Southbound

So a quick update: city life began to take its toll, so we jumped a bus from Pune and headed south to Mahabalashwar, a smaller touristy (Bransonish for you fellow missourians) town mostly visited by Indians, but also had walking opportunities to escape...and find much needed peace and quiet in the forests and hills. we strolled along the valleys and hills, greeted a few cows, and explored various temples. it was here that we discovered our true star stature, as we were asked multiple times for our photo (although kids cried when their parents wanted them to pose next to us).

After a couple of days in Mahabalashwar, we jumped an overnight "luxery sleeper" bus, meaning there were beds, but they sort of smelled of dirty head. the roads themselves were quite windy, and were often awakened by a stream of honks and sharp turns that sort of forced the wedging of a limb into the bed frame to avoid flying from one side of the bus to another. not necessarily the most restful night's sleep, we rolled into Punjim, Goa's largest city, safely. it is our first day here, but the town is quite different from the other few places we have visited. it has a strong portuguese influence, including buildings, layout of the city, colors, food, and is much more western. we found a great hotel called Afonso with a kind, gentle-spoken owner, and it is by far the best we have layed our weary heads. the pillows are soft and the bathroom clean. we are happy.