Monday 29 April 2013

The Great Barrier Reef

I know it's only a day since I posted but it's been full of adventure. Today I took a boat to the outer Great Barrier Reef. The forecast was 27 degrees but windy and rainy. It was not wrong. We headed out from Port Douglas and before we even got on the bus they were warning us about sea sickness and tablets to take.  Didn't sound promising. As we sped outwards from the harbour it became obvious that it was going to be a very choppy ride. My fellow travellers fell one by one and went downstairs as people were throwing up all over. I had my trusty Boots travel sick bands on. I usually am not a good sailor on choppy seas but was one of the few not to succumb.  We travelled around 75 Kms to the outer Agincourt reef first. We had been issued with masks, flippers and wetsuits. The waves were choppy and we had to watch for the current. I have never swum in open oceans and was a bit sceptical but as for the rest of the trip I was determined to give it a go. As usual the crew were all hunky, bleached hair guys and always so helpful. I donned my wetsuit, put on my flippers at the steps and looked. It was daunting. Anyhow went for it and jumped in. The guy came over and adjusted my mask and I put my head in. It was a little murky and I took my time. He took me by the hand eventually and pulled me nearer the reef. Wow. There was the coral and the predominant colour here was blue. All of a sudden the underwater professional photographer came over and handed me a fake starfish and snapped away. I swam for a little time but could feel the currents pulling me back to the boat. After around 10 minutes I swam back, elated at my achievement. It was cold and windy when I got out. The water is very warm at 27 degrees so nice when in. We were told all about the corals and the management systems. Each person paid 6 au dollars to the conservation system. He also told us about some of the fish species. There is one called the butterfly fish. Beautiful. They stay with the same mate all their lives. When one dies the other commits suicide by starving itself. Recently though they have discovered if two widow/ers meet, one can change sex to pair up with the other! The second stop happened and I gave it another go. The waves and currents were even stronger than the first so I was only in for a short while again. Didn't see too much as I wasn't a strong enough swimmer to go out far. Disappointing as it is the only way to see anything but pleased with my small achievements. Have photos but on cd so not sure i will be able to upload on my ipad.
Lovely huge buffet lunch particularly as more than half of the boat didn't eat due to sickness. Huge juicy prawns, cold meats and salads - yum. Very choppy again on way back but have survived to tell the tale. Fly to Alice Springs tomorrow. Just finished reading A town like Alice so am interested to see it. That's all folks. Xx

Sunday 28 April 2013

Mangrove swamps - Spear fishing with the aborigines





Cairns/Port Douglas

Before leaving the Whitsunday Islands we went for a sail in an Americas cup yacht. It competed in 1989/90 and at that time was called Onedine 7, now Boomerang. There are 75 islands and only 6 are inhabited. This is so the government can maintain their natural states.
We were up very early next day for our train to Cairns. It was to be a 10 hour journey but was already around an hour late getting into Prosperine. Track trouble. Was fairly picturesque. Didn't realise there was so much sugar cane here. Scenery mostly consisted of this and banana trees. Was comfortable ride, big seats with tv screen and a galley where you could sit to eat or drink and chat. Got in around 6.45pm and transferred to hotel. Seems a lovely place in the dark. Woke early next day and had a walk around the harbour. It is stunning. Bar b q for public use along the front, as is a beautiful pool free. Early morning jiggers around the boardwalk. If I had this at my disposal, even I may take up jogging or cycling - ha.
We left for Port Douglas around 9am. Our guide/driver/local aborigine was Kavel. He knew everything. Gave us such a good running commentary that I couldn't take it all in. We arrived at an aboriginal home to go spear fishing. Now we had been told of the jelly fish/stingers and how there is to be no swimming in the sea at this time of year. There are 4 types, one is very dangerous and lethal for children. Also there are crocodiles around, including fat Albert who comes out occasionally! We took off our shoes and reluctantly stepped into the Mangrove swamps. He said not to worry about the jelly fish and the crocs didn't go in there until night time - eek. Did as they said and I followed the guide with everyone else behind. The mangroves are tightly packed together and the water went almost up to my waist. Being such a shorty Luke said he would put my camera in his pocket as he is taller and so it wouldn't get wet. The roots and spikes hurt underfoot and at one point a couple of us fell over and got hurt. Unusually for me, I stayed upright although bumped my forehead on a branch but was saved by my hat (although I have a bit of a shiner under my fringe). After a while a few of the group turned back, but I marched on with my spear. We got to a shallower area and were told to hunt under the roots as the fish and crabs hid there before the tide went out. Link the aboriginal son of the family joined us. I saw a crab first and turned quite native. Speared it several times and picked it up. First to do so. Was I pleased. On the way back the tide had gone out so it was easier to negotiate the swamp but great experience. He showed us trees and told us their properties and what they use them for. The Hibiscus has edible flowers and the leaves have salt in which if applied to the skin draws out fluid. That's one for my fat ankles. We returned to his parents home. Mum cooked our catch which wouldn't feed much supplemented by a few buns. She cooked the periwinkles in chilli and garlic. Yum. Link showed us a didgeridoo. They are made from a piece of wood cleaned up and put over a termite mound for 2-3 months. The termites hollow up to around half way and they then turn it for a similar time and they have a hollow tube which they paint. He held it to my ear and you can hear vibration. If you can't it means it could be cracked. He showed us the different ways of playing and it was so interesting. We then had fresh oranges from the tree outside. He showed us the edible green ants on the tree. Yes he did catch one, remove the legs which left a small green dot on his thumb which I ate - yes really. Didn't feel it on the tongue but it had a lovely lemon taste followed by a eucalyptus feel. They use them when they have a cold. Really interesting fab adventure. Glad I didn't see the crocs though. Love to all xx

