Jan. 8 : Kumta, India

Sunday, January 8 :: Kumta, India :: 122km today / 1986km total

A late, noon-time start due to a mild hangover, today's ride was going to be questionable. The Indian drivers were in fine form, forcing me off the road at least 3 times with their antics. I'm not sure what happens when a typically pleasant, helpful, thoughtful Indian man slides in behind a steering wheel and turns the ignition, but it must be something akin to lycanthropy or schizophrenia. Or maybe, like East Asian lactose intolerance, or the Westerner I-have-everything-anyone-could-want-but-will-whine-about-my-life-anyway gene, Indians don't have the gene that generates such thoughts as "maybe passing this truck on a mountainside blind corner ISN'T a good idea".

The ride was through very lush terrain, all leafy and palmy all around. The roadside is remarkably clean, actually even the towns are much cleaner than North Indian towns, and I have no idea why. Entering Kumta I saw a beautiful hotel with marble floor, etc. etc. and checked the price... $7.50 for a fantastic room - double bed, flush toilet, TV, very clean! This place was not far off from a North American chain hotel/motel like Best Western. Of course I took it, and ate well that night.