in Cusco, after taking the train from Agus Calienta the night before. Slowly taking our time to get ready for our 1pm reservation to go quading through the Sacred Valley. Unfortunately we were unable to go to Moray, but we were able to visit Huaypo Lake (which was a nice surprise) and Salinas De Maras which were both picturesque and something pictures will never do justice. Day 8 & 9: Lima, PeruHaving just over a day and a half, wandering around Lima before our red eye flight back home. We ran into one of our trekking companions from Machu Picchu. Overall, this week went from inspiration, to soul searching, then ending in many laughs... this was a great way to end this journey. LEAVE // 04.23.2018 | 01:05 AM CDT | LIMA, PERU
ARRIVE // 04.23.2018 | 12:19 PM PDT | PORTLAND, OR TRANSPORTATION // ALASKA AIRLINES | LATAM LAYOVER // LOS ANGELES | 2.5 HOURS When someone visits Portland there are a few must-see's that need to be checked off the list. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the greatest and I only joined for the final weekend of their trip, so that list was short. Starting with iFly as the original plan to go real skydiving was foiled by rain and wind. Then taking a long drive down the Columbia River Gorge with the first stop at Multnomah Falls. I can never get enough of this place. Even after the tremendous sadness end of last summer with the Eagle Creek fire where a couple kids lit our beautiful forest up in flames and seeing the devestation months later here at the falls. I can now see how close it was to taking the lodge. Nonetheless, its still an jaw dropping sight to just stand and watch, feel the wind, and sound of the falls. Breathtaking! Continuing down I-84, stopping at Hood River waterfront park and spending an hour or two walking along the levy and rocks. The view was picturesque of the Columbia River with the backdrop of the mountain range of Washington on one side and Oregon behind us, along with kite surfers and sail boats. Was a great spot to spend a couple hours walking around and soaking up the rainfall. Heading back to Portland, crossing the Bridge of the Gods to Washington side only to turn back and cross back to Oregon. Such a monster bridge that lives up to its name. Then parting ways at the Columbia Gorge outlet stores. Thanks for visiting Portland Nagesh and allowing me to spend a day with you and your lovely family! [I watched a video a few weeks back where T-Rex went across the Multnomah Falls pedestiran bridge. Even though that bridge is now closed due to the damage from the fire, I couldn't help but bring them with]
It saddens me that I cannot remember all the different variations of food I had or what many were called. Which means I will most likely keep adding to this list as I go through photo's. Unfortunately this list will never be complete as there were so many and now that I look back, there were many even I cannot explain outside of my full happy belly. What I can recall though of some of the most amazing goodness, I've made a list below:
*** Repeated Favorites For a good portion of two decades I've been a huge fan of Indian food. Now after visiting Hyderabad a second time, I can officially say its not Indian food that I fancy, its South Indian food that has hit a soft spot in my beating heart. The flavors, varieties, textures, and spice... it's like an explosion with each bite. Indian food from anywhere else will never be the same for me. Forever now tasting bland and mild, but South Indian food is what I will sought after. The spicier the better. After riding passenger on the back of a bike in Hyderabad, no helmet, improper riding gear, open toe shoes... and the list goes on. Opposite to everything I was ever taught about riding. This only added another item to the list of things I did in India that is completely not expected from a personality like mine. I over think, over plan, calculate all risks, and avoid things that absolutely scare me. Then this happened yesterday, just one week after returning from my trip!
