High Falls Report

Things just keep getting better. The airport in Calcutta was as modern as any I have seen. We arrived early and had lunch in a lovely restaurant, served by meticulously dressed wait staff. The tomato soup was delicious!

Landing in Bangalore a few hours later, we were driven to an 'oasis' within the standard chaos of a large Indian city. Down a back alley, and through iron gates, we were deposited into a courtyard surrounded by small cottages. The dining area was outside under a thatched roof. We over-nighted there, and started the journey to High Falls the next morning, retaining the same van and driver.

A seven hour drive took us up into the hill country of India. We are now staying on a coffee plantation, greatly removed from any urban centre. We are all relaxing and loving it. This place could be in the Carribean, with its palm trees, pointsettas growing wild, and abundant bird life.

A 10 minute walk brings you to the bottom of High Falls trail. The path winds upwards for 20 minutes across suspension bridges, and up a never-ending set of stairs. You are climbing the right side of a beautiful 1500 ft. waterfall. I have visited the top of the falls everyday now. At the top there is a pool where you can get under the falls and get 'massaged'. Lots of photo ops there!

We have three more days at this idyllic spot; we will be sad to leave. But, the good news is that we will be heading towards Goa, where we get to spend a week on the beach.

This trip has been beautifully organized. Kerry takes care of ALL the details. We have had 2 weeks in urban settings, and now 2 weeks in rural settings; a great balance.

A cold/cough is spreading through the group. So I am very grateful to the relative who gave me a cold over Christmas. I seem to be immune from this one.

No one has had any serious Delhi Belly problems, either. Some report a few minor internal rumblings, but nothing serious. Let's hope it continues.

By for now...  More later

Sue