Let’s talk friendship.

One afternoon at the museum, a friend asked me , “so how many of your school friends are you in touch with? “. I responded with some uncomfortable silence.  Up until that moment it didn't real strike me that I was barely in touch. With anyone from my school days.  Now don’t get judgemental Jude on me. I am really good at keeping in touch. OK much better than the average.  But time and distance sometimes prove to be challenges.

While all my school friends were married and most had stayed behind in my hometown.. I found it difficult to stay in touch with them. But I think the most  is that I probably would not know what to say to them now.

I am a very very different person now from what I was some years ago. Moving cities, growing older and life in general has made me a different person. And I believe as you change.. so do the kind of friends you make. So this got me thinking would be I friends with half the people I know… had I met them at a different time of my life?

And I assume this would be apply for everyone. Something tells me I would have a lot less friends if I had to start the exercise now. A tad bit depressing that. Think I will drown my sorrows by doing a Mad Men marathon. Ta.

Indonesia - Part 2: Ubud

The second stop of our Indonesia trip was D’s choice. So we all know how Eat,Pray Love put Ubud on the global map. Somehow unlike the rest of the world, it didn't catch my fancy. Well at least up until I got there. Just an hour into this little bustling town and I was in love.  I could totally understand why Elizabeth Gilbert loved it. Ubud is one of those places that reminds you that the world can wait , while you disappear into your own bubble.

Ubud is a little town filled with tiny cafes, curio shops and busy markets.  D and me spent many hours exercising our non existent bargaining skills in the many markets. These visits ensured we were returning to India with much heavier bags.

One of the best things about our stay at Ubud was our home stay. Not only was it a bargain, the couple who run it were so warm and friendly. Which we soon discovered was a common trait among the people of this town. Literally everyone here greets you with a warm smile or wants to chat up. Our room was massive and overlooked this little courtyard which led into rice fields.  Would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Ubud.

D had signed us for a cycling expedition, which was one of the highlights of our trip. The group that organized this took us for a lovely breakfast overlooking a lake and volcano. After which we  visited the world famous Kopi Luwak Coffee. Which is made of well erm cat poo. Well kinda. Soon after this interesting coffee experience we got on our bikes and off we went zipping through tiny villages. The  excursion guides took us to a traditional Balinese home, a wood work factory and finally some rice fields.  

The last time I touched a cycle was twenty years ago. So naturally I was not sure if I could do it. But am so glad I got over my apprehension and did this. Cycling through brilliant green rice fields on a quiet afternoon was nothing short of bliss. With the wind in my hair, I could almost hear the soundtrack of "Chariots of fire" in my head. I was dog tired at the end of it. But it was worth every minute.

When the time came for us to pack and leave we made a note to definitely come back to this lovable tiny town.