Thursday 25 April 2013

Checkout the weather on the second photo!




Byron Bay

Well I survived the first night in the backpackers hostel ok. Had to go to reception for something and two surf dudes who worked there tried to persuade me to go out to celebrate St George's day. It was already 11 pm and up at 7 so reluctantly slipped away. The surf guys picked us up bright and early in their colourful van with loads of surf boards trailing behind. They were a hoot. Jimmy and Dino. Blonde, tanned and so laid back. It was like dumb and dumber. Most surf guys don't even bother with shoes at all. We went to Lennox Point and they checked out the surf. A bit of yoga on the beach followed by our surf lesson. Went ok but thought I found it hard jumping on the board in the sand never mind the sea. Up with the board (it's heavy) tied to the ankle and off to the sea. Trying to fight a way through the strong waves is so hard. Mouthfuls of salt water and one step forward and one step back. Eventually Dino got me through enough waves to turn and get on the board. Just one quick strong wave and was off. Wow, great fun but as expected stayed on the tummy. No way could I also jump to the standing position to look cool. Was absolutely exhausted and sore knees. Gave it a try though and it was worth it. Probably a photo to follow!
Went back to town which is just so pretty and laid back. Treated myself to a chilli vodka in a coconut. Boy it was spicy and I can't say that I will repeat the experience.
Moved on on Thursday towards the Whitsunday Islands. It's Anzac Day here in Oz and a public holiday. They remember the Australian soldiers from WW1 from the Gallipoli landings.
Upper arm muscles ache today from the exertions of yesterday. Surfing is a good workout. We got on a bus and headed to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for a short visit on our way to Brisbane airport. We flew to Prosperine where we got a bus to Airlie Harbour and then a ferry to Daydream Island. It's a resort only but so beautiful. Bumped into a few wallabies on way to dinner. Bit of dancing to Santana in the evening and bed. Will try to get photos on later. Having a morning by the pool I think. Love to all. Hope the weathers warming up for you. It is certainly getting more tropical here as we head northwards.

Tuesday 23 April 2013



Sydney/Byron Bay

Hi all
Well our last day in Sydney had a trip on a yacht in the harbour in the afternoon. The sun came out and it was wonderful. What we didn't know was that we had to be part of the crew to help out. So much for a relaxing sail. The sails are huge. When they are at full sail they are magnificent. The fully raised height was 35 metres and going under the Harbour bridge we felt "will we make it" but the captain said there is a 51 metre clearance. Each time we had to change direction of the sail we had to cross to the other side of the yacht. It was fun.
Today
We flew to Byron Bay. Quite relaxing flight. Upon landing our guide told us that our supposed hotel had let us down. Byron Bay is a very laid back sort of place. Full of surfers and cool dudes! So the only place that had enough room for us was a local backpackers hostel! Half of the group were up in arms and not the ones that I thought would. I just felt well it would be an experience. Nice room. Two half bottles of wine as a bribe and a slap up meal added and I was pig in muck. Tomorrow may be different. What will be will be. Went to the lighthouse for sunset and it is at the most easterly point of Australia. Was very beautiful and I hope to add photos soon. Tomorrow is action packed and I have to be up at 7am. Is this really a holiday? 

