Jo Herrings Adventures

Hampi is the site of many Hindu temples and is a beautiful spot set amongst hot rocks in a valley that makes you sigh with perspiration. It is here and now that the government has issued a 7 day notice to the residents of Hampi Bizaar closest to the famed Virupaksha Temple to vacate their premises. They have offered land some 6km from the township to the villagers on a rock with no running water or fertile land, away from the river that runs alongside Hampi and its famed temples. Its biblical to build on a rock but the proposal to relocate these folks away from the river they currently frolic in doing their daily chores and enjoy relaxing beside seems baffling. If you are going to displace people (rehousing is not an option they are literally told they can move to the rock or make their own arrangements), shouldn’t you offer an equal alternative. Somewhere sewage systems can be made, electricity implemented to all homes, oh and how about some of that precious resource WATER. (I ...

It’s nice to be back in India, but my gosh what a difference the south is! Because of the long period of time I plan to be in India I’ve decided to break down my blog into provinces as this is a country of many countries. Of course I will give you some more detailed updates on some provinces as the experience I have are sometimes blog worthy – but I’m sure you’ll all agree this blog is more interesting now with less “today I did this” style writing! The plan now I am here and due to the high temperatures experienced in the south is going along the lines of April – Southern – Central – North East India (Kerala, Karnataka, Andrah Pradesh, West Bengal) May – North East India and Nepal (Darjeeling, East of Bangladesh (wish I had a multi entry then would have gone to Bangalesh!), Nepal June – Nepal, Yoga Ashram, trekking in Northern India, Shimla, Ladakh July – continue trekking in the North and tea plantations…avoiding the plains and the heat as long as possible! Final...

In honesty I was kind of over South East Asia when it came time to go to Vietnam. Alas I had committed to meeting my school friend Amy on the 24 th of March for a couple of days to see Halong Bay which I had heard was stunning. After a short flight from Luang Prabang (learning buying flights in country is cheaper than outside so long term travellers be heartened some things are cheaper left to the last minute) avoiding the 27 hour bus journey which was the only other option to Hanoi. I was then to make my way to Hoi An. The information centre was the cheapest option by far for the overnight sleeper bus so anyone taking time in Hanoi I would suggest this as your best option for buses – but not the Halong Bay tour. The bus journey was interesting starting with a motorbike ride across town, then a mini van before reaching a bus with actual beds….so novel. As a rookie I sat on the side of the driver meaning I had head lights coming at me all night. We stopped for a long ti...