2016 Honda Rebel 250cc. Isn't she a beauty? My endorsement class is next week. Perfect time for the weather to turn nice. Let's Ride! As much of a tough start that I had, arriving with a heavy weight of emotions that I left back at home, I couldn't be more happy I went on this trip. After my mini-breakdown when I had to put my beloved Mocha to sleep over the phone, I was broken this trip. I felt bad my Hyderabad team had to witness the torment going on in me, feeling like they were unable to help, and had to stand by and watch as I struggled to keep my head up. In reality, they healed me. Allowing me to laugh, lightening the mood, and just being available when I needed to cry (or close to). I couldn't be more thankful for all of them. They are an amazing group of people and I am again sad to be leaving them behind. This will not be my last visit to Hyderabad, let alone India. There is still so much of this beautiful country I have yet to explore. LEAVE // 03.16.2018 | 21:20 PM PST | HYDERABAD, INDIA ARRIVE // 03.17.2018 | 21:40 AM IST | PORTLAND, OR TRANSPORTATION // ALASKA AIRLINES | EMIRATES LAYOVER // DUBAI, EAU | 8 HOUR 50 MINUTE // LOS ANGELES, CA | 5 HOUR (HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN DUBAI, 4 HOURS) [Side note: pay attention to your visa expiration date. By doing so, it will save you a great amount of anguish and torment, rather than spending over 6 hours in the India immigration office]
There was a reoccurring theme over the course of the next few days. How often my two travel companions fell asleep. You would think with them being so "young" they wouldn't be so tired all the time. That was not the case. It was almost a race to see who was going to clonk out first. I, of course, did not hesitate to capture this in photos. It amused and fascinated me on how quick they were out, how they could sleep sitting up, and how fast they woke back up and were alert. It was like a marathon of power naps. I was jealous. They looked so peaceful and rested. LEAVE // 03.10.2018 | 09:25 AM IST| HYDERABAD, INDIA ARRIVE // 03.10.2018 | 10:45 AM IST | COIMBATORE, INDIA TRANSPORTATION // INDIGO AIRLINES ACCOMMODATIONS // HOTEL NAVEEN CoimbatoreUnlike the last couple weekends, two of my coworkers were coming with this weekend to explore Coimbatore and Ooty along with me. They met me at my hotel Saturday morning for a quick cab ride to the airport and we were on our way. The first stop in, what will be, one of the most memorable weekends in recent years.... Coimbatore! Arriving, no hotel booked, we booked an auto from the airport and headed into town. Having me to stay around the corner out of sight (so my appearance didn't triple the price of a room) as they went from hotel to hotel looking for the best price, they finally settled on two rooms at Hotel Naveen. It was centrally located, easy walking distance to the train station, and perfect for a one night stay. Quickly dropping off our backpacks, we headed out. Unfortunately we could not bring our phones into Isha Yoga Center, where we spent a good portion of our day, just to capture its grandness and beauty. But then, maybe it was a good thing as I'm sure if we did we wouldn't have embraced all that the center had to offer. Isha is a large complex made up of various structures dedicated to inner transformation and wellbeing, which include the Teerthakunds and Dhyanalinga, among many others. I found these two particular structures of most interest. Teerthakunds was a large pool where men wearing nothing but a cloth wrapped around their waste walked down 30 some steps to the sacred water to take a holy dip, so they could be clean before entering the main energy space [Dhyanalinga]. It was mesmerizing to watch. On the same note and unable to resist the temptation, one of my friends took the dip while we sat on the ground, watched, and waited. After which, we made our way to Dhyanalinga. Now this one caught my attention more. A large dome, no lights, and silence is strictly maintained in and around the temple. A meditative space that does not ascribe to any particular faith or belief system. All are welcome. Entering you first gaze upon the 13-ft high granite lingam positioned in the center of the room, but then your eyes will quickly wander and you look up and around the large 76-ft diameter and 33-ft high dome. Along the interior wall are inlets every few feet with people in each in meditation pose. With even more people sitting along the floor all facing the center. We chose a spot off to the side, sat with our legs crossed, hands on our knees, eyes closed, in silence. It was peaceful, quiet, cool, and strangely very relaxing. I could have stayed in there for hours, but they dinged the bell only after 15 minutes.
