We arrived back into Chennai airport with a grilling from an immigration officer. He look us into a private interview room and asked a million questions. India Visas have become far more complicated recently and because we had left India and gone into to Sri Lanka and wanted to re enter it was too confusing for the system! Eventually the grilling stopped and they let us through.
We headed through the thick traffic of Chennai in a pre paid taxi from the airport. Surprisingly we found a nice hotel in a good area. Considering that we weren't looking forward to our 2 days in Chennai (as the reputation is that its a huge busy dirty city) we actually had a great time.
The very kind and helpful man at our hotel reception told us that a brand new 'Mall' had just opened. I imagined a new 'supermarket' because here in India that's a really new concept too. Anyway we thought we check it out after we wondered around our area for a bit.
When we arrived to the Shopping Mall we couldn't believe our eyes. A huge brand new Shopping Mall! I have never seen anything look so out of place as this did. Placed in the centre of old dusty tired streets was Chennai's 'Westfields'! On our walk there we passed lots of families sleeping rough- with at least 5 kids and a few babies each. We just couldn't understand who would use it.
We walked up the marble stairs and into air conditioned palace. The first shop on my left was 'Hamleys'! I could not believe my eyes... however it was empty of course. There were hundreds of brand new Western shops, The Body Shop, Marks and Sparks, Accessorize and so many more.
All of them were dead- only the shop assistants were inside. We wondered around and strangely enjoyed the beautiful open space and air conditioned building. As we approached the 4th floor we began to hear and see other people! Then it was full out people- just this one level. As we got closer we could see a cinema! The cinema was packed with people. Opposite to the cinema was a 'fun world' area. All the kids in Chennai were there- well the rich ones anyway!
We entered the cinema and it was stunning. I have never seen such a posh and elegant cinema in all my life. I got very excited and wanted to see something. All the Bollywood movies were sold out which was a shame- and so was Titanic 3D lucky for Berwyn! We found a film called 'The Vow' which still had seats available so we booked it. It cost 1 pound each. Inside was stunning, velvet coated the walls and chandeliers hung from the ceiling. We felt a little guilty that we weren't out exploring Chennai's culture but it was Easter Sunday after all and at the end of the day, whichever way you see, positive or not this is what India is now becoming.
After the movie we walked back to the hotel via the beach. The beach isn't a beach as we know it. As it was a Sunday it was chaos. All the familes had gathered on the beach for a fun and relaxing time. You couldn't see the sand. The water is do dirty and polluted that not even the dogs go for a dip. It was such an impressive sight- so many familes having such a great ime and hundreds of stalls selling the local treats, from ice creas so home made sugar kane drinks.
From a couple of hours we had experienced how completely different families spend their sundays. And walking back to the hotel we were reminded again that the families hunched togeteher in the roads, don't experience either type of sunday.
We flew from Chennai to Goa. We were heading to Goa to meet Berwyns family as they were coming out for a holiday.
We were staying in Camdolin. I visited this place 10 years ago with my family. It had changed so much, tons of big hotels and millions of shops and restautants. It was the end of the season so it wasn't too packed out with tourists.
It was the first time Berwyns family were visiting India so we met them the morning they arrived and helped them slowing get acclimatised to India!
A few nights after the had arrived we went our for a lovely meal to Fishermans Cove, where they ha d funny guy singing hisheart out! After a great evening Berwyn and I walked slowly back to out apartment- trying to walk off all the curry we had eaten. As we approached the small road leading up to the apartment a fast motor bike came towards me. I didnt think anything of it as by now I was pretty used to the Indian drivers- as its very common for them to drive and at any speed/direction down a road. They blinded me with their head light- and I felt a tugging on the bag. At first I thought they can accidentally caught my bag on their handle bar- but once the tugging didn't stop and I felt myself falling to the floor from the force, I realised they were trying to rob me. It all happened so fast- as soon as I was aware what was happening I had already been dragged down the street until they cut the leather strap of my bag. The feeling was sickening. When the strap of my bag left my body I knew that I had lost my most precious thing. My camera... irreplaceable. Along with my iPod, phone and silver bracelet. It took my 10 minutes to realsie what was in my bag.
Berwyn and I were chasing them down the road trying to make as much noise as possible, but they got away. I was crying with anger and frustration and shock. Why did they choose me? Why in Goa? Why wasn't I aware and why was I so stupid to let them get away? A few moments later I realised how badly I was injured. My legs and arms were bleeding and full of gravel and dirt. At this moment lots of families were coming out of their homes- one lady had bought me a glass of water and a blanket.
We were in complete shock. Everyone was telling us to go the police, but I didn't care. I knew I would never get my things back. I just wanted to go and wash my cuts to stop them getting infected. After I painfully cleaned myself it was about midnight. I decided I had to go to the Police station and make a report.
The police station was in Calungate, and full of lots of men not really doing much. When I entered the room and they saw my injuries they were actually quite nice to me wanted to know what had happened. I went into an interview room and explained everything again for the 10th ten. The police inspector told me that I would have to go to court if I wanted to make a statement that I was attacked and robbed. He said I would have to go to court in 6 months time or even up to a year. I told him that was not possible as I will be in England. So instead he wrote me a letter titled 'Missing Items' and that I lost it whilst travelling on my bike! I was so angry. I told him that this was lie, and I wasn't happy that he was forcing me to lie, they he just leaned in closer to me and said 'only me and you know- so no problem'.
