Vietnam I travelled to Vietnam down the Mekong River and although I thought I was going to be on a slow boat the one I actually took was quite speedy but there was plenty of time to see life on the Mekong, especially once we were on Vietnamese waters closer to Chau Doc where I spent my first night. Chau Doc is a small town with a huge market selling everything and anything. I was particularly fascinated to see that they keep most of the fish alive in cont...

From the train I gazed out the window, watching the crop fields and small villages fly by, animals roaming, women busy harvesting crops and children walking to school. On arrival into Varanasi, a scene I don't think you'd get anywhere in western countries, whilst the train waited to enter the station hundreds of people got off the train and walked along the railway tracks to the station. Once heading out of the station I was hit by the touts trying to get me t...

The Taj Mahal was fantastic, most awe inspiring and as I was one of the first through the doors o nice peaceful experience watching the bright crisp amber sun rise in the sky. The photos just don't do it justice. On my way in I had a guy telling me the best angles etc for photos which led to distraction and in answer to the burning question, I didn't go on Princess Diana bench as he distracted me and on my way out the crowds were so great I couldn't even get c...

Arriving in Jodhpur felt like a relief (to be out of Delhi) and journey by tuk tuk to Bristows showed the city is vibrant with life and colour, hustle and bustle but not seeming to be at the same fast aggressive pace of Delhi. Bristows is a wonder guesthouse with a very hospitable and helpful Phil, so I relaxed and soaked up the atmosphere. I planned to stay a few days in Jodhpur but then I got chatting to Anita and Holger and decided to join them on a trip t...

I spent 2 nights in a house in the village of Kasan which is outside of Delhi and a taste of Indian village life. Despite being warned about the stares, it was strannge to be the object of so much staring at attention especially when I went to leave the house to be greated by a line of children just looking at me! Walking through the village I saw people about their daily business, cows, goats and pigs roaming the streets and eating the trash. So much rubbish ...