A bit of mountain air

With work getting a little busy, I decided to take Pintu up on his offer and head down to the southern part of Orissa for a few days for a change of scenery.

The air is so much cooler and fresher down there and the scenery, lush mountains and hills and rice fields, it was a stunning vista all around (except for a few steel mills and the obligatory industrial sites that are a huge point of conflict in this state).

The plan was an overnight train down to Koraput, collect motorbike on arrival and cruise around the countryside for four days. That is exactly what we did, each day visiting different tribal markets. The markets were very much for the locals and some don't see any foreigners so there's not many trinkets to buy but the experience is wonderful and fascinating.

Each market visit started with a drink of local brew with the ladies who sell it in big silver pots. Unlike most other places in India, these women were quite amused by the foreigner having a little tipple, even encouraging it. Then we'd wander around, see what was on offer, maybe chat to a few people. If you leave it too late there are many drunks around, this is the weekly event of course and that local brew does pack a bit of a punch.

There's nothing quite like cruising around unknown lands on the back of a Honda Hero with a trusted friend as a guide. It was a very nice and relaxing few days and I can't wait to head back down there and go to some of the tribal villages next time.