We were up at 6 for an early departure on our final day’s driving of Karma Enduro. More bendy roads required care, especially on Friday 13th! The journey was around 180kms. One car came round a bend to find a lorry facing him on the wrong side of the road, and ended up perched on a stone at the side of the road. That was one car which wouldn’t be reaching the end of the challenge. Fortunately the driver and passenger were unhurt.
As we approached Cochin, we had to pause to regroup for the final run in to the hotel. people took advantage of this time to finalise their car decorations in the hope of a prize. Our Silver Bullet is definitely a contender, though you can see a picture of one of our rivals. the others are one car draped in a sari and decorated with banana leaves, and another decorated with accumulated drink bottles and other waste materials collected during the journey. Will we win? I’ll tell you later.
On the last leg, as we could see the hotel, we all took a wrong turn! They were doing work on the road and had changed the flow of traffic. So 30 ambassadors had to do a u-turn on a bridge! We finally drove into the hotel to a welcome from drummers, dancers and an elephant (see photos).
It has been a fantastic experience and we have all survived it safe and sound and with a million stories to tell!
I will do one more blog after the party, hopefully with some photos of the team in their Indian finery (including Katy in her sari and me in my white trousers and long embroidered overshirt. Just wait and see!
For now, here are some photos from the day so far.
I’ve been reading your blog avidly everyday, sounds like you’ve had an amazing adventure. I’m so glad everyone has arrived safe and sound.
Have a great party tonight!
Hi Alyrene. Thanks for keeping in touch. Let’s discuss follow up when I get back – lots of ideas!