Cath's attempt at a World Tour.

Due to the riots, the teams leaders are stuck in one area of Chennai and we are in another so no training for now. Have to stay indoors because of risk of potential violence in response to imprisonment of corrupt Indian politician. We are all safe and can't see any rioters but it is just a precaution and the buses aren't running. Cows can wander where they please though and spent afternoon/evening sat on a ledge above the roof terrace with other volunteers. Those sights were the highlight of my trip so far. Cows everywhere as they are holy animals. View from roof ledge, Chennai is very flat.

First full day in Chennai, arrived last night about 8pm. Its approximately 32 degrees all the time, even at night and extremely humid. Flight was as okay as it can be for tall people and the food on the domestic flight (second) was a really tasty curry. Great getting to see all the other volunteers again and we are all staying in Restless Development headquarters 45 minutes approx outside Chennai, 13 girls in our dorm set and a mixture on the floor above. I've been lucky and got my own sub-room for the 2 weeks we are here for training and it seems the coolest of the rooms so is used if people want some peace and quiet. Conditions are extremely basic but great experience. We have weak internet which I can get access to on occasion if not many others use it. All the local people are very friendly and most understand basic English so it is easy to buy stuff in the shops or barter. Shop around the corner sells Red Bull which is sadly not sugar free but can't be too picky. It does

Sad farewell to parents this morning and travelled to Neath to store my car. Lovely relaxed night with my Aunt then my journey begins. Mum noticed the rainbow when we were saying goodbye. Relaxed night in front of fire as Wales is a bit chilly. 

Final night with Moomin and Dad at home spent packing. Triple checked my list and everything is under weight limit, thankfully. Sad to say goodbye but its only 3 months and so excited for this new experience. Using Dad's rucksack from when he went backpacking in Europe in his youth. 

Walk and meal with Glyn in New Brighton, awesome send off. Last night in Liverpool tomorrow. Onion ring stacker   Jumbo chicken Meatosaurus

TGI Fridays with Simon. After that had a great night out in town with Glyn, Sean, Andy, Chris and Leanne. So lucky to know such awesome people! Went to bed at 6.30am so think I've done pretty well over last few days to keep going and see the people I love the most and am going to miss loads. Also did some baking for people on Friday night, caramel shortbread.  Baking Jack Daniels Sesame Chicken Strips  Ultimate Jack Daniels Ribs  French burger 

Coffee in town with Suee, she treated me to a frappachino and a bath bomb from lush which I'll use to take a long overdue bath when I get back. Home tonight to have dinner with parents. Dinner with parents :-

Decided to go for a walk to walk off all those extra calories. Mild night so enjoyed seeing suburban England before dramatic change of scenery.

Night out with Tash and Karis at Almost Famous. They suprised me with awesome presents, feeling loved.  Presents Drink My burger - River Phoenix with Lucky Pig Fries Famous Burger with Trailer Trash Fries Triple Nom burger with Winning Fries My dessert - Pie crust and fillings with ice  cream Chocolate fudge cake sundae

My Dad kindly bought me a domain name so if you wish to follow me I can also be favourited on www.cathh.co.uk

Shopping in town today with mum to put a dent in my packing list. Lots of bargains :)

Less than 2 weeks to go and found out I'm staying in a host home when I go to India. So excited to get to see Indian home life and help my host family. 

Thanks to Dad and Mum for my gorgeous new camera. It's drop, sand and waterproof etc to survive my travels. Going to be using a lot so watch this space for all my pictures. 

My first destination is Tamil Nadu in India for 3 months with ICS. You can see details about my goals, background to ICS and completed fundraising here:- https://www.justgiving.com/Catherine-Holmes14/ .

Blog is all set up and awaiting the first day of my departure on 25/09, please check back then for the start of my updates.