This is coming to you from Chennai airport where I await the boarding call for my first ever solo trip.
The ‘solo’ bit seems to have thrown a few people off kilter, including the Italian consulate, that demanded a letter from my husband stating he had no objection to my traveling alone!!! While he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face, I came close to telling them to chuck their visas in less polite lingo. My urge to wander proved stronger than my injured pride though. I was convinced the visa processing officer must have been an MCP Indian male, until my sister – who travels solo quite often – informed me that it was pretty common practice with most countries she had applied to! In this day and age???
The five days since our return from Kabini passed in such a blur, I just couldn’t find time to sort out and process my photos for the Bhuta Kola story as promised. Sincere apologies. Shall do it first thing after my return on the 6th. Until then, here is a teaser:
Have a great week ahead……….I know I will 🙂
Wonderful teaser post, awaiting the rest….
Thanks Loretta. The rest coming up ASAP 🙂
Have a great time! I’ve met so many solo women travelers it’s hard to believe they’d want to go through the hassle.
I meant the Indian consulate going through the hassle of course, haha!
It could be that they are only concerned about the few of us that don’t usually travel alone!! 🙂
Good on you … travelling alone – but I don’t understand what your husband have to do it???? So if you hadn’t been married – would they need a letter from your parents??? I know you will have a fantastic trip and I can’t wait to see all your captured moments. Delight yourself like the Italians do!!! Stay safe.
I have done most of my travelling alone and when travelling alone you get the chance to meet so many interesting people, that you don’t do when travelling in company. I love travelling alone – to do things when I want to do them.
You are such an independent soul Viveka and I admire your strength and spirit. My trip was every bit as enjoyable as i expected. Thank you for your good wishes 🙂
What a question … One might wonder if it´s the 2000s … I really hope you enjoy your trip … // Maria 🙂
I did Maria. Thank you for your god wishes 🙂
Awesome photograph! Can’t wait to check out the rest of them! Have a great time, Madhu:)
Thanks Uday. The Bhuta Kola is quite like the Theyyam in Kerala. Are you from Kerala?
Yes Madhu, from Kerala. I have never seen a live Theyyam performance but William Dalrymple’s description of it in “Nine Lives” is etched in my mind. I’d definitely go to Kerala later this year when the theyyam season begins.
I grew up watching it but never documented it. returned after many years but did not stay up all night for the better parts 😦 Your photos will be worth waiting for.
🙂
Incredible that you had to go thru that hassle. But the end result was worth it. Enjoy your journey, Madhu.
I did! Thanks Judy 🙂
Really? In this day and age, as you say?!
Really!!! Unbelievable isn’t it? I should have said “No thank you!” 🙂
Really really? There is still that kind of question? Unbelievable.
Really!!!!
I know everyone’s said it already, but seriously? A note from your husband? Well at least you took it with good grace and kept travelling.
I was told the letter was mandatory for many other European countries, so I didn’t have much of an option. I am going to copy a link to this post when I apply for a solo visa next 🙂
Definitely! Unless you think it’s safer to wait until after they’ve given you the visa. Those immigration people can be pretty humourless…
🙂