The end of India 2

After Cochin, we then took a bus onto a place called Munnar. After a long an terrifying journey round the curvy mountain roads at around 40 to 50 k an hour (even on the bends!) we made it alive.
Munnar is famous for its endles and seemingly vertical tea fields. The town itself was an absolute dive though. Nothing to it, and even though alot of tourists go there, was not geared up for them. Westerners seem to go, stay only one or two nights while they do their long day trecks.
As soon as we got their though it became apparent that it was also very expensive to stay accomadation wise. We spent nearly 6 hours looking for a place to stay but ended up back at one of the first places we saw! doh! Only, we ended up sharing a big room all together. (by that piont the group was down to 4, Jamie and I, Neil and Andrea)We where on the floor with spare matress they gave us, and they where sharing the double bed. Cosy!
We stayed there a few nights, during which we organised a Treck up into the tea fields and up further to one of the highest hills in the area.
Really great day, and it was led by yes a rickshaw driver who moonlighted as a tour and treck guide! nice bloke aswell. during the day he invited us all back to his family home where we met his large family. we all agreed it was some of the best curry we have had in India, and the wife kept on putting more and more on our plates. We all sat around eating while the wife, 3 daughters and wifes sister, plus all 3 or 4 young sons and our guide stood watching us. they where all very smiley and genuine people. At the end the young daughter grabbed me and Andrea, and started combing our hair and putting fresh flowers in.All the girls seemed to be smitten with us by the end, I had two of them fighting to have their arms linked with me when the photos where taken.
When we said goodbye, it was such an occasion with lots of warm hugs and kisses. I cant belive we only spent an hour there! It was like we where family by the end of it. So sweet.