Week 2 - India

After a tumultuous first week, I am happy to report India and I have shook hands and made up (for now at least). I have, you see, discovered her better side. A bewildering array of breatth taking views and exquisite monuments. I've also become somewhat fond of the daily authentic Indian dishes (typically for just a couple of quid). I like to think I now know my pakoras from my parathas.

Celebrating a week Delhi Belly free with a street kachori

If you look carefully you can see a 17th century car inside Jodhpur fort

If you had any idea the lengths I went to get this photo! 

(Jodhpur Palace and Fort)

Sardar market - Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the place I wish I enjoyed most (because it feels like my preconceived idea of "Real India"), but if I'm honest, my favourite place so far has been Udaipur. Not so much because it is a modern(ish), picturesque city surrounded by serene lakes, but because I'm a sucker for a hot shower! It is also where they shot James Bond - Octopussy - as literally every Indian here will tell you.

The name's Bond. Jamal Bond.

Obligatory daily panoramic shot of a city (Udaipur)

 Riding my trusty steed in God knows where

 This just made me chuckle...

Right now, I'm in Pushkar; a tiny place, where the main days' activities are removing your shoes several dozen times and trying to avoid being scammed. I should probably also mention that it is considered one of the most holy places for Hindus and where Brahma (the alleged creator of the universe) is worshiped.

The "cleansing' baths - Pushkar

I can't help but feel that their scamming industry would go down a lot better if they didn't forbid alcohol. "Yesh sirrr, I do want to put this here pretty flower in the lake for the equivalent of a days' wages, but only because you'rre sucha good friend".

That's all for now folks!

Week 1 - India

It seems utterly bizarre to me that I am able to write this first entry from a relatively (by Indian standards) comfortable internet cafe, while just outside raw sewage runs through the streets. 

Anyway, as I only get an hour for my 50 Rupees worth, I shall jump straight in. India, in a word, is challenging. The most unimaginable things that should be easy, just aren't. Take, for instance, ordering a Tuk Tuk (like a taxi, but you can feel your life expectancy lower as you go). You give your driver your destination, lets say the 'station' and instead he takes you to his great aunt's brother's friend's shop where you are coerced into buying some precious object, which can only be found in this one shop in India!

The dreaded Tuk Tuk - keeping to lanes and stopping for traffic is strictly optional

This sort of thing is pretty normal too..

Perhaps I am being unduly unfair to India. I had perhaps a shakier introduction to it than most. My first Tuk Tuk dropped me off in a Delhi slum. I would provide pictures, but for obvious reasons I didn't feel it the wisest idea to start snapping away. I was then taken to the "Official Indian Tourism" center where they tried to con me out of 2000 quid. Upon realising I was being scammed, I also realised that the funny feelings I was experiencing were probably as a result of being drugged (from the tea they gave me). Having spoken to several people since, it seems I was most likely given Bhang; a safe and legal derivative of cannabis, which makes you tired. 

I managed to get myself conned for a lot less by another "Official Indian Tourism" centre and am now embarking on their organised itinerary. There have been some really lovely moments, below are a few of my favourites.

Visiting Humayan's Tomb - apparently he was a big deal

 Temple - I just really liked the architecture

A camel trek near Jaisalmer

Isn't he cute? I believe this one was Albert.

Upon finishing the camel trek, we had a delicious meal of... actually I have literally no clue. I couldn't even name the vegetables in English if I wanted to. After that a few of us on the tour headed to spend the night in the Thar Desert around a camp fire. I woke up surprisingly wet for a so called desert!

Watching the sunrise in the Thar desert

Now back in Jaisalmer, I am exploring the fort with a few guys I met on the tour.

Fort Market

Jaisalmer from the top of the Fort

Must run, next stop Jodhpur!