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Apologies to everyone to whom I owe a postcard but this will have to suffice.
We have been in India 2 weeks now and slowly becoming accustomed to the pace and lifestyle. I have to say I was mighty relieved to leave the snow behind and the weather here has been truly perfect for sightseeing - pleasantly warm in the day, around mid to high 20s and cool enough in the evening to sleep. Most locals are still swathed in winter woolies but not us, though we will expect cold when we get to Shimla.
We are travelling for the first 3 weeks in Rajasthan in a group. We are 11 Brits, all of a certain age and widely travelled so plenty of tales to keep us entertained. Our guide is a 24 year old Rajasthani who is slowly getting the hang of this bunch of sometimes grumpy old Brits with a very strange sense of humour. He can't think too badly of us because he took us all to have tea at his family's house when we were in his hometown of Bikaner.
Our transport has mainly been by road though we started with an overnight train trip from Delhi to Udaipur which was considerably more comfortable than economy class on a plane. Our bus and driver, Harvinder - who has a daily changing wardrobe of many coloured turbans - have taken us since then, so far nearly 2000kms on the roads of India, which if you know them can be a daily hair -raising experience. But thus far, fingers crossed, not a scratch, though sitting in the front seat can sometimes be more of an ordeal than a pleasure.
Our route so far has taken us to the beautiful lake city of Udaipur in the south of Rajasthan. Lack of good monsoon rains mean that the lake is low but the palace and city still look stunning. Then to Ranakpur from which we visited the biggest, most impressive and first of many Jain temples as wwll as a local school supported by the Adventure Company. We also had some downtime in a nice hotel with a pool. Next stop Jodhpur - manic and crazy but full of charm and where we could take advantage of one of Giane's many useful recommendations and have a lassi in Yogi's rooftop restuarant overlooking the fort and the old blue city. Thanks! Long day's drive took us to Jaisalmer, only 150km from Pakistan border and stunningly beautiful golden sandstone desert fort town. We did the obligatory camel ride to watch the sun set, but more of a tourist ripoff than desert experience. Thence across more desert to Bikaner, which had more of a feel of a real town, especially with our guide being a local. Tuk tuk ride through the old town and market even impressed Graham for driving speed and skill. Brief stop for one night in the Shekawati region to see the beautifully painted Havelis - merchants' houses - and now in Pushkar, which is the second most holy city in India and a practice run for Varanasi which we will do in about 10 days time. Writing this is keeping me out of the market though I suspect Graham has some more purchases in mind!
From here we do Jaipur, Agra, Delhi and then on our own to Varanasi and Shimla.
Despite, or perhaps becuase of, many delicious mainly vegetarian curries, stomachs are holding up well and we are enjoying every minute of the trip. Thanks to Alison for the recommendation of Kuldip, the kind and gentle tuk tuk driver ( almost a contradiction in terms) in Delhi. Sorry there are no photos but forgot to bring the connecting lead along. Look forward tocatching up with you when I get home.
Love Linda
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