Arrived in Pushkar after an easy Journey from Jaipur - train and then ancient taxi through the hills to Pushkar.

Pushkar is a holy place for Hindus - they all come to bathe in the lake.Once a year half of Rajistan descends on it for the camel fair which is a week long fair that seems a cross between a country fair, a horse racing meet and Glastonbury.The event also coincides with a holy festival when it is especially good to bathe in the lake.It started the day we arrived.

We were staying in a Haveli - built round a courtyard with lots of flowers everywhere - very pleasant.

First day was orientation - went to look for the fair - all we found was the 'car park' which was full of tents and camels (there is a large trading element - mainly in camels and horses - Fran was nervous what I might trade!).

Next day we found the fairground which was chaotic - there was a programme but nothing ran to time.This was made up by all the sideshows going on - snake charmers, high wire, dancers etc.The highlights of the day were a sort of wrestling match (couldn't understand the rules) and an Indian bride competition.This was especially for tourists - those ladies that entered were dressed and made up as Indian brides.They all had to introduce themselves - all were very demure until we had 'G'day - I'm Emily from Australia' in a booming voice - don't think she won!

The following day there were lots of animal events - horse dancing - done on their hind legs, camel dancing - not so spectacular - and then the piece de resistance - the camel race.The crowds lined the track when they started but soon scattered as the camels veered towards them - it was bedlam!

Last day was a special day - the hotel had even more flowers and there was a walk from the temple - we are leaving tonight but it all builds up to a finale on Saturday (the full moon). Don't know if I could take 3 more days of it.