Sunday 21 April 2013

Days 2-3 Sydney


The rain chucked it down and woke me up on day two. What a disappointment. It rained on and off all day. I wasn't expecting that. How quickly we get used to heat.  No point in moping so umbrella out and I got on a ferry to Darling Harbour. It's a busy place with bars, restaurants and attractions. I decided I would visit the Australian Wildlife Zoo. Saw the two new Tasmanian Devils. What fun they are. They were eating but also like to have a little yelling at each other showing their teeth. Then saw the Koalas. Now I have been told that Koalas aren't bears and should never be referred to as such. They are marsupials. They were so cute. Sleeping and eating is their life with not much else to do. Their first meal is their mothers poo! It gives them the ability to eat the eucalyptus leaves as they are toxic. Decided to have a meal alongside the opera house. Cold but very atmospheric. Walked back to the oldest pub in Sydney which had a guitarist/singer on. Had to queue outside but it was worth it. Met up with some Australian girls who had been to see their small town team beat a big Sydney team and they were celebrating. It would have been rude to not help so hangover awaited for the next morning.
Day 3 and the sun had come out. Had to check out of my hotel as will be moving to another one to meet up with my new group for the tour. Had a trip on the ferry to Manly. It was beautiful and the surf was up. Young surfers and young families alike. It's a very family oriented place. The hangover soon disappeared after two or three coffees sitting alongside the bay. Let's hope for the sun to be out again tomorrow.





Friday 19 April 2013

Chapter 3 - Sydney

Well it's strange. Waiting to get on the plane last night I felt jet lag and I hadn't even got on board. Probably the previous flight catching up. I had visited Sentosa that day and had been on the cable car. I arrived in Sydney early this morning. After a long flight with little sleep I tend to be a bit grumpy. Thought the harbour bridge looked old and the opera house a bit, well, yellow. After a short kip all changed. Wow what a view. The temperature has dropped a bit but still warm compared to home. Bought a jerkin to keep warm and had a walk. A quick shower and I met Rhys from the Rajisthan trip. He took me up the Shangri La tower hotel to the bar where an absolutely fabulous view of Harbour Bridge and the Opera House was to be had at sunset. Coupled with a glass of vino, life couldn't be much more perfect. We moved on to an amazing wine bar here you served yourself from a pre loaded credit card to the size of glass required. Photos to follow. A wonderful meal and reminiscences with Kate after she finished work. Thanks guys. Had an amazing time. England is yours any time. 

Tuesday 16 April 2013




Day 2 - Singapore

Singapore is a safe place for a solo female traveller I have discovered. Checked with hotel before venturing out last night. Great. Whilst the temperature in Singapore is not as high as India, the humidity leads the impression that it is. I had an afternoon trip out today to see the landing site of Raffles followed by a visit to Raffles hotel. Upstairs to the long bar, we only had 20 mins before we had to be in the queue for high tea. Service was awful and ended up with our 30 dollar (yes really) Singapore Sling and had to down it in around 7 minutes. Afternoon tea was fantastic. Considering the tour was relatively cheap, the amount included was fab. Cake stands on the table with sandwiches (no crusts), little cakes and then a fab buffet, help yourself. It had cakes, fruit platters including strawberries but cream was on the table in a perfect shape and dim sum as much as you want. Scones were delivered separately. Meanwhile a harpist played in the background. Met three other ladies and we did a little people watching which was interesting. A few uncles and nieces I think! Afterwards we went on a river boat up the Singapore river. A quick shower and out again to meet up with the 3 Australian ladies for drinks and dinner at Clarke Quays. Was good. At this rate it won't just be my ever suffering ankles that are huge! 

