February 24, 2024
No rupees. Early morning after my late night arrival and I am hungry. It was such a loooong journey and I hardly ate. Up early and happy to be out of the sweaty, dirty room. Yuk! I walked the cliff looking for a shop to do some money exchange, it was too early. Nothing open.
As I walk past a shop a man asks me if I need help. I explained my dilemna and he proceeded to pull 300 rupees out of this pocket and said “take this” Only in India:) I was so grateful and I managed to go have idlis and chai. It would be another hour or so til the money exchange shops opened. Was I grateful! I learned his name was Ikram, and we became fast friends. I went back in a few hours and repaid him, thanking him profusely for his kindness.
We chatted. He had a shop of herbs, teas, essential oils, spiritual books, yoga mats, etc….so familiar to me. He shared with me his many business ideas, he has lots. I was very impressed.
Over the next couple of weeks we had daily visits. I helped him edit his new spice labels. It was a great way to pass the time and get to know each other.
I was still recovering from my exhausting journey, so didn’t have a lot of energy. I had to turn down a couple of offers for adventures. But the day finally came that my energy was up enough to say yes.
Ikram had to go to a neighbouring village and pick up some bottles at a wholesale warehouse for his herbal tinctures. Off we went on his motorcycle. I haven’t travelled on bikes much at all, and not in India…on these roads. More prayers!
We opened google maps and input the destination address. I had loads of data. It would be over an hour journey through many, many winding roads!
I with phone in hand, volume high so we could hear the directions. Ikram with his phone in his hand, much to my dismay. But as I see, this is the way in India…everyone rides their bikes, drives tuk tuk’s, cars or even ox carts phone in hand, or being held by their shoulder chatting as they drive.
Just pray is always my “go to”
The first portion of the journey was incredibly beautiful as we passed by the sea on one side and fields of coconut palms and bodies of water on the other.
One of the roads was nicely paved, but most had ALOT of potholes. Lots of weaving. And holding on. I was in a crash course of learning how to hold on with my legs. First priority…Photos:)
Ok this is fun! A little nerve racking, but I Love adventure.
We arrive at the destination, with so many twists and turns, I don’t know which way is what. I look at my phone and I have 7% battery left. HAHA. and Ikram doesn’t have any date. So hmmm. Tricky. I tell Ikram and he seems to think no problem, we know the way now. Really??
Now to choose the bottles. 
A hundred bottles bagged up, Ikram puts them on the front of the bike between his legs. Off we go. The way back wasn’t SO straight forward. After a couple wrong turns, we were on the way back. When the Sea is on the right all is good. We are heading south 🙂
Stopping for a quick bite at a roadside “hotel” then for a slightly cool drink at a small “refreshment” stand by the sea.
It was a great adventure, and a first for me. Thank You Ikram!