...stopping off at small roadside tea shops and villages and meeting the locals who were all so intrigued to be meeting and chatting with us because we had made the effort to come and meet them and see a bit of their world and of how they live.

The river crossing we made by small boat because a bridge was broken was unforgettable. Our slow peaceful 6 hour journey on an old yet very sea worthy wooden ferry down the Brahmaputra River while watching the life along the banks of this incredible river cannot be forgotten; stopping here and there to be loaded with buffalo milk, wood, fruit and other goods to be sold at the market further down the river.

On entering Meghalaya I described it to Peter as the land that time forgot. Thick jungle, broken roads, kids that had never seen a white face before in their lives and the many different tribes we encountered while being invited to eat with a local family.

Arunachal with its amazing deep gorges, thick jungle and wild rivers; the Apatani - one of many tribes, who's woman once had their faces tattooed and their noses plugged so as to make them less attractive and hence prevent them being kidnapped by a neighbouring tribe; encounters with hunters walking along the side of the roads with bows and arrows and a shot gun over their shoulder.

Nagaland and its wildness!! Inhabited by various Tribes whose history was as fierce head-hunters but now converted to Christianity thanks to missionaries spreading the word during the time when the British still ruled India. The hills of Nagaland were so wild and fierce that the British gave up trying to rule them and instead left them to their own devices and way of life. However, British missionaries were encouraged to go forth and convert the local tribes-people if possible. Now Nagaland is Christian and the people are very friendly, warm and devout. I am sure Nagaland will leave a deep impression on any westerner who decides to venture to the incredible land of the Naga's....it did for me.

Awesome scenery, amazing beautiful colours, challenging roads, wild angry rivers, wild, genuine and friendly honest people, inspiring timeless tribal culture and deep long lasting impressions are just a taste of what’s on offer in the North East of India for the intrepid...the land that time forgot. The North East is an entirely different area with Tibetan, Mongolian, Chinese, Burmese and Tribals all mixed-in that leave the people looking like they don't even belong to the sub continent but belong to their own world.

I had a lot of fun travelling with Peter. His attention to detail is second to none and his gentle persistence and guidance on showing me how to handle a 500cc bullet on some very muddy, rocky and challenging roads was refreshing. Peter inspires confidence in ones abilities, he's quick for a laugh and always up for a yarn as well as any adventure that comes along. Peter is also curious of the world around him, interested and interesting. He has a lot of years of travel behind him which has taught him to keep an open mind and left him with a friendly and cheerful manner. I was blessed to have such a great guide who I have confidence and respect in and would not hesitate for a moment in travelling with Peter again.

Peter Francon will certainly show you what FreeSpirit Adventure is all about and I recommend him to anyone who is up for the challenge.

....and will I be back to the North east??? You bet I will!

Gerard Privilege. Perth, WA. October 2011.