Today we left early at eight am... We were all tired from the weddings last night and as there was another wedding today our floor was a hive of activity and noise and therefore we were all up early... I saw the bridal party leave and they all looked so gorgeous... The bride was dressed in a beautiful red jewel encrusted sari and all the ladies dressed equally well. I wanted to get a picture of them all but the bride was hugging an older lady who I assume was her mother and sobbing. It was so heart wrenching, I could only imagine how scary it must be to be on your wedding day.... having never dated a boy and always lived at home. Then you get married and move in with your husband and leave your mum and home behind.

We were heading to Orcha today on the am train... We got to the station and boarded the train and sat in our allocated seats. We were given breakfast (Steven ate both) and sat back to enjoy the two and a half hour ride to Jhansi before boarding our coach to Orcha. It only took about forty mins to then get to the hotel and WOW! It's amaaaaaaaazing! Every now and then we stay in pure luxury, which is unexpected and always welcome. It's about thirty five degrees here and we were all tired, so it was a welcome site to see this little piece of paradise. It's opposite a huge temple and the village is full of such stunning architecture. We were welcomed by a guy playing music on a traditional Indian flute before heading into a cool marble reception. Here we were given a lovely iced tea... Yum! While waiting for our room we tried the Wi-Fi but it was not working... Annoying as we wanted to face time our families today, boo!

We had a little look around and found an amazing pool... And our accommodation is luxury tents within the grounds. There is also a gym and spa here... We checked into our tents and they are pretty cool. There's a bedroom, sitting area then a separate dressing area with bathroom and the most amazing shower ever... It's so powerful! Felt awesome after. We had free time till four thirty (was approximately one thirty) so we dumped our bags, put our swimwear on and headed to the pool. It was sooooo good! First time I have had my shoulders and knees out since arriving. I laid on the sun loungers and basked in the sunshine... Occasionally sitting in the pool to cool down, this was proper chill time. Some of the group headed to town... Crazy fools! And the few of us left chilled by the pool and played rummy.

At four thirty we headed for orientation of the town, it's pretty stunning! Surrounded by loads of temples and monuments. The town backed on to the river and it gives an amazing view especially from a little bridge ...not far from the hotel. While we were there a few kids tried to get money from us... one kid asked for his photo to be taken then gave me a bracelet... I told him I didn't have money on me and he said that's fine. I felt bad for taking the bracelet from him even if it was a gift so borrowed ten rupees from Steven and gave to him later which surprised him. We sat for a while and took loads of pics then we headed in town and went to visit some temples. They were proper Hindu temples and very different from all the others we have seen. They have a very Thai style about them and have such an awesome view. While we were walking we saw a baboon steal a bag of fruit from a ladies hand, then sit and eat it in front of her without a care in the world! Was so random… and pretty funny.

We then looked around the market and had a drink before heading to the Hindu temple for their thank you ceremony. They have it every evening to give thanks for the day that has passed and wish for an equally blessed day tomorrow. While we were in the temple we weren't allowed to bring our bags or cameras in so had to leave them in a shop that was locked... Abhi gave us his word but I was apprehensive and worried the whole time we were away from them... they were thankfully okay though. While in town myself and Angie were cornered by a couple of young girls to 'visit their shop' and wow they were persistent.... Turned out Angie agreed a pinky promise and therefore couldn't go back on it (she was worried about bad karma!) we didn't buy anything but at least we kept our promise.

The group then headed out for a meal but I really didn't fancy my chances on the restaurant, especially as I hadn't eaten since my small Pizza Hut last night so we opted for the buffet at the hotel as we heard it was amazing and were told it was only three hundred and fifty rupees. It was so tasty, there was fresh salad ...which was amazing alone but then also the tastiest Chinese noodles ever! I had three small bowls as well as some veg and salad and Steven ate his weight in egg curry, naan, noodles, dal makhani and vegetables. I then tried some custard and fruit which was very nice and Steven ate one of every cake. On the way back to the table I heard the manager tell someone the buffet was six hundred rupees per person and I felt sick lol... Anyway it was so tasty so we didn't mind and I hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch... We asked for the bill and the manager asked which room? 302 we said... Are you with G? Yes indeedy. Then in a hushed cloak and dagger way ...behind his hand, he said "that's seven hundred rupees" but shh.... We give you good price. Turns out they give G adventures a discount but obviously didn't want it being common knowledge, so wasn't so bad after all.

Steven keeps laughing at me as I have budgetitis! I used to be the total opposite but now we are travelling I'm so tight.., even more than Steven and to our friends and family who we know Steven... You know how serious that is!! Every rupee counts lol! It's driving him mad... I keep skipping meals to save money (obviously don't make Steven do the same... Poor boy would starve! And he eats enough for two anyway!)

After the meal we sat with Frank and Harry and chatted a bit before heading for a shower... And now bed! Need to sleep off this horrid head cold! Driving me in sane... Night night xxx