Collecting our shoes, phones, and anything else we had to leave behind before entering, we made our way to the Adiyogi Shiva Statue. Was a short 10 minute walk from the Isha Yoga Center. Its amazing how many photos can be taken within this time. Only going a few feet before the guys would start taking a photo shoot of each other. I started to wonder what they would do with all of them, but I was at least thankful they weren't taking another power nap. Reaching the statue, spending a couple hours laughing, sitting, taking numerous photos with the statue, each other, the scenery, it was sadly time to head out. Our last stop of the day was Subramaniyaswami Temple, Marudamalai. We quickly climbed the steps, barefoot, to stand in line before they closed in order to pay respect to the Hindu god Murugan. The guys explaining what Murugan offered (me thinking this might be the same god at the Batu Caves I visited last year in Malaysia). I watched as they went through the motions, I stood aside, and they marked their foreheads, ears, nose, throat, and chin with the white ash. Then like you do at any temple, we sat down after exiting. (read my first trip to India to understand why you sit after exiting a temple). This temple had a view overlooking the lights of the city. It was really pretty and reminded me of a scene in the Shahrukh Khan movie Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Photo Credits: Kat, Girish, and Santhosh Video Credit: Girish TRANSPORTATION // TRAIN | NILAGIRI EXPRESS LEAVE // 03.11.2018 | 05:15 AM IST| COIMBATORE, INDIA ARRIVE // 03.11.2018 | 06:25 AM IST | METUPALAIYAM, INDIA Next morning started early with waking up at 4am, making sure everything was crammed back into my backpack, then heading to the train station. With little time to spare, once purchasing the tickets we raced to platform 4 and quickly boarded a general class car. Each of us finding a spot to sit, the train departed. With it only being an hour ride, I decided to take advantage of the short journey, crossed my arms, slouched back, and fell to sleep. TRANSPORTATION // TRAIN | TOY TRAIN LEAVE // 03.11.2018 | 07:10 AM IST| METUPALAIYAM, INDIA ARRIVE // 03.11.2018 | 12:00 PM IST | UDAGAMANDALAM (OOTY), INDIA Tightly packed into two bench seats, each seating 5 persons, the Toy Train was inbound for Ooty. Stopping at multiple stations along the way, being reminded of Chaiyya Chaiyya (song from Dil Se, which was filmed on this train) the entire journey, and again watching as the guys randomly took turns falling asleep. Making for great photos and laughs, but still not quite sure how they can sleep like that. I tried and wasn't successful. Not to mention, the continuous photo shoot they took of each other at each station stop. So many photos... The toy train was very entertaining. Besides the many stops and scenery, it was also fascinating to listen to people sing and interact. Out of the entire 4.5 hour journey, I think one of the most memorable moments was walking out on the railroad bridge with no safety below, broken boards, and no hesitation. Standing there in awe that I went out on it at all, I turned and asked the guys to join me. One immediately refused but the other blindly trusting me enough to go for it. As fearful as I was inside, I walked back and helped guide him out where we stood long enough for a photo. What was I thinking?!?! This did not pass my safety checklist! So glad nobody got hurt, and so worth it. Photo Credits: Kat, Girish, and Santhosh
Video Credits: Girish OotyACCOMMODATIONS // HOTEL VINAYAGA INN Arriving in Ooty a little after noon, it was another adventure of finding a hotel that either allowed us to all share a room or needing to book two rooms, but at a low cost. Again taking an auto, who took us "around" to rooms for rent and hotels. Me staying out of sight, as much as possible, but when I was spotted the price suddenly doubled. Then finally an option of a queen bed and rollaway for all three to stay in a single room. I was okay with it, as long as they were. I wasn't the one who would be sharing a bed. Hahaha We wasted no time settling in. Leaving the hotel I again slowed my roll and let the guys go to work at pricing out a cab. Keeping enough distance to not draw attention to who I was waiting for, but still staying within sight for quick wave over. First stop, Doddabetta Peak. Such an amazing view. After walking around the viewpoint, sitting on the rocks, and watching the guys take endless photos of each other, we were back in the auto visiting the wax museum and tea estate. Both interesting, but left a little to be desired. Our day ended with