Day 5 was NOT relaxing! We experienced without doubt the most challenging and mentally exhausting roads yet encountered and that was only 150 kms over 6 hours. There were no mechanical breakdowns, but the best analogy we can think of is driving a golf buggy through a quarry. The day was filled with strange moments – many we will tell you about later so as not to alarm you – but some include a bogged rickshaw in heavy rain and deep mud, tilting on her side, but the locals came and rescued the day. This was the least of our worries yesterday!
We came to understand that dual carriageway literally means nothing…trucks, buses, cars, motorbikes, bicycles, cows, pedestrians, dogs, goats, pigs, chickens, etc all use the lane of their choice. This is NOT an exaggeration.
But to Faizabad we drove and a good night was had at the Krishna Palace Hotel where we both had our rooms upgraded to the ‘Maharajah Suite’ – it was interesting, photos were taken. That said we are now in Kanpur at the Landmark Hotel and it is brilliant – a swim, 2 frames of ten pin bowling (yes that is part of the hotel – including a dodgem car rink – but hell, we do that every day), walked around great markets, had some excellent street food, and now about to enjoy a great dinner. All in all, Kanpur is a great place – an unknown place by most (not even mentioned in Lonely Planet) but absolutely charming.
We are now strategizing tomorrow’s direction – the dilemma is which way, south or west? We are in two minds – Agra of Jhansi. Logic says Agra, but heart says Jhansi as it is more off the beaten track. We’ll keep you posted, but at this this stage Shivpuri or Agra will be the target for tomorrow.
The one thing we have noticed coming down from the mountains and heading further west is that the climate and topography are changing considerably. The rains are dissipating and we crossed the Ganga (Ganges) River. In theory the weather will get hotter and drier, however the one thing we have realised to date is theory does not necessarily hold much weight in our daily challenges.
Lastly, we have noticed we are in the ‘Top Ten’ Teams in terms of donations raised and we hope to stay there – and we are extremely proud of the money we have raised. We have seen firsthand how much the money we have raised for Frank Water will impact people’s lives. Thank you again, you probably don’t realise just how big an impact that your generosity has made, but rest assured it has been significant. If anyone still wants to donate, please do so, it goes a long way. See the donations page for more detail.
Top Tip/Factoid: Get up very early to drive the roads of India.
Wow ! Sounds like a gruelling day but with some rewards at the end. Dodgem cars seems appropriate ! Keep your spirits up – only a week to go.
You will never complain about the Sydney roads and traffic again will you. Am emjoying the blog
Well done Andrew and Paul. Lisa says can you play “its a long way to the top” to celebrate.