Highs and lows

Since last report our team of three have experienced abit of turmoil. Upon leaving Hyderabad and staying with some lovely friends, Daniel and Shirley, we made our way 30km to the suburbs which had been decided due to nightfall and the inability to drive at night. To speak about driving at night, it is not advised and we've been keeping safety first, "firstly". But since the stop in Hyderabad we've made great progress through the central part if India, traveling through Nagpur and Jabalpur. The transitions from our stay 80km south of Nagpur and Jabalpur is shocking. Regardless of how bad the stay in Nagpur was, we have situated ourselves in a beautiful place within the city of Jabalpur. As we journey farther north within the next few days, we will encountour Varanasi and continue treking towards the goal of Shillong. More to write soon..

Finally found internet...

In Hyderabad, which makes sense because its pretty hi-tec here for India. We havent exactly gone the tourist route, which is supported by us not having seen another westerner (whitey) since the start line. Were convoying with a few other teams, made up by a few americans, kiwis, welsh, aussies, and canadian guys, and were trying hard to make good time. Sorry for everyone that has been checking in and not receiving anything, I cant get my hotmail to load for some reason, and it shouldnt be a surprise that finding the internet in Gingee, India is impossible. Lots of good stories though, will relay them all when we get back. All doing well at the end of the day though, and havent seen Mr. Delhi Belly since Pondicherry (where ill-advised milkshakes were drank).

Route so far:

Day 1: Pondi to Gingee, not a good day for miles, but we proved ourselves on some pretty bad roads. If you can find Gingee on a map, gold star for you, it really doesnt merit a place on one.

Day 2: Gingee to Chittoor, again, not great on miles, mostly due to our battery falling out of the rickshaw and some Indian guy grabbing it. We had to divert to get more parts and wiring, but now weve got a 9 month warranty on a new battery. First time we drove in the dark. No comment.

Day 3: Chittoor to Nandyal, what a great little city Nandyal, fun times were definitely had and miles were made on the way there.

Day 4: Nandyal to Hyderabad, couple break downs between all of us but we did about 300 km, so thats good. Slowly realizing that Shillong may be out pf our reach if we continue on to Varanasi and Bodghaya and champion the interior route. We also would like to avoid the incredibly boring and lifeless highways here as well, its just lorries and bus drivers and straight open roads. 

 Taking lots of video and photos, some funny, some scary, all character building. Love you all. 

We made it

Against all odds, us three have made it to the start line in Pondicherry, India.

 

After Sean and I met Paul in Heathrow, and had a commencement drink, we flew into Chennai. Getting off the plane and being thrown into the Indian night at 1am is pretty intimidating out here. We needed to get about 80 miles south to Pondi, so we bargained for a ride with a taxi driver and took off. About 2.5 hourslater, we were in Pondicherry, checked in at our hotel and drinking whiskey down by the pool waiting for breakfast to open. We grabbed an awesome Indian breakfast, then went upstairs to sleep for a few hours. The city is busy and lively, music pumping everywhere at all hours, and most everyone very friendly. Having a blast so far. We're going to pick up the rickshaw later on, will post photos of what it looks like we have them. 

Not sure how often we'll be checking in once we're on the road, but we're safe and getting up to speed with life here. Hope all is well with everyone back home, and happy new year to all.

-Midnight riders

Off we go...

Hello world.

As we commence our epic journey, I just want to say thanks to everyone who has donated and all those who have shared well wishes for us. Please check back often, as I intend to update his blog with pictures and video as much as India makes it possible. 

Paul, Sean, and I would also like to wish everyone a happy new year. If you're into the solidarity thing, eat some samosas or vindaloo on the 1st and think about us firing up our rickshaw and getting on the road. If anyon has special requests, urgent news, or would like to drop us a line, I will update this blog with our sat phone number (or Sean's cell if he gets it India-enabled) so you can drop a line.

Much love to everyone and look for updates soon!

(Insert Hindi farewell here),

Dan, Paul, and Sean