Sunday 14 April 2013

Chapter 2 - Singapore Monday 15 April

Arrived in Singapore today bright and early. My last day in India yesterday was so exhausting. The heat was incredible and I said goodbye to most of my new friends as they jetted off. Rusty, Francesca and I had more time to kill. We went shopping to Connaught Place but mostly it was closed being Sunday. We were hassled so much by touts we went to the Red fort instead. There were some decent shops at the entrance but all in all the fort didn't impress. Had to dash back in a tuk tuk as Francesca was driving off to a friends wedding. Rusty and I had lunch ad decided we would go to the airport early as we couldn't face the noise, dirt and touts anymore. We were there at 3.30pm. My flight was 22.20 and his wasn't until the early hours. They wouldn't let him in as his flight was more than six hours away so we said our goodbyes at the door. My flight was delayed and ended sitting next to a man reading 50 Shades and another one snoring. All in all not a restful flight. Singapore is clean and I now have a bath and toiletries. Luxury. Will no longer have to scrub my nails four times a day and see everything I own with layers of dirt on. Won't miss the noise of the horns either. all in all India was amazing, definitely a place to visit at some point. On the other hand in Singapore they don't give you free wifi like some of the small hotels in India did. I think I will chill by the pool and catch up on some zz's. hoping you are all warming up now. xx

Saturday 13 April 2013





Final Post Chapter 1

The end of Rajasthan. Well I thought that if I could get thought Rajasthan I could get through anything. What an amazing experience. I started with a 4.50am call to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Wow is all I can say. If you have to do one thing in one's life this should be it. I am in awe. There is a haze around and reflections that make it so worth getting out of bed for. The photo opportunities are amazing. I have to admit to not falling for the Diana seat as I thought it would be too much. Photos should be posted here. Ignore the double chin on the sunglasses photo and check out reflection on the glasses.  I hopped off the bus in Delhi to post my parcel back to Uk as I wouldn't be able to carry it round.  Again amazing. I had a box with some tape. The man inside the GPO sewed it into a linen fabric upon which I wrote the address. Took a photo which the man wanted to see. Should be there within a week - ha. That's Indian speak for a couple of months!

Tonight was our last night together.i have had such an amazing time with these guys I am sorry to say au revoir. Off to Singapore tomorrow night.

Friday 12 April 2013





Friday 12th April - Day 13

Jaipur is a very busy city. I'm not sure I like the cities too much. I much prefer the little villages and towns. On Wednesday I went to Amber Fort. We got into jeeps at the bottom of the hill to go up. The temperature is steadily rising to around 40 degrees. I wasn't overly impressed with Amber Fort although the wall is 26 Kim's long. They do like their long walls here. The Maharajah here had 12 wives and 256 concubines. He must have been a very tired man. The concubines weren't allowed to have children, only the wives. There was a midwife to help abort unwanted babies. They were protected by large strong men who had firstly been castrated! Anyone fancy that job - ha. I then went on to the market. I can shop with the best of them but the hassle here just to get out of a shop left me exhausted. One shop and I went back for a swim. Packing was not going well. So I have got a box and going to post some home. On Thursday we left and I am surprised my zips didn't burst.  Long trips in bus today and we visited the stairwells. Thirteen levels which filled up with water in monsoon and women would walk 10 miles to get water. And we complain when the car park in Clitheroe Tesco is full! We were told about arranged marriages today which was fascinating but is a very long story. That's one for when I get home. Today we left Bharatpur for Agra. Again hours in the bus. We first stopped at Fatephur Sikri which was a fascinating place. Again built for Maharajah who had 3 wives and around 250 concubines. It took 12 years to build and they only lived there for 4 years. Then it was on to Agra. First visited Agra Fort. Was very interesting but the heat was intense and so was the smell. Then on to baby Taj. It was so sweet. We could see the Taj Mahal in the distance and we are off there tomorrow morning to see it at sunrise. I can't wait. Photos will follow soon of that one. Hope all are well and I am not boring you all too much. Please comment and let me know you are all still there. xxx

