Just a quick update before we move on to Jodhpur this afternoon.

Yesterday we walked down to the main market to get some supplies. We were given flowers each down the street and when we went to have a look at the Holy Lake were told we needed to throw them into the river (pool) as the river is dry at the moment! They then took us separately to perform some elaborate ceremony which ends in them asking for money. We knew that this would probably happen but they railroad you into the ceremony before you have chance to escape. They asked for huge sums of money, but I gave them 10 Rupees between us (about 14p). They obviously were not happy about this, but we just walked away. It's such a shame, as it was a nice ceremony but they spoil it all by demanding money. We said we were not rich and they told us that there was no need for us to have money as the ceremony would bring us happiness. I told them that if there was no need for money then they didn't need any from us. I've learnt to stand my ground here, or else we would have no money left!

Later we went on a 3 hour camel safari. This was great, with some fantastic scenery. Our bottoms are a little sore today, but we might try a longer safari, maybe overnight, when we get to Jaiselmer.

Just been for breakfast but had to order something different from our usual today as the power went off. This is quite a common occurance here. We had already lost power twice this morning!

Hope all is well. My spots are nearly all gone now!

Maggie x