Paul’s Christmas flashback
Rishikesh
Here on the steep sandybanks of the Ganges with coke {painted} on the rocks and lunatic dingies of colourful screaming children.
Went for a swim this evening {they say ‘took bath’ in Ganga} as light went down. Lonz and I smoked with local company for probably 6th or 7th time today. Exhuasted, fighting sleep by 8.10pm.
Chillumed up and drove to our friend’s village. Plonked ourselves down in his brothers shop for chai and staring into space.
Then drove and walked up to Chandrambadani temple on top of the world.
This evening a skinny tall man{not Lonz} thought to be mad by others, told me of a boy over the river who had tapes of an English group singing ‘Govinda Jaya Jaya’ in loud rock voice. He asked if I understood. I answered “acha”.
Kerala
Our Day in Periyar Natonal Park: Getting on river boat was mental. Somehow managed to build up some animosity with park staff right from the start. Jumped ship after 10 minutes in saying we needed the loo. Ran like hell up a hill though 6ft grass, chased by torrential rain and lightning. We rock hopped down the newly made flood streams. Lost my bag and then panicked because we thought we heard elephants. Eventually walked back with leeches covering our wet torsos. Safety matches had been in our bag so we had to scrape them off with a knife. Park rangers on opposite shore of the lake now having the last laugh.
Miraculously though we found a fresh –made bamboo raft and rowed back to civilisation.
