After a long journey from Heathrow, we arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka at 3am for a 3 hour layover before we caught another plane to Goa. Imagine 40 bikers in an airport bar, having just met each other for the first time at 3am. The party that ensued was fun.
As we landed in Goa, India at 8am, I was struck by the humidity and heat. It’s going to be hot as Africa here.
Arriving at Goa airport, we clambered into a bus, after being chased by ‘porters’, who hijack your trolley and push it for you. Of course, this is not a random act of kindness. A tip is always required. So far, I have been in this amazing country for 2 hours and have been asked to buy something at least 10 times already… I am practicing saying NO firmly so that people get it! It’s kinda fun!
We arrived at our resort hotel in Goa to be met by a group of smiling faces and bearing gifts of floral wreaths. Our hotel is one minute from the beach. Opposite the hotel are 140 gleaming new Royal Enfield motorcycles lined up, each one numbered and with our name on it! What a joyous sight. These bikes are a 1950′s design, but still in production only in India.
Adele participated in an ritual ceremony blessing the bikes for our trip. She has been loving the shopping here. Everything is dirt cheap.
We had an orientation evening with great Indian curry for dinner and then we flopped into bed, jetlagged and excited.
Tomorrow, we learn to ride our Royal Enfield Bullets…
With love from India,
Bruce
February 20th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Guys – it’s only been a few hours and already it sounds awesome!
I found the word ‘Na Hay’ (phonetic spelling) rather necessary at times. It means ‘no’ … unless the local that taught me was having me on … I sincerely apologise if it turns out I’m suggesting you tell people your mother was a goat or something! Comes in very handy especially for those more persistent sellers. And Adele … you go girl … send it all home in a courier!
Have a great time and may your collective biker bums experience few bumps and much cushioning.
Linds
xx