Dear Dogster - it seems you have deserted ship - so where the bloody hell are you?

Please check in.

I'm in Kolkata... of course. heh.

Heading slowly home.

Hopefully, the Dogster is shacked up with his muse and will reappear infused with energy and stories.

Thought that might be where you were. Have fun.

The Dogster isn't shacked up with anybody, more's the pity.
An over-enthusiastic masseur from Mumbai has killed me. Dog has a bung hind leg.

It's all a long, stupid story with a hideous, unspeakable conclusion. Yup, Gpanda, soon to be written.

Fans of World Weather will note one other salient detail. North India is having a heat wave. Temperatures of 43/44/45 degrees in central Kolkata. There is nothing to do but ride it out. I can't walk far and, even if I could, I'd die of heat stroke on the spot. So life is restricted to a shuffle round The Block.

But, what a block it is.

I presume you're in the Oberoi - so at least you will be pampered there. Your poor hind leg - that's a real shame- do they do cheap zimmer frames in Kolkata? Perhaps time for a little practice in a wheelchair.

Look after yourself and get mobile again soon. You should be use to that weather after the way Melbourne was before you left.

Yup, Oberoi Kolkata in a suite the size of a football field. I long ago learnt when plans go awry, when the temperature rises and my legs fall off, to check into the best hotel in town.

All other bits of the Dogster are functioning perfectly - but I discover mobility is a prerequisite for travel. A visit to Jimmy's cupboard keeps me calm. Kolkata continues to amaze - but I've been on the road for ten weeks now - I'm full of sights and smells and sounds. What a long, strange trip it has been.

There's a restaurant in Siem Reap I might visit on the way home.

DOGSTER - it's you!!! I was feeling Fodor's malaise since your last declaration of "Dog is GONE". Hugs and kisses to you sweetie.

You've kept us in suspense soooo long. We're waiting for the tales to begin. Please! (You must look stunning at the Oberoi in your camouflage cruisewear.)

Is that restaurant still going - I thought there was something from Lori? saying it was no more! Maybe you should just stay there until the pandaw in September - Kolkata that is.

It's good to hear from you.

Did you even set foot on that cruise? Enquiring minds want to know.

Good to hear dogster is OK and recovering from whatever ails doggies.

And oh, the heat in Kolkata can be oppressive.
But the dog weaves through such problems with ease. First the dry heat, then the monsoon arrives (fairly soon, I should think), and then it will be hot and sweltering! It is almost May, of course.

The good part is that it must be good mango season all over India. Hope the dog likes mangoes.

Looking forward to when the dog is rested and writing imaginative tales again.

Too many stories accumulating in the tail of a dog can lead to all kinds of ailments. The best cure is a gradual release...

Well, there I was, tail between my legs, ready to go home.

Then I thought 'Nah, I don't wanna...'

So, on pure impulse, late this afternoon I changed my plans. Tomorrow I fly [back] across the country to Indore. Thence back to my favorite place in Maheshwar for 6 - 10 days. The temperature forecast is 46/47/48C.

Completely stupid/completely inspired. One of the two...

www.ahilyafort.com

Oh definitely inspired - hope those little doggies welcome their friend back - someone to share the pool with. Hope the hind leg is doing better now.

Probably both stupid and completely inspired -- I just wish it were me heading for Maheshwar right now! Happy trails dog.

You provided this link to Ahilya Fort once before and I was completely captivated, wanted to be there after exploring the link. Enjoy. Y'all come back now and tell us about it.

Yup, I'm hoping it's inspired Mary. Too late for second thoughts now. Let's hope there are mangoes in Maheshwar.

Marya: I stayed there last year for 6 days. It is as captivating as you think. Quite remarkable. No crumbling Maharajas in residence this time, alas - but the chance to [probably] be the one and only guest in my own private castle - with a staff, chefs and regal attendants all for me - not to mention two big dogs and three hyper-active pugs.

I know it'll be killer hot - but I'm hoping here, away from it all on the sacred river Narmada, is the chance to write. We'll all find out whether I'm successful, I guess. Let's see if we can get the tail to wag the Dog, Marija. Maheshwar is a place of many secret treasures tho' - Dog is prone to easy diversion. If I stay away from the sadhus I'll be all right...

Anyway, I'm feeling happy now, with the prospect of a little bit more India adventure. I celebrated with a slap-up thali for one at Aaheli's, my closest restaurant of choice. Now, it's pack and organise, pay the bills and fly. I don't think too much can go wrong. But then, this is Dogster in India... if it can, it will.

Speaking of which: Kathie - to answer your question; you won the bet. Next time you see me type the words 'ocean cruise' just kill me. It'll be easier for all of us.

I'll check in from Indore if I make it. Then I'll be lost in space again.

lol, dogster.

Indore:

I'm staying here:

http://www.lemontreehotels.com/our-h...ia/indore.aspx

Which is a perfectly cool place to stay. It has its eccentricities, but it's a relief to be away from upscale grovel for a while.

It's 44 degrees outside. There's an election going on today. Now, just how did I fail to notice that little fact?

No drama. No anything, as a matter of fact. Everything is closed, stuttered and empty. There is no beer. [India has a tendancy to cut off the booze when there's an election] There are no taxis. Lol.

I ain't going out for a walk. I nearly died on the tarmak in Delhi yesterday, in transit. It was over one million degrees. I know when I'm beaten. Dog ain't stupid.

[Well, that's not strictly correct... as we all know]

But I'm glad I changed my plans, just the same. I love an unexpected adventure.