Yesterday, sitting outside the office with fast wifi, I glanced up to see something furry, long and sleek glide across the drive way. It was a mongoose!
I finished writing and decided to come to a homestay recommended to me by a friend because it’s in the country and natural and quiet. However, it was completely unclear how to reach it? Writing the owner helped but got me a message I couldn’t translate with names of places I’d never heard of.
Things are always working out for me! I feel that and reminded myself it would work! Here are some photo’s of the difference in traffic between the city and country homestay.
This morning, I was going to ask the man in the office for help. Before I could, my phone rang. It was the owner of Sahyadri Homestay where I was heading later. He wanted to know what time I would arrive and explained his written directions more clearly. Perfect!
After having a bite to eat, I paid my bill and was asking for insight into what bus to take. Then, personally escorted to the new bus station and delivered to the right bus, my friend spoke briefly with the driver. Let than a minute later, I was off.
Traveling slowly through new country with sights I haven’t seen is one of my favorite parts of bus travel! A special treat occurred when we detoured through a village and onto a more remote backroad. The driver suddenly braked to nearly a stop. Sitting in the front of the bus, I could see a snake crossing the road in front of us. There, slithering rapidly across the black top, was a six or seven foot cobra! Didn’t expect to see that today!
Nearing the village where I needed to change buses, I got ready. We stopped and the driver pointed to a bus next to us. On that bus, I showed them the name of a landmark where I wanted to go. Again, the bus left quickly.
Treat number 2, coffee! Not coffee to drink or coffee beans to harvest, coffee trees blooming! Mile after mile of robusta coffee trees in full bloom! Everything is white and the air is full of that sweet fragrance similar to jasmine!
Feeling like I was nearing my stop, the assistant held up his hand and said, “next stop”. OK! The bus pulled over for me about 20 meters from the drive to my homestay!
Yes, things are always working out for me. I thought I might have to hire a driver or tuk tuk which would cost more than my room for one or two nights. And then, with the kind intervention of strangers, I’m dropped at the doorstep of where I am staying.
Finally, a man on a phone motioned me to a chair. I saw the sign for the homestay and motioned that I would walk. Apparently, the family had gone to a celebration with relatives and were due back shortly. He was calling to let them know I was here.
Now, I’m here relaxing with birds, butterflies floating by my upstairs balcony, the fragrance of coffee blossoms in the air and the peace of the forest! Great choice being here!
And a couple other flower shots as well as the Royal Enfield I walked by this morning. It’s THE classic motorcycle of India.
I have never seen a coffee plant in boon! All the pictures of the flowers were beautiful. All new things I have never seen.