The Journey from Puri to Konark and then to Bhubaneswar is not a long one but I decided to do it in two days. So on the first leg I took my time, had a leisurely breakfast, said good-bye to my fellow travellers and set off.
I had met some really interesting people and I would like to take the opportunity to describe two of them. They are both women, that's not because the men weren't interesting, but I have a particular admiration for solo women travellers. For someone like me, 6' 3" and 85 kilos the dangers are much less than for them, yet both these ladies have travelled more than most of us ever have or I ever will. Briannagh (spelling?) is 25 and from Australia. She has already travelled to most of the Far East, India, Canada, Jordan, Mexico and a lot more besides. She has done all this by working at any job that is available wherever she is. She has a lust for travel which is incredible and plans to visit the Americas from north to south in the next year or so. Annie is probably in her 50's (sorry if I'm being unfair Annie) and has worked and travelled for the best part of her life. She is a fund of advice and anecdotes from the135 countries she has already visited and she's not stopping there. Next trip will take her through the "Stans" back towards Europe. Over an evening of biriani she entertained us with her stories and advice to ladies when needing to pee out of an African brothel window (I kid you not) and other harrowing toilet tales (a traveller's favourite). Bravo to these two and to all other intrepid adventurers.
I arrived in Konark, for what was my 2nd visit, in time for a very good lunch and then set off to explore the Sun Temple. It is probably one of the best temples in India and is beautifully preserved in lush grounds. The lighting at sunset is particularly effective. This morning I started out for Bhubaneswar at 6am and arrived at 11am. I would have been quicker but had a puncture on the way which took a bit of time to fix. Once here I went out for a walk to visit the town, get a shave and find an Internet cafe. I must have walked for miles, only to find both less than 50 meters apart in the street parallel to my hotel's. Twas ever thus.
I had met some really interesting people and I would like to take the opportunity to describe two of them. They are both women, that's not because the men weren't interesting, but I have a particular admiration for solo women travellers. For someone like me, 6' 3" and 85 kilos the dangers are much less than for them, yet both these ladies have travelled more than most of us ever have or I ever will. Briannagh (spelling?) is 25 and from Australia. She has already travelled to most of the Far East, India, Canada, Jordan, Mexico and a lot more besides. She has done all this by working at any job that is available wherever she is. She has a lust for travel which is incredible and plans to visit the Americas from north to south in the next year or so. Annie is probably in her 50's (sorry if I'm being unfair Annie) and has worked and travelled for the best part of her life. She is a fund of advice and anecdotes from the135 countries she has already visited and she's not stopping there. Next trip will take her through the "Stans" back towards Europe. Over an evening of biriani she entertained us with her stories and advice to ladies when needing to pee out of an African brothel window (I kid you not) and other harrowing toilet tales (a traveller's favourite). Bravo to these two and to all other intrepid adventurers.
I arrived in Konark, for what was my 2nd visit, in time for a very good lunch and then set off to explore the Sun Temple. It is probably one of the best temples in India and is beautifully preserved in lush grounds. The lighting at sunset is particularly effective. This morning I started out for Bhubaneswar at 6am and arrived at 11am. I would have been quicker but had a puncture on the way which took a bit of time to fix. Once here I went out for a walk to visit the town, get a shave and find an Internet cafe. I must have walked for miles, only to find both less than 50 meters apart in the street parallel to my hotel's. Twas ever thus.
Brilliant... How I love that temple. So pleased things are going well and you are meeting some interesting people. Looking forward to hearing all these stories again first hand in just over a week.
ReplyDeleteBon continuation..
Harriet & Yann xx