Kashmir, The Himalayas and Rajasthan

Well, I am no longer in India and I have mixed emotions about it. Saying goodbye to the kids I had gotten to know so well and care a lot about over the last 2 months was very difficult (to put it plainly). After leaving Goa, I decided to head north to Delhi and then take a tour of Kashmir and Rajastan. Flying over the Himalayas on the way to Srinagar was amazing. Srinagar has had it's share of trouble to say the least. In 1999, Clinton declared it the 'most dangerous place in the world'... probably should have done a little research before I went. But everything was fine but it certainly felt more like the Middle East than India. It was really cold in Kashmir but very tranquil on Lake Dal, where I stayed on a houseboat. In fact, I stayed in the same room that Mick Jagger and Jerry hall stayed in once upon a time. There was no heat in Kashmir, so I had to sleep with hot water bottles in the bed (they call them "babies") and use a hand-held basket with a terra cotta pot in it with coals. They call that "a winter husband" and you put it under your poncho to keep warm. I went trekking in the Himalayas for a couple days which was wonderful. Had a bit of altitude sickness because I think we were 9,200 meters (27,000 ft) up, but it wasn't too bad. Just fatigue and a massive headache.

After Kashmir, I went on a tour of Rajasthan to see the Taj, Pushkar, Jaipur and a place for a tiger safari (didn't see one). Pushkar was the coolest little town and we went on a camel safari. I was travelling with a couple ozzies, a German girl and a Danish girl. Lots of stories from that trip, but it'll have to wait till I get home because I would be writing for hours!

After Rajasthan, I went back to Delhi and caught an overnight train to Mumbai/Bombay. Luckily, I met a very nice guy on the train named Keshav and he helped me find a room that night. He and his friends took me out that night to Marine Dr and Chowpatty beach. We rode the local trains that are insane. There are no doors and there are at least 10 people hanging out the opening while only holding on to a metal pole. it's no wonder that 4-5 people die each day in Mumbai on the trains. The poverty in Mumbai was awful. I thought other places were bad, but this was the worst. People/families put down blankets (if they have one) and line the sidewalks at night to sleep. It was shocking to see how many were homeless and jobless.

I flew to Bangkok on the 10th of December and am now in Bangkok. I am still adjusting I think, after coming from India. It's a lot better here as far as easy travel. There are tons of backpackers and I am staying near the infamous Khao San Rd. I would say 50% of the Thai 'women' here are actually 'lady-boys'. I met a couple Ozzies who are great, Nick and Linda. We took the sky train around the city last night which was a good way to see it. We also went to the Grand Palace and surrounding area which was very elaborate and beautiful. Tomorrow, we go to Ko Samet island for a couple days and then straight back here to catch the bus to Chiang Mai, where I will be spending Christmas with Linda and whoever else we meet.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!