Our local bus journey, despite our trials and tribulations, ended in and Oasis, in the form of Fort Madhogarh. We had gradually been moving out into the countryside, and the scenery becoming greener, the people numbers slightly less, and the traffic more tolerable. So it was an amazing relief to turn up at this beautiful old fort on a hill top, and be told that it was our hotel for the evening, and we were the only guests. All the rooms were individually styled, and even the turrets had been converted; and there was a beautiful balcony with decadent cushioned seats to sit and read whilst overlooking all the countryside below and watch the parakeets flying around - it was such a contrast.

From here we went on our first village walk, which was also brilliant. It wasn't a tourist trap, it was a genuine village, that normally wouldn't have 12 white people walking around it, and we were such a novelty. All the people especially the kids came out to have a look & a gawp, and alll the kids wanted to have their photo taken, and squeeled with delight when they got to look at the digital images.

These people had a genuine warmth, and it was reflected in their smiles, despite their obviously hard life on the edge of poverty. Intrepid are interested in helping local communities, and we got to see some local industry with the cleaning of gemstones, bracelet making, and sesame oil pressing. Then we sat with some local men to drink Masala Chai - I'm already a convert to the stuff, out of some locally made earthen pots, complete with bits of straw baked into the pot - interesting.

Our return to the fort saw an amazing sunset, with our group leisurely perched, on one of the fort turrets sipping beer and admiring the scenery - heaven! Then the lady of the fort, brought out a load of saris, and it was girls dress up night - can you ask for more. I had a lovely little tangerine coloured number, which despite the beautiful material, I still managed to make look ungainly and frumpy - I just don't have indian style I'm afraid, and looked more like I was auditioning for Panto. The lads got to dress in turbans, and it was straight to the courtyard for traditional music and dancing, which featured a strange mix of India's take on ''Zorba the Greek'', the Hoki Koki - backwards, and the Indian Conga - '"Join On''.