I was so frustrated Not only were they so corrupt, but no incidents like mine are reported ever. This makes Goa extremely unsafe. If someone was to check Goa's history with attacks and robbery's etc it would appear that there are none. However I was the 5th female to have gone through this in one week!
The next few days were not very nice. My wounds were really hurting me, and I couldn't go swimming or be in the sun, so it was very boring. i revisited the Police Station and few days later and said I was unhappy with everything- they said there was nothing they could do. I told them how angry I was that there was no police at the airport warning female travelers that this was happening or why aren't they posters around the beach town? They couldn't give me an answer for anything. They really make you feel like you're wasting you time.
Once the pain had go from cuts, I tried my best to be positive. I was lucky that it happened at the end of my trip and not at the beginning- otherwise I would have definitely gone straight back home. It could have been a lot worse.
I reminded myself that this sort of thing happens everywhere. So it wasn't going to make me hate India..if anything I realised how shocked, embarrassed and sorry the local people were when they saw me and heard my story. They try so hard to make Goa a wonderful and happy place for tourists and 2 vile men are ruining it.
When we moved down to South Goa Palolem I was finally able to move on. Up until that point I would enjoy the days but as they night approached I would become quite scared would dread the journey back to the apartment, even though we had moved to a new apartment if a busy and safer area.
Palolem was perfect. I had also visited here 10 years ago, but this place hadn't changed. It was still beautiful, and I even remembered some faces!
Our first night we stayed in a fun beach hut, but there were so many mozzies so we moved to a guest house just off the beach.
We spent the days on the beach and enjoying the huge waves, it was great! The local people were so kind and we met some lovely travelers too.
We headed through the thick traffic of Chennai in a pre paid taxi from the airport. Surprisingly we found a nice hotel in a good area. Considering that we weren't looking forward to our 2 days in Chennai (as the reputation is that its a huge busy dirty city) we actually had a great time.
The very kind and helpful man at our hotel reception told us that a brand new 'Mall' had just opened. I imagined a new 'supermarket' because here in India that's a really new concept too. Anyway we thought we check it out after we wondered around our area for a bit.
When we arrived to the Shopping Mall we couldn't believe our eyes. A huge brand new Shopping Mall! I have never seen anything look so out of place as this did. Placed in the centre of old dusty tired streets was Chennai's 'Westfields'! On our walk there we passed lots of families sleeping rough- with at least 5 kids and a few babies each. We just couldn't understand who would use it.
We walked up the marble stairs and into air conditioned palace. The first shop on my left was 'Hamleys'! I could not believe my eyes... however it was empty of course. There were hundreds of brand new Western shops, The Body Shop, Marks and Sparks, Accessorize and so many more.
All of them were dead- only the shop assistants were inside. We wondered around and strangely enjoyed the beautiful open space and air conditioned building. As we approached the 4th floor we began to hear and see other people! Then it was full out people- just this one level. As we got closer we could see a cinema! The cinema was packed with people. Opposite to the cinema was a 'fun world' area. All the kids in Chennai were there- well the rich ones anyway!
We entered the cinema and it was stunning. I have never seen such a posh and elegant cinema in all my life. I got very excited and wanted to see something. All the Bollywood movies were sold out which was a shame- and so was Titanic 3D lucky for Berwyn! We found a film called 'The Vow' which still had seats available so we booked it. It cost 1 pound each. Inside was stunning, velvet coated the walls and chandeliers hung from the ceiling. We felt a little guilty that we weren't out exploring Chennai's culture but it was Easter Sunday after all and at the end of the day, whichever way you see, positive or not this is what India is now becoming.
After the movie we walked back to the hotel via the beach. The beach isn't a beach as we know it. As it was a Sunday it was chaos. All the familes had gathered on the beach for a fun and relaxing time. You couldn't see the sand. The water is do dirty and polluted that not even the dogs go for a dip. It was such an impressive sight- so many familes having such a great ime and hundreds of stalls selling the local treats, from ice creas so home made sugar kane drinks.
From a couple of hours we had experienced how completely different families spend their sundays. And walking back to the hotel we were reminded again that the families hunched togeteher in the roads, don't experience either type of sunday.
We flew from Chennai to Goa. We were heading to Goa to meet Berwyns family as they were coming out for a holiday.
We were staying in Camdolin. I visited this place 10 years ago with my family. It had changed so much, tons of big hotels and millions of shops and restautants. It was the end of the season so it wasn't too packed out with tourists.
It was the first time Berwyns family were visiting India so we met them the morning they arrived and helped them slowing get acclimatised to India!