Wednesday 10 April 2013




Tuesday 9 April - Day 10

It was a long drive today as we headed to Jaipur. It took just under 4 hours but we were all a little tired after the festivities of the night before. As usual the journey is never boring. Between nodding off, chatting, listening to music and of course the favourite views from the windows the time flies. It's our down time. The sights are always changing but it's the way of life that is exciting. Just as I am typing a St Bernard dog has walked by me in the hotel reception. Why would a dog with a coat that thick be living here!
The new hotel room is a bit dingy, however, we have new criteria for a hotel being good. 1. Wifi. 2. Alcohol and 3 if it has a pool too we are excited. The first two are not always there. After a rest and a wifi catch up we all went off to town for a walk. It is so busy here as it is a city and the capital of Rajisthan. The streets are again so noisy and when you are in a tuk tuk it is like being in the dodgem cars for real! How quickly we adapt to differing ways of life. When wandering streets it is no surprise to see a monkey on the electricity cables overhead, cows in doorways or through open windows, goats, pigs, warthogs, dogs and today there were the cobras being teased from baskets with pipes. Now as you may know I have a big thing about snakes. They were a step too far for me.  Last night we all went to a Bollywood movie in the cinema. It was so very funny. The cinema was amazing, air conditioned and had popcorn, samosas, sodas etc. I got a samosa (massively full), a bottle of water and a coke for less than a £. The entrance cost was the same. I'm a cheap date. Although mostly there were no subtitles we got the message and it is really just a spoof. The audience really join in, whooping, cheering and laughing. I'm a convert. It was called Himmatwala. Will download it when home. The roads in Jaipur are very poor and the potholes put ours in Sabden to shame. There is an option to go to an Indian nightclub tonight but I am not sure that I will go. Ankles still size of elephants. Talking of which saw a few elephants sharing a few loads in the streets amongst the traffic today too just to add to the fun. None of us took the option of riding them up to the Amber Fort today as our guide says his company is concerned at the way they are treated and therefore we could do it but they weren't endorsing it. Am glad we didn't. They really look old and tired but a lot of them still had coloured paint on from the Holi festival a few weeks ago. Actually some of the people do too - ha!

Tuesday 9 April 2013






Sunday 7 April cont

The previous post stopped as Internet just conked out and only just going again.
We all went out for a sunset camel ride at 5.45pm.  I shared a camel with Fraser and it was such a hoot. Our camel was called Rama and he was really photogenic. It was such good fun. 3 Indian men were playing music in the dunes and the sunset was spectacular. Afterwards we went to a local family home for dinner. The men stayed on the roof terrace whilst the women helped in the kitchen. They made dinner for 18 in a small kitchen with only a two ring gas stove and a pressure cooker. The meal was fabulous.
Monday 8 April
Another scorcher. We went into Pushkar to do some shopping. After a short while we decided to go back. No tuk tuks. Only option was a horse and cart. It was the mangiest horse we ever saw. My feet were on the feed bag and I felt like I was crawling by the time I got back.
Some of the staff joined us later for a game of cricket. Knowing nothing of the game I was a little reluctant. However I didn't mind bowling and found it was fun but so hot.
Tonight was Rusty's surprise 40th. We all dressed in saris and Indian gear and all felt the part. When he arrived we made an arch and threw petals over him whilst singing happy birthday. The cake arrived and was spectacular. One candle was lit and whilst it burnt some bowls arrived. The contents were flicked to his side and an orange mark made on his forehead. Fireworks and a paper fountain fell on top of us. This was all in the garden by the pool. Curry then Bollywood dancing all night long under the stars. Off to Jaipur tomorrow.

