Eye update: all is well. I had a follow-up visit on Wednesday. The eye is healing and hemorrhaging has decreased. No sign of a tear, so nothing further required other than – well – keeping an eye on it??? The doctor also gave me the name of a person to see in Madurai just in case.
Been hanging out with my UK friends Ruth and Lucinda this week since they moved to Palolem. Our boat ride to see the dolphins on Tuesday was fab. Saw lots of the critters including a baby swimming along between two adults. We then stopped at Butterfly Beach for a swim and to give Ruth a chance to pick up garbage – two bags full. I don’t think the boatmen were too impressed with having to bring it back but she was determined, and there’s nothing more stubborn than a tree-hugging hippie, which Ruth definitely is!
I met them for breakfast this morning. We were hoping to go out on a river boat ride to see more of the amazing array of birds that make their homes here. Unfortunately, no one around. Tomorrow marks the Holi celebration – the festival of colour – and we suspect that many may have already left to be with their families in their villages.
There are signs of the impending celebration everywhere you look…women stocking up on food and gifts, people in costumes with elaborately painted faces, fireworks at night and roving bands of women and youngsters who want to paint your face pink. I’m kinda happy I’ll be on the train tomorrow on my way to Madurai as pink isn’t my colour. But I will miss the water. It’s been lovely to swim every single day.
Some of the characters around the beach today:
Great to hear your eye is fine. That’s a relief I’m sure. And the adventure continues.