My journey to India (from LA) took a little longer than first planned, as I had to make an unscheduled stop off for a week in London to get my Indian visa. It was a lovely opportunity to catch up with friends and visit the Tate Modern Gallery.

At Mumbai International Airport I was greeted by signs that said "inconvenience may be regretted due to building works". The prepaid taxi trip from airport to the YWCA hostel in the Fort area of Mumbai was an adventure. It was everyone for themselves on the road..no lanes. Entire families were riding the auto rickshaws and the taxis and cars continually weaved their way to destinations. It was a riot of colour and activity.

It is summer here in India so the temperatures are very hot. After a few days in Mumbai I caught an airconditioned train to Margao in the south of Goa. Soaked up the culture and visited the famous beaches of the region including Palolem which is edged by Palm trees and beach huts and Benaulem Beach which is much quieter and in many ways similar to some of Sydney's northern beaches.

The ancient ruins of Hampi, the Maharajas Palace in Mysore and the hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal have also been visited. Each area is very different with food, dress and everyday life.

The children are amazing. As there are fewer white tourists travelling in south of India at this time of year, we (friends I have been travelling with) have often been mobbed by excited children and teenagers wanting to know our names, where we are from and information on our countries. Usually there are requests for photographs of us with extended family groups and requests for phone numbers and details. Now we know what it is like being Bollywood stars!

I am really loving India...feel very 'at home' especially with the gum trees and landscape of the south...at times I feel I am in Australia!