INDIA 2025 : To Gujarat

Sunday 26th January

Today is India's National Independance Day.

We had a 4.00am pick up for a flight to Rajkot in the state of Gujarat.

Here we were met by another driver for the 4 or so hour drive to Saran Gir. There are always so many fascinating things to see along the way on an Indian roadtrip.

We stopped in Gondal to visit a  Swaminayaran Temple.

And then the Darbargadh Palace that belonged to the local Maharaj.

Shabby to say the least with the funniest random collections of dolls, toy cars, teapots and horse carriages etc.

We arrived at Gir Serai for a late lunch followed by a restful afternoon watching the Aussie Open final on TV from our bed. 

And dinner. We are absolutely loving the food in India. As always.

INDIA 2025 - Getting there..

Friday 24th to Saturday 25th January

We flew to Mumbai via Singapore. SQ is just a fabulous airline.

I used Tour My India again to plan this trip. They are excellent. Every detail is handled and What's App is a great communication tool. Our guide and driver were waiting for us at the airport.

Mumbai like most Indian cities isn't pretty. Air quality is poor; it's crowded and chaotic and filthy with no town planning and crazy road construction everywhere.

We spent the night at the Taj Palace in Mumbai.

Just time for a stroll around ( Saturday evening the streets are very crowded) and cocktails at the Leopold Cafe. (If you've read Shantaram you will know of this place.)

We ended with a nightcap and early to bed due to jet lag and a 4am start tomorrow.

JOBURG

Friday 17th to Thursday 23rd January 2025

What a busy week of doctors and dentists ( we are well) and all sorts of admin. Even a trip to the farm.We always run short of time.  We did get to see friends and family which means lots of meals out.  We do enjoy Joburg restaurants; they have the friendliest staff in the world. Neil is good at bringing out the best in people which helps when you are easily recognisable.

ZEBULA

Friday 3 to Thursday 16 January 2025

What a privilege to own a share of a home at Zebula; a little piece of African paradise.

And to stay for 2 weeks. And to share the time with friends. We cooked and enjoyed amazing meals. We drank too much.. wine, bubbly, cocktails and whiskies. We exercised too little..Maybe because it rained and rained..a blessing in a usually dry South Africa. The veld is so green and the golf course looks like it could be in Scotland except for all the wild animals roaming around.

NEW YEAR IN THE CAPE

Thursday 28th December to Tuesday 2 January