I'm a bit behind on the blog -- but right now am back in Jodhpur, and just about to get on the train for a 33-hour journey back to the beaches of Goa, to spend the holidays with all the other travellers and tourists in India.

Putting the bike on the train for the 1000 mile journey, will save me a week of riding, and cost a quarter of the price (petrol mainly, but also food and accommodation). I'm paying only $24 for both myself AND the bike!

The trick was getting a ticket, as everything is booked solid while EVERYONE congregates on Goa for Xmas. Yesterday, I was number 232 on the waiting list (read: "forget it") for a place on the train. But when I asked the officious guy at the counter several times what HE would do in my place, he suddenly softened and gave me the name of the Big Boss at the railway offices in town. I went to see this gentleman, who welcomed me into his office, and when I explained my dilemma, he said "No problem, Sir!", and immediately promised to allocate me a sleeper-ticket from his "Emergency Quota" -- What a nice man, and what an amazing stroke of luck!!!

Otherwise, I am falling behind on the blog, and having problems being motivated to spend so much time on it. During each week of wonderful travel exeriences -- and living wholly in the present -- I am spending one or even two days, stuck in a stuffy internet cafe in front of a computer screen, blogging about the past!!!
Another problem is about what to include and what to leave out of my entries. On a personal level, it is the relationships and private experiences which seem to be the most important aspect, and thereby the most interesting to me. But at the same time, I realize that I don't necessarily want to broadcast such personal details, and know that some cases, I know it would also not be fair to those involved. At first I thought this would be read only by friends and family, but now realize there is a substantial audience of people I do not know, who have stumbled onto the blog while searching the web, and who are now following my travel story. Many have been appreciative, some crude and abusive.

I'm going to be doing some thinking over the next days to find a solution, on how to either shorten the entries, or change the focus to reinvigorate my motivation to spend the time this way.

Thanks to all those who have left comments of encouragement. It is very gratifying to know one's efforts are valued!

Happy Christmas to you and yours.

Rolf