Monday 8 April 2013





Namaste everyone.
It's been a few days since I had both access to wifi and some time to post. The cookery class was fabulous and I am now armed with recipes for samosas, chapattis, dal, paneer, zeera rice and more. You lucky guinea pigs for me when I get home - ha. Visited the City Palace in Udaipur this morning and it was beautiful. Was where Liz Hurley had her first wedding to that Indian chap whose name slips my mind. Then caught a boat over Lake Picholo to Jag Mander, a beautiful island which houses a hotel and restaurant. Stone elephants greet visitors at the landing pad. Lunch was beautiful and yes they sold alcohol! It has been few and far between trekking round to find a place that sold wine. Beautiful lunch and I set off quickly back to the hotel as I had a foot massage booked. My ankles are the size of an elephant with all this heat. So much so that I only have one pair of shoes left that can just about fit. Our beautiful garden in the hotel had a family of 3 tortoises meandering around beside us. In the morning whilst sitting there a man opened a gate at the back from the other side and shouted really loudly 'electricity bill' several times and threw it on the grass. When nobody came he picked it up, shook his head and turned back. Bills, Indian style!
After around an hour travelling next day we stopped at a temple from the 14th century whose name escapes me but is worshipping the god for sexual organs. The sculptures in all the pillars and walls were really interesting. 10 rupees for flowers to worship. Another 3 hour drive and we arrived in Jojawar at a hotel which is a nobleman's house. As we went thought the entrance archway an Indian beat a drum to welcome us and two little boys sprinkled pink and yellow petals over us. It was magical. The pool was gorgeous and after a lunch of yet again more pakora we rested before our walk around the village. A population of 10000 including both Hindus and Jain people, we were told that these were not poor people and not to give them anything. If we wanted to donate we were to give to the hotel who would distribute accordingly. As we went round the village we acquired quite a following of children who ran round us,eager to talk. Some were spinning tyres with sticks, others just larking around. They were very keen to have their photos taken and enjoyed seeing them in the screen. Each one kept asking for just one pen. Can't see that catching on back home. They were all just being kids having fun. In that village young children as young as 4 or 5 can get married. They have a ceremony arranged by their parents and afterwards go back to live with their respective parents until the girl has her first period. Then the father makes a big announcement to the village and she moves in with her husband to his parents house. We had a beautiful dinner in a central courtyard under the stars just for our group. Buffet style curries, it was magical. Managed to buy a bottle of wine and when asked for another they only had one more half bottle. It's in short supply here and charged at a premium unlike everything else which is cheap as chips. Afterwards Marion took charge of a Mass card game called the 3 Maharajahs and had to use two packs of cards together as there were so many of us. Was a bit hectic but good fun. Bought a gorgeous blue sari this morning for around £8. It is 6 metres long and hand sewn bling - what value. It was a long 5 hour trip to Pushkar with a stop for lunch. I was a bit concerned about the length of times spent in our little bus but am finding that is the time for peace and rest. Catching up on zz's and each time I open my eyes there is always plenty to see as you meander through towns and villages. Cows are sacred here and wander freely all over. They look upon cows as their mother as when a baby is born it is first give a few drops of cows milk together with a drop of honey before it gets milk from their mother to enable it to have a sweet nature.. When looking out of the bus yesterday we were passing through a town which is always chaos and looked down a street packed with market stalls, cars, cows etc and noticed that a cow just went over to a stall brimming with tomatoes and just started munching right through them! Eek.
Pushkar is a very holy town. Frequented by backpackers, it is vegetarian and no drugs or alcohol (according to the sign). Our hotel is in a fort slightly out of town. I had a swim and then some foot reflexology (a first time for me). It was very strange as I entered the room there was Fraser having his massage. My masseur was male so I was quite glad he was there. It was very strange. Didn't realise that foot reflexology stretched right up the whole legs!! My room is beautiful. It is in a circular hut with a tented ceiling inside and thatched roof outside. It has a big bay window sort of a hexagonal shape to sit in. It's a bit like looking into an Amsterdam knocking shop window but a great place for an early morning tea and a piece of writing.

