Fw: Back to the jungle

A late start gave us the opportunity to spend a couple of hours exploring Mysore(head) and a chance for me to think about how lucky I am having the friends family and home that I do. This is the first time that I have been able to think of anything other than be safe on the road.
As I was without cash the first mission for my persnal tuk tuk driver was to find an ATM machine with cash in. Bingo machine number 4 had cash, so off I sped to the flower market, which was a vibrant vegetable and spice market with the odd marigold stand. You see what we regard as exotic flowers eveywhere in the country side, yet all you can buy in the flower market in minging marigolds on a rope? Anyway," tuk tuk man take me to a silk market, I need a made to measure shirt for my last night in India". My ride which resembled a ghost train ride in Blackpool,lead me to the indoor silk market. After whitling my fabric choice down from112 to 2 I was finally measured up.My plan of exploring more of the city was scuppered due to me being unable to pay for my shirt because I had left my debit card in the ATM machine. This led to, an over 18 ghost train ride back to the ATM machine, an interview with the bank manager, a letter from me to say sorry, and another ghost train ride (this time armed with my debit card) back to pay for the shirt!
Right, deep breath," take me back to my hotel tuk tuk man I'm late for mid day departure". No.It wasn,t happening. No matter how many times I said that I didn't want to go to the famous street that sold fragrant oils, and that I hate oils, or that I would never buy a fragrant oil,that I was allergic to fragrant oil he still tuk me there! I bought Jarnagada oil which is good for spots, from the only Indian man that I've seen with acne.
After being pestered, by an Indian playing Frere Jacques on a flute, to buy one, I started a wonderful stress free ride that took us to the beautiful elephant and tiger resereve of Masinagudi, where I whitessed the majesty of 5 elphants in their home land. We were warned not to stop, so we got off our bikes and took loads of pics.
They are just awesome creatures. This magical journey was through Tamil Nadu, the heartland of rural poor and the home of vegaterianism. This is why on arrival at our jungle huts we were offered beefburgers and a beer, followed by a supper of spaghetti bolognaise. This is the first time I have had meat in India......I'm sure it makes sense to somebody.
The people here are the poorest of the poor matterially, but they are without question the frienliest and most decent Indians that we have met. Tamil Nadu is my favourite part of India so far, it is heavenly.A friendly Wild West.
No casualties today apart from 5. Riders with the trots. Going to drink lots of beer and whisky tonight as the only thing I have planned tomorrow is a massage.