Well, last year I had so much fun that I am back again. The trip was hard. 21h is the plane just to get to Taipei (some problems with the plane, had to unload some of the luggage in LAX to lighten the load). Then I spent couple extra days in Kuala Lumpur, waiting for my luggage. I figured it is easier to wait for it in KL than in Bangalore, so I enjoyed 2 days of sightseeing and opulence. KL Hilton rocked!
Now I am back in India, where standards are a lot lower. Doors that don't quite close, houses that are way too close (you can hear pretty well what your neighbors are saying), etc. etc. etc. All of it adds to the charm of India overall, just make sure you know what you are getting into. This is no Hilton. Not even a Motel 6. More like Motel 3 with unfinished plumbing. Hey, but it is much cheaper, Hilton in KL - $130 for one day, and fully furnished one bedroom in Gokulam, Mysore - $240 per month. And that's the "super deluxe" unit. You can find something much much cheaper if your desires/budget are less - $90 will get you into a room with a bed, shower and a propane burner. Fortunately, last time I was here I experienced places from all ends of the spectrum, and this time chose the best I could afford. I know, I should live ascetic life style somewhere in the woods, meditating, but it is much more pleasant not to have fight ants and mosquitoes all the time. So there, I succumb to pleasures of the flesh. Tomorrow I will start practicing yoga with Saraswati, I was told to come at 8.
In Bangalore I spent too much time arguing with an auto rickshaw driver, and ended up missing my train (Shatabdi Express, leaves from Bangalore to Mysore around 11 am). Without much a due, I walked across to the bus station and quickly boarded Mysore bound airconed express. 2 and half hours later I was in Mysore. New road that connects the cities is smooth and fast, only slowdowns were in the cities, where the bus had to navigate metal barriers set up to do whatever. Also, there were some speed bumps. But overall - quick journey, 130rs cost. Once in Mysore, Shiva showed me places around, and I settled here. Things to do today: get a scooter, get a haircut, be here for dsl installation (included into rent).
