As I have recounted my trials with the India mobile phone companies, now I have two SIM cards. One that works and one that does not.. I had purchased my recent Airtel card in Mysore which is in the state of Karnataka. I left this state on Thursday, April 5 and arrived in Kerala state in the town of Calicut. I noticed my calling card for Airtel wasnt working but as we were driving around town, I saw a shiny modern HUTCH showroom, my previous mobile carrier.
After telling my Hutch story to an actual English speaking person, he promised he would get me connected. He kept his word and by the next day,I was Hutched again. I had talk time so the inconvience of Airtel not working was not serious.
( The morning I awoke in Calicut, there was an explosion and a huge cloud of smoke was covering the downtown center. Ironically a fireworks store had caught fire and then of course all the fireworks exploded destroying 80 shops, killing 7 people and wounding 50.)
So where is this Chinese puzzle. Today is Saturday and I am in a town called
Cochin, well traveled by tourists. I have two mobile phone carriers. My Hutch
card is out of rupees and no one sells their cards here and my Airtel card is
full of rupees but the SIM card will not work. I am wondering if it would have been a better idea not to have a phone in India.
Lois,
How’s it going! I miss you and want to know when your coming back? I’ve read all your blogs and like I said before I think this is the most rewarding and adventurous travels since I’ve known you. I really think that this trip, good or bad, will prove to be one of your life time true experiences. I just love how you have an insatiable appetite to meet new people and cultures. Your actions are always an inspiration to me. Most people your age go on cruises and or don’t do anything in their retirement. You definitely have guts. India sounds like I wouldn’t like it. At least at this time in my life. I think that at the end of your trip you will probably still regardless of it not being tranquil have some great stories and images. I love how you have really found a sense of purpose ( Not that you never did before) and you feel inspired. ( I love some of the posted images and can’t wait to see more.) You really are gifted and no matter where you are in the world there is a definite Lois style that comes through your shots.
I went out with Shelli last night and saw “Dina Martinas” (Boring). I’m increasingly getting bored with her. She doesn’t want to do much and I’m always bored when I’m with her. She has money but no spark!
Rob is fine and working more. I found out that they are converting my building into condos and I either have to buy (500 hundred thousand) (Too much) or find a new place. I’ve been looking and can’t find anything even remotely comparable. I’m probably going to temporarily put my stuff in storage and live with Rob. I am going to go to L.A. and research optioned to move down there. I think I want the better outdoor light and obviously more opportunity down there. I really think I’m getting to old and this is my time to go for it. My main goal now is getting a great web site to have strength when I get there. I see so many amazing sites but they are all so much commercial and no journalism and art. I think the competition is so fierce and that my strength is my diversity. I have three months before they kick me out of my beautiful apt. My goal is to have my site finished before that time.
Stay safe and can’t wait to hear more. I’m jealous! Take care,Love your crazy friend Michael