The bus from Jaipur to Jodhpur went quite quick and wasnt too bad. It was 8 hours and they had seats on the bottom and beds above that which fitted 2 people per bed. Luckily I was with Daniella because otherwise I could have been put with anyone to share a bed with male of female! We reached Jodhpur quite late and settled into the hostel which was quite cosy had a European toilet and thankfully a 24 hour kitchen as we hadn't eaten but due to out tiredness we just ordered chips. The next day we decided to have an easy day see Jodhpur, do some shopping and eat lots. I also wanted to do a cooking class sp after talking to the hostel owner found that all I had to do was order the food I wanted and then go down to the kitchen for free I just had to pay for what I ate, so we decided to do this in the evening.
First we visited a spice shop as Jodhpur is famous for spices here the owner claimed to sell spices to Gordon Ramsey...unsure of the validity in this though. He gave us a demonstration of each spice and then we chose what we wanted....I spent a fortune and could easily have spent more but we decided to do all our shopping in Jodhpur, then do one postal package home. Next we went to a tapestry shop where Jodhpur is also famous for and bought some beautiful Indian textiles.
We headed back to the hostel and started to prepare for our cooking lesson we chose to make samosa, stuffed paratha, vegetable curry, saffron lassi and another person wanted to see Dum Aloo. We only got to watch the chef make it but it was very interesting and it tasted wonderful!
Today we went to see the fort in Jodhpur and after a little time arguing with the entrance man about handing over our passports we went on our way. Its a fort that keeps people out so pretty similar to the others.
Then we went to the white palace it was stunning and shimmered compared to the surrounding sights this was the most beautiful.
I have definitely got the hang if bartering I love walking away and having then chase down the street. Or they try to convince you 120rupees is Indian price but after shooing them away in disgust they finally come down to 50. I wish there was the opportunity to barter in England although at times it is exhausting.
It was so hot today we couldn't stay out long the heat has suddenly rocketed here withy no breeze to give relief so we headed back to sort out our remaining journey.
We've just had our favourite meal of India so far it was kasmiri rice- a sweet rice markyini veg curry- with nuts and chopped veg, aloo firyandes- Bombay potatoes in a sauce and garlic naan with a lemon and honey lassi. The food came out quicker than indian restaurants so far and it was so tasty I left nothing.
Im really liking Jodhpur is beautiful and peaceful (apart from the stupid car horns they hoot for no reason) I feel quite relaxed.
Inventory- 130% spices, tapestry, trousers, sitting cushion, handpicked Bombay mix.
Belly: 100% full and happy
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