We finally arrived in Tivandrum Central at 11.45 pm. 12 hours after setting off. The train was reasonably quiet as crossed the plains of Tamil Nadu until we reached the very sudden tip of India. At that station it all went mad. Hundred of people boarded the train. Men moved luggage on the luggage racks, climbed over the seats and got themselves into a sleeping position. Ideal if your small and cheaper than a sleeping car. Some of the people had been to a wedding and there was lots of singing going on. It reminded me of what it is like if get on a train after a football match in England - I suspect any foreigners would have the same feeling. However, when we reached Tivandrum it went mad. The Indians still on the train were so desperate to get seats as we vacated them that they started moving into our places before we could even get up. It was a complete log jam and nobody could go anywhere. All you could do was to push very hard to get out of your seat and get your bags. The only exception was the kindly gentlemen who helped me down with my bags beacuse he was so keen to get a sleeping position on the luggage rack. The whole process sort of reflects the driving experience as well - no rules! Do what you want.
Once off the train we were met by the representative from Aries Travel who took us to two air conditioned coaches to transport us to the hotel in Kovalam where we were met with sandwhiches and cold drinks. Everyone has really liked their rooms in the hotel. Some of the lads were partularly keen to find TV's and watched things like James Bond and Indiana Jones - so much for the cultural experience.
The hotel is just above the beach and everything is covered in a fine sea spray from the crashing waves. The lighhouse nearby sends out 3 beams of light out to sea.
This morning everyone was up after a good nights sleep and the shopping for gifts for all of you at home has commenced. So if your child, partner or spouse is on the trip expect lots of gifts! Give them hell if you get nothing - that's me as a I hate shopping so much I prefer the hell! Haggling has become quite a sport!
The beach is black and the shops are restaurants are right on the sea front - no cars or honking of horns - wonderful. We are eating in the hotel tonight. Tomorrow we head out after breakfast to see and ride elephants, see the palace in Tivandrum and the amazing beaches and cliffs at Varculu. On Wednesday an early start to get to Allepy and join a houseboat for a cruise in the backwaters of Kerala.
Best wishes to everyone at home.
Mark.
Once off the train we were met by the representative from Aries Travel who took us to two air conditioned coaches to transport us to the hotel in Kovalam where we were met with sandwhiches and cold drinks. Everyone has really liked their rooms in the hotel. Some of the lads were partularly keen to find TV's and watched things like James Bond and Indiana Jones - so much for the cultural experience.
The hotel is just above the beach and everything is covered in a fine sea spray from the crashing waves. The lighhouse nearby sends out 3 beams of light out to sea.
This morning everyone was up after a good nights sleep and the shopping for gifts for all of you at home has commenced. So if your child, partner or spouse is on the trip expect lots of gifts! Give them hell if you get nothing - that's me as a I hate shopping so much I prefer the hell! Haggling has become quite a sport!
The beach is black and the shops are restaurants are right on the sea front - no cars or honking of horns - wonderful. We are eating in the hotel tonight. Tomorrow we head out after breakfast to see and ride elephants, see the palace in Tivandrum and the amazing beaches and cliffs at Varculu. On Wednesday an early start to get to Allepy and join a houseboat for a cruise in the backwaters of Kerala.
Best wishes to everyone at home.
Mark.
