On the 6th we made our way in tuc tucs to the Amber Fort. This was a steep walk being on top of the highest hill in Jaipur. On the way we stopped by the road in the middle of no where, where a man was snake charming. Ed sat next to him and touched the snake which was scary to watch but fascinating, something you really only see on films.

At Amber Fort they were 30+ elephants being made to take tourists up and down the path towards the fort, they were clearly being treated horribly and therefore we walked the hill ourselves. Many didn't and the elephants were a very sad sight, with tears in their eyes struggling to walk it hurt a lot to watch and I shed a tear knowing there was nothing I could do.

The views from the fort were amazing, being able to make out the pink wall that runs all the way around Jaipur. After we boarded the tuc tucs again which in itself is an experience feeling every bump in the road squeezing through the smallest gaps of traffic.

Later in the day after having a rest with the group we headed out to a famous silver jewellery shop where I purchased a real silver ring with elephants on to remind me of this amazing trip for 700 rupees - less than £7. Which was an amazing purchase!!

After we walked with CP to an Indian families home where they welcomed us in their home and taught us how to cook our Indian favourites. A man and his wife lived with their 2 children and the fathers parents. It was so interesting when we got talking and found out the grandad 30 years ago had worked in Luton for Vauxhal and knew of Bedford which was so strange!! (But not surprising!!) The lady has given us a copy of all her families recipes which I look forward to attempt.

After we got back and sat up drinking dark rum exchanging stories and my tour guide has promised me a palm reading in the next few days.

The next morning we caught a 6am train to Agra where we slept the majority of the day! Today we visited the baby Taj and then the black taj and then the Taj Mahal for sunset. This was beautiful, this city is a lot cleaner than the others due to tourists. Next to the Taj Mahal is a cremation ground so a lot of smoke and fire where bodies were being disposed off which wasn't as nice!!

We passed through the poorest part of town with babies crawling in the streets not wearing nappies begging for food and water which is heart wrenching. That night we were taken to a lovely restaurant where we were served unlimited food which was AMAZING!! When getting home I counted my bites which comes to 29 in total and Eds 28 very itchy and sore :( but hoping they will clear up soon.

On the 8th we awoke at 4:30am to go and see the sunrise at the Taj Mahal which was spectacular and truly a moment we will cherish forever, at that time in the morning the place was filled with bodies each sharing the beautiful experience. We had a guide taking us around the grounds explaining everything which was truly enlightening, so many Indian men harassed me this morning to have photos with them which was a little frustrating and meant I started to get annoyed and refuse.

We returned to the hotel passing by a shop owner cycling by with a dead lamb over his handle bars. We had breakfast and washed and headed for Agra fort. This was again very interesting they were extremely clever back then inventing ways to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The walls are fairly fragile now and we were told a fellow guide lent and fell to his death which scared us all from standing to close.

When we returned to the hotel The girls in the group met a lady and got henna tattoos which look beautiful!! Gigi ed and I went for a wander around the streets where we passed a school, the children flooded out and wanted to shake all of our hands which was lovely. Dinner on the 8th was in a pokey restaurant with a balcony in the trees which was lovely, the group really get on we'll and I enjoy exchanging stories with them. I have made some really good friends and hope to visit them in the future.

After eating we had the task of 7 of us having a shower in 30 minutes which was difficult but we managed it. I even had time to quickly Skype home which was lovely and made my evening. We then got in tuc tucs and headed to the station where we got on our train which wouldn't reach Varanasi until 2pm the next day. The experience was a little surreal and difficult to take in but we managed to sleep on the sleeper train and successfully get to our next destination. Very excited for the next few days visiting the Ganges and its famous markets but so sad that India is almost over. This country has been amazingly insightful and life changing. I have witnessed so many different sights I never thought I would see which has changed the way I value my life back in the UK.

I look forward to filling you all in on the next few days!!
XxxX