One in a Billion
Trip Start
Apr 17, 2001
1
169
217
Trip End
Ongoing
Where I stayed
Sunrise Guest House
If you're looking for ancient ruins that date back to the 7th century or to watch artisan stone carvers ply their trade, Mamallapuram, a short 2 hour drive south of Chennai is just the place. We found our little hotel, The Sunrise Guest House just a hop-skip -and-a-jump past women who spend the entire day washing everything from their clothes to their food, to their naked children.
Elenka and I went up to the rooftop restaurant at the Sunrise for a lunch of fish curry and aloo gobi. We were the only customers in the place when all of a sudden we heard 'oh my god' or words to that effect. It was Sara and Daniel, a couple we'd met last year at about this time at the Kookoo's Nest in the Philippines. They'd found the Sunrise too and are staying here as well.
To put this into perspective, there are probably 6 rooms that are occupied here at our hidden Sunrise in a town with a myriad of guest houses. I'm not so good at math, but there's probably a better chance of winning the lottery than running into these two people in a country of over a billion people.
It's 38C here in Mamallapuram, on the Bay of Bengal, yet as soon as the sun sets it gets remarkably cool. Tomorrow we fly east to the Andaman Islands. We'll be there for 10 days, and not likely have contact with the outside world.



Comments
Hi Jack!
How great it is to have you back blogging! It has been quite a while of silent.
Good to know you are still enjoying your travels
Happy travelling guys... hear, hear Manuel! Warmest wishes x
Another winter escape! I love traveling synchronicity....especially your wild version. What, indeed, are the chances?
Looking forward to hear about the Andaman Islands.
Pierre and I have just returned from a two week road trip along the east coast of NSW- Byron to Sydney. Loved it! I think I could live in a campervan....wake up, yoga, surf, eat, read, nap, surf, eat, drink, sleep.
lots of love to you both and happy new year!
x
There you are! I was calling you for a dinner date Ellen.
Enjoy your travels you two!
Have save travels guys.. and mom got your card the ither day just wanted to let you know...We are having a surprise birthday party for her on sat should be fun since she has no idea we are doing this... see you when you get back home....
love your sister..
the cats and I will watch the snow drift down into the garden and think of you...
Thanks for the nice photos. Enjoy your trip and the silent time, which is waiting for you both.