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Hello everyone!
Well since we last wrote to you all we have been to two more counties - Malaysia and now India!
So to rewind from where we last left you. We flew from Vietnam and arrived in Malaysia start of October. Here we stayed with Clare's friend Emma-Kate's parents who are living out in the capital Kuala Lumpur. Here we got completely spoilt (thank you Rosemary and Trevor)! We hard treats from the word go, as they are staying in a lovely hotel apartment bang center of the city. After relaxing by the pool we explored the city and saw some of the places Clare visited in China Town from her previous visit. Lots of shopping was to be had by all! We also went up the KL Tower and had afternoon tea whilst the top of the tower (which is 321m high) revolves - Sam's fear of heights was put to the test, especially, when a thunder storm started! But it was a great view of the city and the Patronus Towers.
We also explored the Batu Cave which were only 30mintues from the city. Here we climbed over 200 steps to see inside the caves where many temples were built. They were pretty, but again Sam's nerves were tested as there were many monkeys who liked coming up and saying hello to us!
We had some other treats, which included a two hour long body massage and the FISH Spa. Yeap a fish spa. Where you stick you feel into a type of pond and 100s of tiny fish come and eat the dead skin off your feet and legs! It was a really strange feeling to start with, and some pinched a little hard. But it was a laugh and something different! We also had some lovely meals out and cozy nights in too! Felt like a true holiday
After some problems with flight changes we finally arrived in India on the 17th Oct (a few days later than planned). Here we stayed in Delhi with an Indian family (friends of Sam's aunty who she had met through work). It was great having the opportunity to live with a local family and have their advice on where to go etc. Although they were a little protective at times, they defiantly made us feel at home and took us under their wing. Delhi is a mad city!!! For sure the craziest driving we have seen yet! It is hard seeing all the poverty and famine, but you can only help where you can. We also receive a lot of attention whilst walking about the place, but are getting used to this. And lucky Sam's blonde hair hasn't caused any extra 'stairs' we don't think. After exploring Delhi for a few days we headed off to Jasalmier in Ragisthan on a 19hr train ride. The train journey was fine in fact and went very smoothly. Here we went for an overnight camel safari where we camped out under the stars on the sand dunes with no one but another tourist and our three friendly camel drivers! This was a definite highlight. Having our food cooked out in the desert and seeing the best stary sky we'd ever seen. Jasper the other tourist was a good laugh too! On the second day we visited a local mud hut village which was a real privilege as not every group gets to do this! Here we took tea with the locals and sampled their butter and yoghurt! Our legs and bums were hurting once we got back to the town though - two days on a camel had taken its toll. In Jasalmier we also explored the local golden fort which was beautiful, although a little spoilt by tourism. From here we headed over to Jodphur for a flying visits. Here we managed to touch base with Jasper again, who pointed us in the right direction for the Jodphur fort. This was even more impressive than Jasalmier and the views of the blue city were amazing! More shopping happened here too.
Once back in Delhi it was time for us to get ready for Diwail! We were lucky to be spending it with the family, and seeing how they traditionally spend their biggest festival. We both brought Saris for the occasion which the family were very excited about. On Diwali eve there was a party in the complex where the family lived. We drew lots of praise for the way we 'carried' our saris. This may have been helped by the safety pins holding it together! 100s and 100s of firecrackers were set off during the next few days! Sometimes lasting 3-5 minutes. It was like a min-bomb rade at times!!! But a good atmosphere..
We then left Delhi and went to Amritsar, famous for its Sikh Golden Temple. This was a carming place after the madness of Delhi. Its always nice to see places of such importance to others. Amritsar is only 30 km from Pakistan, so we made a rushed trip to the Pakistan boarder to watch the closing of the boarder gate ceremony. This happens every night and is like a football match with the two team (counties) either side chanting for their team! We got to go in the VIP area which was really close to the gates, where guards from either country perform a mini-dance fight-off. This was lots of fun indeed!!
From Amritsar we traveled on a packed local bus to Dharamsala a lovely hippy type town in the lower Himalayas. This is the home of the Dali Lhama (although he is currently in Japan which is a shame) and lots of displaced Tibetan people. It really felt liked another country - seeing the changes in peoples faces and culture. Although freezing at night, its lovely sunshine during the day. Yesterday we went on a 12 mile track up a near by mountain. Here we climbed to 2900mts!! The views were just out of this world and we could see the snow line of mountains behind us. It was defiantly the hardest trek we have done, but worth while!
Today we head back to Delhi for Clare's birthday- after 12 hr bus ride. From here we start making our way south for the next two weeks. After which Clare heads home and Sam makes her way to Australia for 4 weeks!!
That's all for now. Sorry its a little of a rushed update. But at last it gives you an idea what we've been up to over the past 4 weeks!
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