Well from the meditation course I proceeded to Hampi which is quite an interesting place both historically and from a natural landscape point of view.
The landscape is scattered with massive boulders, which are apparently the remanants of a prehistoric volcanoe that covered the area. Amongst all the rocks are ancient ruins from around the 14th century. You can wander for days amongst these ruins some of which people are still living in and around today. I spent a few days walking and one day hired a bike to cover some more distance, the place is truly fascinating.
From Hampi I moved onto Goa, first stop Colva beach. I have to admit that Goa so far hasn't been quite what I expected it to be. Colva Beach was nice, and I met a lovely British couple on the train there who where great company, but there was really nothing at all to do there. I mean literally nothing other than lie around on sunbeds and read (and also get a little burnt..) all day. Which I realise is exactly what alot of people are looking for in a holiday.. but I like to mix a little activity in with my relaxing and was quite bored of it after two days. I have now moved onto Candolim Beach which is supposed to have a little more going on.
The other thing is the recent attacks in Mumbai have put a bit of a dampener on things. The attacks are just terrible, luckily for me personally I was nowhere near Mumbai, but I really feel for all the people that where. Most people I have spoken with are continuing on with there trips, but there is a much more reserved and less jovial air around the place. I hope for Indias sake that they somehow work out how to put and end to all this and live in the peace that all ordinary Indians want.
