Ahmedabad

Day 100 & 101.

Trip to Ahmedabad was our first Indian train ride, reluctantly we swapped the luxury of the bus ride (our usual go to) to experience a bunk on the sleeper train. We were rather smug whilst making our beds in the empty 6 bed carriage only to find out 30 minutes into the journey we had ended up in the wrong berth, darn. After untying my very tightly knotted luggage (top theft prevention tip) we relocated and made our way to the busy end..

The ride flew by at least for me who slept soundly all the way through. I'm not sure when Ellie planned to wake up as yet again she assumed I had arranged for the appropriate alarm and would ensure our departure from the train. Luckily she was right and we arrived in Ahemdebad on time.

Arrived at Visheeh's house, a 27 year old engineer graduate who currently runs his own development business. He welcomed us into his parents home with some fresh Masala chai and gave us a room, cool guy and the first Indian we've met with dreds.

Ahemdebad being the gateway to Gujurat was more of a base for us, but had some great sights too including the Stair well, Ghandis Ashram (where he began the famous salt march) & some crazy markets!

Food prices have dropped in this state although alcohol is strictly forbidden. Everything has to be bought from 'bootleggers' proper prohibition style. Viveesh had his contacts however and could easily obtain some Old Monk if needed.

Both nights we spent out at local eateries planning our Gujarat adventures over Dosa's, Parathas and Chai. Ellie hasn't got used to Indian punctuality just yet and nearly broke down on the first night when Viveesh was running late for dinner without contact. Long story short we now have Zomato credits to spend and a serious crisis was averted.

Notes.

(Ellie) Do not order late night takeaway when hangry and nearly bring fish into a religiously vegetarian home that has never seen meat or fish, ever. An 11pm dinner is normal here, need to adjust slightly.

In Gujarat tourists are extremely uncommon and prolonged staring is unfortunatley just the norm. It almost makes you feel famous, especially when large crowds gather when you dare stop still in any given location, just smile and wave, smile and wave. Also to note - don't trust Craig when you ask him to choose a safe spot to sit in in the local park. By safe I meant to avoid any local loonies and have some peace. Craig decides to plonk us in the middle of many rouge characters. Crazy man shouts at us in hindi, shows off his newly bandaged deformed foot and proudly waggles his sixth finger for us to see. Craig nods, smiles and says 'ohhh wow' like he's just performed a magic trick. Stay precisely 90 seconds before making a swift escape. Let Ellie choose where to sit next time.Read more