After a couple of days in Delhi, it was clear we had to escape, and in desperation fell victim to a sweet talking tour and travel salesman. This was soo silly. We got a flight to a place called Srinigar in Kashmir, an idylic location surrounded by the Himalayas, a mild climate and few people. We bought 5 days, 4 nights on a house boat situated in the middle of a beautiful lake with floating gardens. What wasn't made clear at all beforehand was that if we would like to leave the houseboat at any time we'd have to pay ridiculous prices for a guide plus activity costs. We flew back to Delhi Thursday, losing money cutting our time there 2 days short but so worth it! 6am Sunday just gone, took a train from Delhi to Jaipur; the pink city in the state of Rajasthan. We spent more time in Delhi than any one tourist should, so extremely pleased to get away. Jaipur has been a breath of fresh air, quite literally. Hired a rickshaw driver for a couple of days for sights and shopping. He took us to Marharanj tombs where a very very old tree lives, under which Buddah sat and had some pretty big thoughts. I've lost count of temples and forts, James never seems to tire of these visits. Last night was amazing, we went for dinner 12km out of the city into real rural parts where we sat on the floor in rows and ate typical Rajasthan food with our hands, I tried some things I could never pronounce (Daddy woul be so proud!), and watched a traditional puppet show and had a go shooting at balloons (pictures to follow). We were meant to catch a bus to Pushka today, a small town 150km south, but woke too late, so we have another day in Jaipur so James has suggested we go to see Tiger Fort today, I can hardly contain my excitement! Why do I have problems appreciating these things? It's official, James is a hippy, whilst purchasing my guitar yesterday, he bought some little bongo typed drums called tablas. Not only do we have matching bags, now we have conformed to the ultimate backpacker stereotype...hmmm. We will be travelling around Rajasthan for the next two weeks where we will go camel trekking and sleep under the stars in the desert. I'd kill for some baked beans, you have no idea! xxx