Have I got travel for you: Week 1

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!