Palolem GOA Friday afternoon

Right, here we go again. It is just TOOOOOO hot out and I'm getting brain fry. This place has got aircon so I'm gonna chill for a while. Well, I have made it to paradise. Can't believe it. Palolem is beautiful and it isn't as busy as I thought it would be. A few days ago on the streets of Bombay I pre booked 3 nights in the recommended place in Rough Guide. So glad I did, I've got my own double room with huge bed and mosquito net.,an array of essential oils to burn to keep away the mozzies and my own private bathroom which is outside and totally amazing. It's another massive bucket shower room and I spent an hour in there earlier rubbing away the super embedded grime of my sleeper train from Bombay. Plus they offer yoga, massage and pilates. Bloody hell I really am gonna turn into a hippie. Never have I stayed in such paradise! he he I can't believe it.

My foray into bollywood stardom was an experience I'm glad I had but I wouldn't rush to do it again. the day was long and hot and we were taken to this outside location where some of the lads had to dress up as a football team and we were the supporters and had to stand at the sides with canadian flags and I had a massive maple leaf painted on my face. At least this acted as sunblock and I didn't catch the sun at all! Met some young gap year couples and we got chatting which made the time pass a bit quicker. It was interesting watching the producer and others with the lights and cameras but the stars were so bitchy and horrible. The famous guy was a right prima dona, he had to score the winning goal which was tough coz he was crap at footie.

The bollywood primadonna

Jane the extra. Come on Canada!

The poverty of bombay was just getting too much for me, 3 days in this city is definitely enough. Even in the women's only waiting room in the station I watched two women (who were wearing the most gorgeous saris, by the way) remove cardboard boxes which they had attached under the seats and lay them out ready for a nights sleep. I just can't get my head round it.

Train stations here look gorgeous from the outside. True good British designs, but God they are hell inside. Families live on the platform and between the lines. Anyway, found the train. MY GOD it was a long one. I was totally unprepared for last night. It was character building because I didn't have a pillow or a blanket only sarongs and clothes. the carriages were one step up form hell in my opinion. Anyone who says travelling by standard sleeper class in India is OK is either a lier or mad. it was my fault for not being prepared. Got chatting to an 83 year old Indian woman and we swapped beds coz she had been given the middle bunk and me the bottom. She was happy about that. she told me about her Dad and the British rule and how things have changed now,she was totally pro UK. BUT again very difficult to understand. I had to help her to the toilet.. Jesus, my first introduction to train bogs were with an OAP. Sometimes I pinch myself to make sure its real!

The night was loud, noisy and uncomfortable but old granny came up trumps when she saw how cold I was she went straight to her bag and pulled out a lovely piece of freshly washed cotton for me to have. So kind of her. Still didn't sleep but like Dad says shutting your eyes is almost as good. Cheers Dad, you got me through the night. THe stink of shit through the barred windows (There wasn't any glass) was unbelievable. Well it's over now and I feel OK. Infact in the morning the chaiwallahs (Tea sellers ) came screaming through the carriages and I had the best cup of tea of my life! The old lady was called D.V. Fenani and she has invited me to visit her flat when I go back to Bombay at the end of the month. Think I'll give that a miss but I'll send her a postcard from Oxford.

An hour taxi ride through tropical paradise and 12 hours on the train and finally I'm here now in the best resort I've ever stayed in. So many ups and downs in just one day. Right off to change some money and walk back on to the beach.