Sunset Bus Ride from Mahad

Though we were greatly incovenienced yesterday by having to take a bus inland and back out to the coast again to circumnavigate hills and a lack of decent roads, good fortune did again come our way. The bus ride (5hrs) through rough and rocky mountain terrain was actually quite calming for me (Eliot). Watching the towns roll by, the monkeys in the trees, the people squatted by the side of the highway, all to a soundtrack of American folk music through headphones. It was kind of peaceful, despite the bus nearly falling off every cliff we swung along.

Decompression. They say you shouldn't bring iPods and the like as it will sour your cultural experience. However, India is arguably a very intense country to visit and experience, and I've found it quite helpful to just remove oneself here and there for the sake of sanity.

Watching the sunset through the hazy hills amid the clatter of a beat up local bus put me at ease, and I decided not to stress. Lately we've been worried about money and time, wasting it and such. Yet last night we ended up with our new French friends, talking India and movies on the balcony and sipping Kingfisher. Today a minor emergency bike wise was prevented with the help of quiet mechanic. Once again, India swoops in to let you know it's going to be alright. Namaste.

Back to bikes! By the way, new favorite dish: potato poha. Yum yum.

Location:Mahad to Ratnigiri