Bombay Jan 2006

[glaconman]

Andy;

I'm always actively trying to get you started. You shouldn't keep all those adventures and stories in your head. Unless that's were they started, of course.

I'm sure the Darjeeling train is a great experience. Having enjoyed 3 steam, narrow-gauge journeys in India (Shimla, Ooty and Kangra Valley) I'm keen to see what may be the best of them all. Although Kalka-Shimla will take some beating. The porter service in Shimla is second-to-none; not only do they carry your bags through the steep bazaar, but they then offer to sell you hashish in your room. First class sir.

Regarding the running: I know gym work may be sound technical advice, but I just can't bring myself to run in a gym. You know the arguments.

I quote you: "But to be honest, I think whatever you do at this stage is likely to be not quite enough". This is quite depressing reading, but an honest evaluation nonetheless. I read a quick article by Hal Higdon the other day which is probably well known: where he expresses his dismay at the phrase '26 gruelling miles'. The point being that, if you're well trained, the first 10 are likely to be easy, the second 10 hard, and only the last 6 gruelling.

The number of 'gruellers' for me are likely to be somewhere between 6 and 12; but how well I train over the next couple of weeks will determine the exact figure. And I know which I'd prefer.

Nigel;

It occurs to me that I responded to Alan's report with a 'rose-tinted' view of India (literally if you read roses for marigolds). I'll endeavour to give a more balanced report from the place whilst I'm there.

For me India represents humanity in it's sharpest focus. It never fails to make an impression as one can experience 'the wonderful and the retched' in the same lunchtime. More later I'm sure.

MLCM;

Thank you for your succinct and enlightening post. I must remember to pack my catapult.


Sweder;

Thanks for your enthusiasm.