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Delhi
Landed at Delhi airport and walked out into a sauna. The drive to the hotel was surreal. Our initial thoughts on Delhi: crazy, chaotic and intense but fascinating. Spent the next couple of days sight seeing around the city visiting the biggest Mosque in India, riding on a Rickshaw around the market and absorbing and adjusting to the Indian way of life.
Had our first Indian curry. Sticking to veg until further notice.... The curries are different to back home. Loving the garlic naan. Organised our 10 day tour. Ready to hit the road to Rajasthan.
Agra
5 hour journey to Agra was our first insight to more remote areas of India, passing through many primitive villages on the way. The roads vary from speedy highways to remote dirt tracks. Some cute little kids waving to us with the biggest happiest smiles while women carry water buckets on their heads and men are busy at work. Cattle roaming around everywhere, donkeys and camels carrying goods, and a little boy charming a cobra. As we got nearer, Raz (taxi driver), would pull over for us to take photos. Got our 1st glimpse of Taj Mahal.
That evening went to a South Indian restaurant and sampled a completely different style of food. Large pancakes came out that you filled like a fajita but with bombay potato, coconut mousse and a spicey salsa. We all really enjoyed it.
Got up at 5am to see sunrise behind the Taj Mahal. Unfortunately sky wasn't as clear as we hoped because of a storm throughout the night, but was still amazing to see. You can't believe how intricate and big it is. From watching some people make a tiny flower out of the marble you can understand why it took 22 years and 20000 workers to build it.
Rathambore
We were so relieved to see a swimming pool at our hotel (we'll start roughing it soon) after our 7 hour journey. Ate our dinner outside, then got talking to Mark-an English guy, its surprising how much you crave different company (we're still getting on!).
Another early start for the safari but was well worth it. Got to see monkeys, mongoose, jackal, hogs, snake and after long wait got a glimpse of tiger sleeping. It was pretty amazing.
Jaipur
Another 5 hours took us on to Jaipur. Another bustling city but more appealing then Delhi and Agra. It was evident that efforts have been made to move this city forward. Raz showed us the Mosque which was bombed last week. Didnt feel threatening as military were out in force. We had the first opportunity to wander around the markets and practise our haggling. Four days in and Sal falls victim of Delhi Belly. Considering shes normally constipated it was a whole new experience for her!
The next day (Sals still struggling) we headed up towards Amber Fort for a elephant ride. It was great to see them but felt wrong riding them....esp when they were poked with a sharpe metal rod just because they were a bit peckish!
Udaipur
On 6 hour journey to Udaipur we decided to cut journey short and head to beach cpl of days earlier. Too much travelling (stands us in good stead for next 11 months!). Udaipur was different to other places visited and would definately recommend it. We were able to walk out of hotel to shops and restaurants which was a welcomed relief from all the car journeys.
In morning took boat ride to see lake palace-as featured in Octop**** Was great to get out on the water.
Pushkar
6 hours later after travelling round the winding mountain roads we eventually arrived in small chilled out town (for wannabe hippies). Walked round the markets, brought some jewellery whilst Jen was attention seeking, declaring dehydration, starvation and extreme fatigue...home from home.
To keep Jen happy we found a nice roof top restaurant and each chose a traditional dish from the menu-moussaka, pizza and pasta (only so much curry you can take-even baked beans on toast are spicey)
Whist Vic and Sal were buying yet another ring, anklet...(much to jens disgust!) there was a power cut (as always is in India) along with a sand storm which made the walk back to the hotel quite challenging.
The craving for roast dinners and salmon salads or even just a packet of crisps in date would help....we're pathetic! Cant believe its only been a week-its been a fantastic experience so far!
Back in crazy Delhi tonight and really looking forward to heading down south to Kerala.....even if it does mean a 40 hour train journey!
Love the girls x x x x
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