Update for the last few days...

The second attempt at tiger spotting was also unsuccessful. I decided to go in the coach the 2nd time, this just showed me how versatile the jeep was! In reality, the chances of seeing a tiger are slim, the grass in the park is long and vegetation is ripe. i.e plenty of room to hide!

Next stop was Jaipur for 2 days. After the relative relaxed attitude and clean environment of the country it was a shock to get back to the smog, hussle and intense poverty that each indian city seems to offer. This was easier to get about than Delhi though, slightly less hassle to book tours, "go to my cousin's hotel" or buy a bag. It was nice to be able to walk around the city reasonably freely, including up to the fort that overlooks the city. We did this just at muslim prayer time in the evening, hearing the calls to worship across the city was actually quite impressive.

I visitied my first indian temple on the 2nd day. Incredible stonework and attention to detail. Apparently many of these are now used for Bollywood scenes, in fact I watched the Jaipur palace on a biscuit advert the following evening! A slight disappointment that many areas were out of bounds for photo's.

That's right - I have a camera! Bought in Jaipur, my first real opportunity for bartering - i've got a taste for it now!
The guide books are right to warn about jewellers wanting tourists to export jewels for them for apparently impressive incentives. I became aware of 2 such scams and also how easily people can fall into them. India really is just dodgy for trying to exploit tourists.

I'm now in Jaisalmer, desert city to the west of Rajastan. Tomorrow I'm going on a Camel safari, Trakking into the desert on camelback, sleeping in the desert then trekking back whilst seeing some sights along the way. Should be fun, although we'll need to wrap up reasonably warm at night - this city is alot windier than anywhere I've been so far.

Then, it's off to Jodphur, another Indian city, wonderful :s I've decided I can't be in Delhi for Christmas day and now is the time when holes are appearing in STA's sales information. The ticket isn't quite as flexible as I was told and they are proving to be little more use than a webpage. I'm glad I didn't have more trouble when I lost my bag as it seems they are not too reliable. Ah well, it will sort itself out.

Signing out, ready to give STA a kicking!