Oompa Loompas

I arrived at Reflections Guest House.  The landlady reminds me of a Julie Walters character.  She looks like an Indian Ms Overall and moves about as quickly too.  You get the sense from her that she’s just about had enough of life and particularly guests staying in her house.   Everything seems to be a massive effort for her. She even charged me 30r for a toilet roll (bearing in mind I can get a meal for the same).   In spite of all that though, there is something about her that I like (it could just be that I love Julie Walters).

She employs a few old women to help around the house.  She calls them her servants.  I’m not sure if it's a requirement of the employment terms, but they are all midgets.  It is very strange.  I feel like I’m in Willy Wonkers factory.  Their hands are so small that even when they bring me a cup of coffee, they bring it on a tray. 

My room is very standard but it overlooks a lake and is one of the most peaceful places I have been.  India is the nosiest place on the planet.  This is blissful.  I went for a walk, dreading the worst but I wasn’t bothered at all.  It feels amazing to walk along the street relatively unnoticed.   The only time that someone spoke to me was to see if I wanted a lift on the back of his horse (this is a new one).  It is like the old Wild West in some parts (minus the guns).  I said no as I’m so fat that I didn’t have the heart to put the poor horse through it. 

I later went into town to find the travel agent.  The first thing I noticed is that all the ladies have cardi’s over their saris.  It really isn’t a good look).  All the men wear beany hats and puffer jackets.  I don’t think it’s that cold but to them it must feel like arctic.  I really liked the travel agent.  He looks like Danny Glover (I love Danny Glover, not in that way though).  He arranged all my trains for me.  He told me the price, which seemed really expensive, but he had based it on two people.  I told him that I was travelling alone and he immediately apologised for his mistake and then laughed for about 5 minutes.  It was very infectious, even though I know he was laughing at my inability to find a boyfriend (or at least someone to travel with).  It seems to amuse these Indian’s no end. 

It was soon bedtime.  I don’t want to bore the socks off you, and I promise not to make a habit of telling you about the various beds I sleep in on my travels (unless it is that of a hunky bloke), but this is noteworthy in that it’s the first time since arriving in India that I have slept the entire night.  It was freezing cold outside but I was tucked up in the warm between 2 duvets, with super soft pillows.  It made me feel safe and cosy.  I really like Ooty (and my duvet).