a stop at Ooty Lake. Arriving only an hour before the boat house closed, we quickly hurried to get tickets and into our fun filled pedal boat. I honestly didn't expect to laugh so much than I did then. Watching the guys fear we would tip over each time I stood up to trade one of them spots, the number of photos and videos that were taken, watching the sun go down, and quickly pedaling back in time to get our deposit back. All was well worth it. Walking along the pier, taking even more photos, and showing them how a jumping photo was done, many laughs and good conversation later.... Ooty Lake quickly became a favorite. Waking up next morning. Feeling like I had just slept on the floor but turns out it was the rock hard rollaway bed I was on, we had an early start. Botanical Gardens was first on the list for the day. From the start, my sides already ached from laughter. It was like an endless marathon of photos, jokes, and jumping photos. There was definitely not a lack of entertainment. The botanical garden was very beautiful. Green, flowers, amazing root system at the base of the trees. We spent a good 2-hours walking around there. Even talked the guys into sliding down a railing after my failed attempt... or two... and hitting the ground. Some reason they still decided to try it out. Pykara Falls was a little bit of distance, and even though the water levels were low it was worth a see. I'm a huge fan of nature. Listening to the guys call home and show their wives the view over video, without WiFi on my phone I decided to take this time to lay in the grass, close my eyes, and relax. It was nice. As soon as they both hung up I couldn't help but notice how perfectly sloped the hill was we were sitting and how great it would be for a slow motion video. Next stop on the list was School Mund. A location where many dance sequences were filmed for Bollywood/Tollywood movies. Its a perfect location with just enough wind to catch the ends of a saree and create that dramatic affect without an elaborate wind machine. After arriving to the top we immediately attempted our own over dramatic gestures and letting the wind catch our [short] hair. Let the photo's begin! And finally, stopping at the forest on our way back to town and taking a hike down to the lake. Spending over an hour walking, sitting, jumping on a fallen tree. This was a great end to an amazing day. Unfortunately the day ended a little earlier than I would have liked. I could see my young travel companions were tired and it was only 5pm and still daylight. After spending every evening during the work week in a hotel for the past few weeks, I wasn't going to spend our last night in Ooty doing the same. I went for a walk, which of course they would not let me go alone and one of them accompanied me against my wishes. Walking around, no particular destination in mind, we came up on Sacred Heart Cathedral. I could see it from a distance as we ventured around the town. Its architecture had a similarity to Notre Dame in Paris. It was pretty and extremely peaceful. A nice sit before heading back to the hotel. Morning came early. Taking a cab back to Coimbatore and arriving with more than enough time to catch our flight to Chennai. I was bummed the weekend was over and soon, with only a few days left, my trip was coming to an end. [Personal note: There is no harm in helping a neighbor hotel guest who repeatedly keeps slamming their door because they couldn't figure out how to lock it. Which I had no issue going into the hall and showing him how it worked. But a few hours later when you see the door knob wiggle then hear a knock on our door.... I tell my travel mates I was not going to answer as I knew what it meant. They still opened the door only to have the man that I helped and his friend enter our room uninvited. I don't think they realized I was not alone and they were coming for a "visit". Disgusted. Felt like I was in Goa all over again] Photo Credits: Kat, Girish, and Santhosh
Video Credits: Girish LEAVE // 03.13.2018 | 10:00 AM IST| COIMBATORE, INDIA ARRIVE // 03.13.2018 | 11:00 AM IST | CHENNAI, INDIA TRANSPORTATION // INDIGO AIRLINES ChennaiWhat do you do when you only have a 2-hour layover and you've never visited that city before? You leave the airport, find the nearest metro station, and go as far as you can before you need to come back in time for your next flight. With enough time to have lunch, of course. LEAVE // 03.13.2018 | 13:55 PM IST| CHENNAI, INDIA
ARRIVE // 03.13.2018 | 15:05 AM IST | HYDERABAD, INDIA TRANSPORTATION // INDIGO AIRLINES |
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