.

Well – that’s a wrap. Or as they (might) say in India, ‘that’s a dosa.’

Twenty-four hours, an hour-long taxi ride to the airport and three flights later, we arrived back at Glasgow airport, Scotland, on Sunday evening. By the time we got to bed later, it was 46 hoiurs since we last slept – other than dozing the odd ten minutes or so on the planes.

Knackered? You bet! But it was all so worth it!

India is a marvelous country. As on our previous twelve visits, we were based in the west coast state of Goa – the smallest state in India. The weather there is glorious at this time of year – unbroken blue skies and temperatures hovering around the 32C – 34C mark.

Benefiting from a three month monsoon season between June and September, the countryside remains remarkably verdant throughout the year. With some spectacular flowering plants and bushes adding to the already vibrant colours displayed by the bright saris worn by many local women in our village.

The people are so welcoming, always smiling and bidding us ‘outsiders’ a good day.

The food is amazing, and so cheap compared to here in the UK. For instance, an evening meal comprising two vodkas and diet coke, two beers, two starters and two main courses would generally come to around 1800/- (that’s @ £17 or marginally over $20.) The price would be cheaper if visiting a restaurant just outside our village of Majorda – and even less in likes of Mumbai or Pune … more of that to come.

Beaches? You want beaches?

Widlife? You want wildlife?

Spectacular sunsets? You want spectacular sunsets?

Have I convinced you yet?

(In Part 2, I’ll explain why I was so captivated by the chaos and craziness of Mumbai and Pune.)