Thursday 4 April 2013

Delhi - Day 2. This is the first opportunity to get online for a few days so you will forgive me if I go on a little. It is such a very busy itinerary and there is lots to tell. Good old British Airways, luggage arrived at 7.30am next morning and taxi insisted I get out of bed to sign for it! Went via the metro which has a separate carriage for women (probably reason I was stared at yesterday when with Kevin) to Jamma Masjid in Rajiv Chowk and then on to see the Gurudwara Sikh Temple. It was beautiful and peaceful. Women were rolling a flat bread whilst the men stirred the ghee in a massive wok style pan. I had a go at rolling the dough but when it was lifted the woman looked at it's sorry state of affairs, turned up her nose and threw it in the reject pile. No new career there then. Went to the bazaar, it was boiling hot. Later that night we caught the sleeper train to Jodphur. What an experience. We were in a 3 tier bunk sleeper but we were all together at least. 6 in our little section and fun trying to get us all fitted in. A little mouse popped his head in to say hello and Fraser nearly had a heart attack. I have to admit that I didn't sleep but it was a fab experience. I got up to the toilet during the night (and these are different experiences too), went back and didn't know which curtain was mine as it was a long row of the same. Had a lucky guess I suppose or I could have got to know another new friend. Arrival in Jodphur was early. The hotel was lovely and we had been told not to expect too much but they have all outsold their descriptions. This had a swimming pool. I have been allocated a single room which is great. We went to the Mehrangarh Fort. It was a spectacular sight and I would post photos however I am using the hotel computer and not my ipad as the wifi isn't here. Sorry next time. We went to the Sadar Bazaar and the dust flying about was incredible. So much so that I got two nosebleeds and I'm not the only one the group to do so. Everything is so cheap here and bartering is such fun. The roads are still congested with tuk tuks, motorbikes, cars, cows, goats and the occasional monkey. The motorised vehicles all honk all the time. It means out of my way or hello or turn left or turn right. We have been told that the rules in India are that there are no rules. Had the most beautiful curry (and that seems to be the same for all meals - sometimes even breakfast) on a rooftop restaurant with the fort towering above at one side and a water feature on the other. Back home early so Fraser and I decided to have a late night swim (after copious amounts of wine). Half way through the power went off and it was a wee bit eery but fun. Were joined later by another two stop outs. Up early next day to meet jeeps at 7.30 am. Went to see a potter at work and opportunity to have a go. Lizi if you are reading I took some photos for you. The stone wheel and kiln had been in the family for generations and everything is judged by hand and the water pots come out precisly the same size. They use these to keep the water cool when there is no refrigeration. Then visited a very remote location to see a family who live off the land. A most beautiful baby girl with big brown eyes was hanging in a basket holding on to a pink sari and being rocked. The last leg of the 'jeep safari' was visiting a weaving family who run a co-operative making traditional rugs. The looms were huge and after having some chai masala (Indian tea with a bit of a sweet kick) he explained how his family had been weaving for years and how they did it. His English was immaculate and he told us that he learnt it from the BBC World Radio service which will soon be no longer. He teaches others in the vicinity to do the same and they pull their resources to make a living. These rugs can take up to 4 months to make including finishing and postage. His son recently learnt to drive but before that he had to walk 5 kilometres in the heat to get a bus to go to school. It was really far out but immaculate and so interesting. Puts my rag rugs to shame.
We got on our bus which is now our transport for the rest of this leg of the trip and travelled to Ranakpur stopping at the Ranakpur Jain Temple. What an amazing and serene place. Had a blessing with the dot between the eyebrows and an hour to wander around. The Jain people do not believe in killing anything. They are vegetarian and only eat anything that grows above the ground not below. They also do not eat cheese or yoghurt as the 'bacteria would be killed'. One man died as he had 'Delhi belly' with bugs in his stomach but would not take medicine as they would be killed. Therefore he died and so the bugs did too but that was OK as that was the right order to do things! Our new hotel was spectacular up high in the mountains, again a nice pool and even this time a balcony. We had a lovely curry then they lit a fire high up on the terrace and played Bollywood music and we danced all night under the stars. Govin (our guide) sang and showed us some of his moves. Not too bad. We had lots of drink and the bus drivers and waiters joined in too.
And so I come to today. We left early again and drove a few hours to Kumbraghhaigirh Fort (not sure of the spelling). It is massive with a wall 36 kms long. The second longest in the world after China. Lots of steps to get to the top. My thighs will be well exercised after this. Another couple of hours later we were in Udaipur. On the way we past so many other animals just sharing the street - oxen, warthogs etc. Udaipur is a busy city and we went on a walk through. Visited an artist studio. Udaipur is famous for it's miniature paintings which are so ornate. They are running a painting class tomorrow as an option. They painted a nail for each of us. Mine is a peacock on my thumb but one of the men had a karma sutra which is cool. This evening we saw a traditional dance show with full Indian band and marionettes. Now I am back at the hotel and tomorrow am looking forward to a trip round the lake and in the evening we are having an Indian cookery lesson and the produce will be our dinner. If I survive I will post again soon and try to upload some photos. Love to all. Good night. xx