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That's better - it finally worked!!
We last left you in Jodphur - the Blue City. Now we are in the capital of Rajasthan - Jaipur, the Pink City! Or rather the dusky orangey-pink city. Like any big city here - its mental!! We've just taken a walk into the city rto pick up a Lonley Planet for Singapor and Malaysia, and saw half a dozen elephants, camels and 2 goats and 2 blokes all on 1 motorbike. Its crazy!!
Anyway, jodphur besides being blue (partly for religious beliefs, and partly cos its a great insect repellant), had a magnificent fort overlooking it, which we toured around, and lovely view form the roof-top restuarant.
From there we went west to Jaisalmer - the Golden City in the middle of the Thar desert. It is quite touristy, and we found this the worst place for shopkeepers hassling us to try and get us to buy something. One guy even offered us 99% discount - which was impressive! Emili had an in-depth discussion with another who wanted us to write a letter for him to his 'friend Shaun in England'. (as if this wasn't a ploy to get us into his shop!) - all about whether tourists should be hassled or not - Emili explained more people would go in if they weren't hassled. YOu get toughened up to it all after a while!
The fort there (that people still live in) looks like a giant sandcastle (you'll see in the photos). THe desert museum was very interesting, where we met a Brahmin (preacher fellow) whose museum it was, and found out what all the different colours of turban mean. The pedalo ride on the lake was very relaxing, especially in the heat! Here we met a lod of young Indian lads who were fascinated about England and about Emilis photos of home. It was great to meet people who were genuiinely intersted in us and not just the contents of our wallets!
From here we embarked on the Camel Safari into the desert - very Lawrence-of-Arabia! The camels were a bit tempermental (they do funny things when they're 'on heat'!), but once we were up we were fine! THe tented camp was also amazing! We even had flushing loos in our tents! That evening we ate, played blackjack, did some Bollywood dancing, and had a campfire under the stars! Its a dirty job, but someone's got to do it!
After the camp, we delved deeper into the Indian countryside, visiting some tiny, remote villages, and doing a spot of pottery - although my inadvertant sculpture of a penis had to be taken off me before it caused offence! It must have had something to do with the opium ceremony we had just been to! Although I stress that it was very diluted, and the worst part was sucking the stuff out of the old tribesmans grubby LEFT hand!
We've also stayed in amazing 400 year-old forts, and met the local villagers, which has been really good.
We've come to Jaipur from Pushkar, which was very chilled and hippyish - loads of Westerners and monkeys about! I also got took part in a Hindu ceremony by the lake - its one of india's most sacred sites.
Now we are in Jaipur. Been to another fort, the Amber Fort although its not amber, and another Palace. All very interesting. Have seen some rug-making, and other crafts, but not had the room or the ruppes to buy much! Although the sales patter is very persistant!
We've all had 'Delhi-belly' (although you couldn't come all this way and not get it!), a cold's been going round the tour bus, the group are a really sound bunch, and we're having some great laughs. And w're all a bit templed out!!!
We're off to Agra tomorrow, with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal planned for Sunday morning - then onto the capital Delhi.
We're off for yet another curry tonight - this dirty job ain't getting any better!
Hope everyone's ok back in England, and that its not too cold ;-) !!
Thanks for the messages - its great to read them!
Loads of love
Tim n Emili XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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