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Hi Guys,
Okay...been a bit slackage on the old blog (already)!!! So lots of things to write about.
Fri 3rd Sept: Drove from Delhi to Agra with our driver Deepak (man we were glad to get out of Delhi- I NEVER want to go there again!!! Also everyone we've spoken to so far also hates Delhi so we're not alone there. The drive seemed to take forever but we were stopping along the way to see various sights. I won't bore you with the details of every place, but the highlight for me was going to this Hindu Temple where they worshiped Hare Krishna. It was amazing because it was Hare Krishna's Birthday the day before so there was this massive festival going on where people had travelled from all over India to visit this temple and worship there. A lady was showing us around and upstairs in the temple was a balcony where there were 108 large pink flowers on the floor around this balcony. We were given a piece of paper where we had to chant on the flowers (yes 108 times) "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare- you try it, it was tiring by the end!!!. Stayed on night in out hotel.
Sat 4th Sept: Got up at 5.30am (mine and Ami's alarm did NOT go off!!!!) Went straight to Taj Mahal for sunrise- was absolutely amazing!!! Turned around and saw Nat who I know from Cardiff- mega random, had to get a photo of us as I couldn't actually believe my eyes!!! Went to some other sights which were very cool- Monkey Temple and Fatehpur Sikri. Afterwards drove to Jaipur where our hotel was absolutely amazing. It had a rooftop terrace which was so breezy and gorgeous. Only problem was there were these guys trying to show us their puppet show and we kept trying to ignore them- some of the other travellers weren't quite as rude as us and watched it. It was seriously the craziest thing I've ever heard in my life. There was no talking, just people banging drums and they had this whistle which sounds like a pack of hyiena's being strangled!!! Blimy- I wish I'd taken my earplugs up that night! The hotel next door had drums aswell and it was like they were trying to out do each other- hilarious!!!
Sun 5th Sept: Had a lie in and got picked up at 9.30am. Firstly went to Amber Fort which was absolutely fantastic. It was up this hill and the views and archetecture were amazing. We saw some snake charmers outside and we thought the snakes were wooden til one moved. Then the guy stopped playing his flute and the snake bit him, we've never jumped into a car so fast all screaming out heads off. Our driver and the two Indian men looked at us like we were insane!! ....umm I think that guy was, his pet snake actually bites him- hello!!! Got a ticket which got us into 5 other sights for free- bargain. So off we trotted to The Jaipur City Palace, which to be honest was a little boring. It was good to see but the audio thing went on and on, by the end we were a bit like, whatever mate!!! Had some street food which was yummy (although paid the price for it later). Then went to Jantar-Manter Observary. All got pretty sunburnt. Ami had quite an episode from a guy trying to sell her a memory card for her camera, the dude just wouldn't give it a rest for about 15minutes following us everywhere. We eventually wore him down to the price she wanted.
Monday 6th Sept: Went to a couple more places on our ticket we bought at the Amber Fort from the day before.- Hawa Mahal and Nahargarh Fort- loads of loose monkeys everywhere, especially around the toilets (very scary indeed)!!We went to a taxtile factory (which supplies for Monsoon / Habitat and Topshop. It was really amazing to see how they printed materials and all the machines they used when weaving. Went up to their showroom which was just colours and fabrics everywhere- absolutely amazing!!! Bought 2 100% silk scarves for a very good price indeed!! Went back to the hotal and played cards on the roof terrace and drank lemon tea.
Tuesday 7th Sept: Got up at 10am and drove to Pushkar. Our hotel isn't as mice as the last one but it will do and is prob better than if we booked something ourselves. Walked into Pushkar- very small town, it was so nice to walk around and look at the gorgeous shops without being hasseled like elsewhere we've been. It has a huge lake which people xome from all over on Pilgrimages to put flowers in the lake and the women bathe in there. It's really beautiful. Ate in the Rainbow Rooftop Terrace (recommended by Lonely Planet). All in all a very good day.
Wednesday 8th Sept: Walked into the town again to visit the temple and lay fresh flowers down. We stopped along the Bazaars and bought lots of little trinkets (Mum, expect a parcel back in a few weeks). Went for some tea in the Honey and Spice Cafe (recommended by Lonely Planet), which was fab- they had loads of different kinds. We met some other travellers- Travis from USA, Caroline from Netherlands and Eva and Robin from Austria, we all went for dinner and to watch the sunset over Pushkar lake at the Rainbow Rooftop Restaurant again. It was really nice to meet other people and hear about their experiences. This was definately my favourite day so far.
Thursday 9th Sept: Okay, brace yourself people....got up this morning at 5.15am to go on a 3 hour trek up a VERY steep mountain to a famous temple at the top...yes you heard right, 3 hour TREK!! It was bloody hard work- that's all I'm saying!! We felt very refreshed when we got back at 8.45am for breakfast. Just chilling out this afternoon, going to pop down to the Bazaars again to do some last minute shopping before our 2hour yoga class down the road from our hotel from 5-7pm later.
Sorry if this is a bit too much info in one go. I was seriously lacking motivation to keep this updated. Thankfully I was writing in my journal so could remember it all. I'll try and do it more regulary from now on. This silly computer won't accept my camera lead so I'll try and upload on facebook in the next couple of days either when we're in Jodhpur or Jaisalmer- be warned....there are hundreds!! .....if you're waiting for the drunken stories, you'll have to wait til Thailand- we've been in Pushkar for 3 days and alcohol is banned here- boo!!! ...maybe a beer in Jodhur!
Nic. xxx
- comments
Laura Oh Nic, I love these updates. I had a proper sulk on this morning, I am really wishing I was traveling the globe with you guys. I'll keep an eye out for the pictures! Play safe xx PS..... trekking. wow! This whole week sounds awesome!
Warwick Franklin Very interesting Nicola. Keep up the good work and take care out there. xx
Big Sis Lisa This is better Nic - rambling long waffles about your day - I like it! Keep em coming.
Lara Hey sweetie, loving your update!! sounds like you've had an adventurous first week already!! love the detail in this.. a great way to start because in the later weeks when youve consumed a few beverages and its simply 'great night, but cant remember why' we shall forgive you! ;) glad youre havin an awesome time babe!! x
Mum Great to read your update Nic - Delhi down and out!! Enjoy the rest of India and keep safe. luv you. xxxxx
Lucy T Nic, Glad to hear you're fitting in lots of activities!Couldn't quite believe that you trekked up a mountain, are you sure it wasn't a hill???!! lol !xxx P.s Knew it wouldn't be long before you did some shopping!! lol.xxx
Nai R Fab idea to keep a blog Nic...making us all feel a little jealous and bitter BUT glad your enjoying your selves of course!! Can't wait to hear all about thailand as we that's where we'll be starting off so will be keeping note of all your hints and tips :) Keep safe!xx