A few nights after the had arrived we went our for a lovely meal to Fishermans Cove, where they ha d funny guy singing hisheart out! After a great evening Berwyn and I walked slowly back to out apartment- trying to walk off all the curry we had eaten. As we approached the small road leading up to the apartment a fast motor bike came towards me. I didnt think anything of it as by now I was pretty used to the Indian drivers- as its very common for them to drive and at any speed/direction down a road. They blinded me with their head light- and I felt a tugging on the bag. At first I thought they can accidentally caught my bag on their handle bar- but once the tugging didn't stop and I felt myself falling to the floor from the force, I realised they were trying to rob me. It all happened so fast- as soon as I was aware what was happening I had already been dragged down the street until they cut the leather strap of my bag. The feeling was sickening. When the strap of my bag left my body I knew that I had lost my most precious thing. My camera... irreplaceable. Along with my iPod, phone and silver bracelet. It took my 10 minutes to realsie what was in my bag.
Berwyn and I were chasing them down the road trying to make as much noise as possible, but they got away. I was crying with anger and frustration and shock. Why did they choose me? Why in Goa? Why wasn't I aware and why was I so stupid to let them get away? A few moments later I realised how badly I was injured. My legs and arms were bleeding and full of gravel and dirt. At this moment lots of families were coming out of their homes- one lady had bought me a glass of water and a blanket.
We were in complete shock. Everyone was telling us to go the police, but I didn't care. I knew I would never get my things back. I just wanted to go and wash my cuts to stop them getting infected. After I painfully cleaned myself it was about midnight. I decided I had to go to the Police station and make a report.
The police station was in Calungate, and full of lots of men not really doing much. When I entered the room and they saw my injuries they were actually quite nice to me wanted to know what had happened. I went into an interview room and explained everything again for the 10th ten. The police inspector told me that I would have to go to court if I wanted to make a statement that I was attacked and robbed. He said I would have to go to court in 6 months time or even up to a year. I told him that was not possible as I will be in England. So instead he wrote me a letter titled 'Missing Items' and that I lost it whilst travelling on my bike! I was so angry. I told him that this was lie, and I wasn't happy that he was forcing me to lie, they he just leaned in closer to me and said 'only me and you know- so no problem'.
I was so frustrated Not only were they so corrupt, but no incidents like mine are reported ever. This makes Goa extremely unsafe. If someone was to check Goa's history with attacks and robbery's etc it would appear that there are none. However I was the 5th female to have gone through this in one week!
The next few days were not very nice. My wounds were really hurting me, and I couldn't go swimming or be in the sun, so it was very boring. i revisited the Police Station and few days later and said I was unhappy with everything- they said there was nothing they could do. I told them how angry I was that there was no police at the airport warning female travelers that this was happening or why aren't they posters around the beach town? They couldn't give me an answer for anything. They really make you feel like you're wasting you time.
Once the pain had go from cuts, I tried my best to be positive. I was lucky that it happened at the end of my trip and not at the beginning- otherwise I would have definitely gone straight back home. It could have been a lot worse.
I reminded myself that this sort of thing happens everywhere. So it wasn't going to make me hate India..if anything I realised how shocked, embarrassed and sorry the local people were when they saw me and heard my story. They try so hard to make Goa a wonderful and happy place for tourists and 2 vile men are ruining it.
When we moved down to South Goa Palolem I was finally able to move on. Up until that point I would enjoy the days but as they night approached I would become quite scared would dread the journey back to the apartment, even though we had moved to a new apartment if a busy and safer area.
Palolem was perfect. I had also visited here 10 years ago, but this place hadn't changed. It was still beautiful, and I even remembered some faces!
Our first night we stayed in a fun beach hut, but there were so many mozzies so we moved to a guest house just off the beach.
We spent the days on the beach and enjoying the huge waves, it was great! The local people were so kind and we met some lovely travelers too.
One of the books I read in Goa was 'The Secret letters From The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari'. I loved this book. It was the right place and the right time for me to have read it. I don't normally like 'self help' type books but I didn't see it in that way. It was a good story and I feel that you can take what you want from it
One idea that has stuck with me is 'Live with Kindness'.
'No action, no matter how small, is insignificant - how we treat someone defines, how we treat everyone, including ourselves. If we can't appreciate those around us, we can't appreciate ourselves. With every person we engage, in everything we do, we must be kinder than expected, more generous than anticipated, more positive than we thought possible. Every moment in front of another human being is a chance to express our highest value and to influence someone with our humanity. We can make the world better, one person at a time.'
Our final day has been spent in Delhi. Exactly where we started in India. We have seen Delhi through the seasons. We arrived in the freezing, visited with mum and dad in the spring when days were warm and nights were cool, and now its boiling! Last night was too hot to sleep. Today we wondered the wonderful crazy streets taking in our final moments in India. The air was so dry and hot it was hurting our nostrils!
We did our last minute bartering in Connaught Place, and shared our last jokes with locals. When we had enough of the haggling we went on the Metro to the posh part of Delhi and treated ourselves to a spa! It was a lovely hour to reflect on our incredible journey. Remembering all the amazing things we have seen and all the special people we have met. I will take so much home with me from this part of the world They get some things wrong but so much right. They live with whats needed and what makes them happy. They seem calmer and more fulfilled. I really hope I remember all the lovely conversations from the very wise people I have listened to.
Thank you India.
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