20th - 23rd march Elephant Festival

Well after a long night on the train full of army boys who receive free transport but no allocated seats the carriages were packed. boies everywhere by the time sleep time was here..

Trying to sleep watch your bags and the gypsy people who seem to get on and off as they like through out the night.. I am aware of someone sharing my bunk, trying not to be aggressive I stretch roll over and kick the poor soul from my bed mmhh only an army lad had taken roost but without permission..

( its India!!!) The elephant festival was well worth all of this chasing around. Held in a stadium entrance was free. The 20 odd elephant were paraded around the grounds wearing all there festive colours cloths and paintings. They didnt look too unhappy about it all.. Camels horses & riders and dances paraded past for several hours. Then starts the games Mr Garry & Mr Mark were chosen for the elephant tug of war!! Yeah right 16 burly volunteers take a hold and PULL the elephant takes them kicking & screaming over the line 3 Times you would think They should know when they have lost but boys never give in eh!!!

To finish this wonderful spectacle the Official Holy Dance of Flowers opens the evening to "Holy Week" As mentioned before The festival celebrates first day of spring for Hindu's and Good Friday for Christian. Most importantly they can share this together.. Saturday aremed with old clothes and many bags of powder paint we go off in search of action.. We find it very very soon.. Young lads jump from their bikes "happy Holy" give you big hugs sometimes too close a hug.. (get your groin out of my stomach & leave my t*** alone type hugs!!) and then cover your face in what ever colour is not showing through.. It is then repeated on them WITHOUT THE HUGGING.. We spent a good 5 hours of fun even the policeman are happy but not painted they have their own 'HOLY' the following day..

For some sanity we are now heading towards Ranthambore National Park in search of TIGERS!!!

However we now leave the company of 2 good friends Garry & Alison We wish you wellx-x-