Travel: India

A billion people, 3.1 million square kms, 28 states and 7 territories; India is, like China, a mammoth country. It would take years to really see the whole nation, which would explain why, in our 12 months there, we only really saw a small part of the country. But what we did see we generally really enjoyed, particularly in the south and especially down in the southern state of Kerala. From the sight - and smell - of burning bodies just outside the window of our hotel next to the Ganges River in Varanasi, to festivals featuring women beating men (and us!) with sticks in Rajasthan, to a full-on Rum Rock 'n' Ram experience down in Kerala, our time in India was truly incredible. And even though cricket may be the national obsession, we still, through great perseverance, eventually found ourselves regular basketball and soccer games to play in. Don't believe what anyone tells you, the non-cricket-playing Indian does indeed exist.

India Stories:

India: Jodhpur #6: Charlie The Babaji and The Unforgettable Sticks and Stoned Festival

Imagine a whole town of stoned people, half of whom are running around armed with big long sticks beating on all those who aren't... and everyone's having a blast.

India: Jodhpur #5: Life In A Whirlwind (The Never-Ending Festival Days)

Ten incredible days in which we were consumed with endless festivals and constant excitment: A two-day Hindu festival, a Sikh festival, a Jain festival, a sports festival and more.

India: Kerala #1: Rum Rock 'n' Ram and Holy Men In Black

An amazing train ride and the beginning of our 4 incredible months in Kerala.

India: Kerala #2: Jew Street, Jew Town

Discovering Kochi (Cochin), a wonderful city in a wonderful state in wonderful Southern India.

India: Kerala #3: Bill Introduces Us To Ram

Meeting Ram, the man who helped transform a great 4-week stay into an unbelievable 4 months of bliss.

India: Kerala #5: Ram, Stency, Lucinda and Little Baby Ramone

A wonderful day-trip with our new friends Ram and Stency...  and Lucinda too.

India: Kerala #7: Scumbag, Old Guy and Reservoir Dogs

The happy return of The World Soccer Tour and the not-so-happy story of a Scumbag who went too far.

Matrixed In Kolkata: A Lesson Learned

The most bizarre movie-going experience of my life. Hilarious and insane.