Tonight we head off to the Periyar tiger reserve.
The people that we have met in Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been unbelievable. Wherever our rally goes, we are greeted like aliens or celebrities. Kids run out of their houses waving frantically shouting ‘pen pen’ (the most prized commodity in India) and when you stop your bike everyone wants to know your name, where you are from and if you want a cup of Masala Chai. They accept no payment and just want to ensure you feel at home and welcome in their country. It was often that we were left with a lump in our throats. People who have so little who are so hospitable and loving. It put our lives into a pensive perspective and reminded us of what enchanted lives we do live. We are so happy that we raised these funds to help these people. Enduro donated 220 thousand pounds this year and many of these villages will now have medical care and kids with HIV will be helped – especially around Kodaikanal.
India is just the most dynamic place. It’s all or nothing. This morning I woke up ready for the day and within 2 hours of being on the bike, all I wanted to do was sleep.
My friend Alex, the self proclaimed “most positive person in the world” tried to motivate me by getting me to do a few ra ra cheers and screams, but within a few minutes, I was feeling sick and within an hour, I was lying on the side of the road about to puke.
The 107km which was today’s trip was the longest 107km of my life. It took Adele and I 5 hours to complete today’s ride. (She had to slow down to ride with me, which was a first) The scenery was beautiful as it always is here, but I was hardly present to see it.
We arrived at the Tiger reserve in Thekkady at 2pm and I puked my guts out… We were told at the beginning of Day 1 that there are 2 ways to navigate India. One way is to go upstream and another is to flow downstream. I chose the latter and fell asleep for the rest of the day!
Adele had a full body Ayurvedic massage today which she lapped up like a kitten. She chilled with mates whilst I slept and slept and slept….
Tomorrow is our last day,,, I wish this trip would carry on forever.
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