October 2014 South India & starting my blog

 

South India lived up to my expectations.  In some ways it was less spectacular than North India, but the itinerary was so varied, from cities (Fort Cochin/Madurai/Mysore), national park (Periyar), hippy beaches (Varkala/Goa – the latter I did not like – so built up and touristy), the backwaters by river boat, rural splendour (Hampi).  The tour group were an interesting mix of Australians, New Zealanders and Brits aged from 18 – 33 and us two oldies.  I learnt a lot about their culture and view of us British – fussy and class ridden in summary.  My favourite spots were Fort Cochin which is a beautiful old Portuguese colonial town full of antique shops which would be an interior designer’s nirvana, Periyar for its vast green forest, Varkala for its charming hippy beach and world heritage site Hampi for giant boulders and atmospheric ruins.

Don’t think me vacuous if I say that India is now off my bucket list.  I fancy Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos next year.

 

The holiday was not a success for the Swag and I.  He found me controlling.  I found being with him inhibiting and painful as the criticisms seemed to come from nowhere I was expecting and however much I tried to withdraw, just my basic assertiveness of knowing what I wanted to do each day irritated the pants off him.  He punished me by withdrawing all affection and conversation except when we were in company.  I did get upset, but I was being exposed to such amazing things I could not stay down for long and besides I had to keep my chin up in front of young people I was old enough to have given birth to.

 

I am sure I have already sent you a general email about my website/blog, www.hazeldurbridge.com

There have been improvements and amendments to the site as I get a handle on managing the ‘dashboard’, how to edit my poor quality photos (generally I am going to have to take FAR more photos) and just in the last few days setting up my twitter account.  Hits are gaining momentum.  It’s all hugely interesting and rewarding to me and just gives me something to wrap my brain cells around.