Early exit out of Agra catching the 5.10am train to Jaipur, Rajasthan; with great relief our pre arranged taxi was waiting for us at 4.00am to take us onto the Agra Fort Station. The train journey was very pleasant in comfortable upright padded seats, looking out of the windows we went past farms with old fashioned ploughs, people working in the fields, small towns, the usual slum dwellings pushed up against the railway tracks, children off to school in their uniforms and villagers going about their business, some carrying large loads coming or going to the market., a large river and huge bridge. I wondered what the name of this place was while Leigh was having a bit of shut eye. I decided to take a photo and show him when he awakes. In the same compartment were 4 middle aged German travellers they stayed on when we got off at Jaipur. Leigh found a hotel for our stay from the now a little grubby and well thumbed 'Lonely Planet' guide to India; the first place had no vacancies but success; he rang the second choice Atithi Guest House and yes they have a room.

We arrived in the Pink City; as it is known on schedule at 9.30am. You've got to give it to them they know how to run the trains. I guess with very little car ownership and over a billion people they need to. We walked down the road with our backpack to the ticketing office and booked our train journey to Jodpur for tomorrow night.

"Which room would you like the one on the second or third level on the roof top?" We settled for the newly renovated room on the top level; mmm luxury at last, a proper shower and if we are lucky hot water. We weren't dissapointed; I made the most of the hot shower and washed my hair. It's amazing what puts a smile on your face and sooths your soal. We asked to book the room till our departure the following evening.

We decided to do the recommended walking tour of Jaipur taking in the old city; leaving the hotel at 11am would normally be a good move but not so. We are in desert territory, and as any intelligent person would know deserts tend to be hot. The humidity was over 80% and the concrete paths were in a state of dilapidation. We maneuvered our way between broken concrete, bikes, people, bike driven rickshaws, taxis and beggars. We eventually spotted shops on the otherside of this very wide road; a drink and sit down would be nice. Well guess what, a Lassie vendor, "two large please". He dished up the creamy yummy lassies into large earthern ware cups (cone shaped with a flat bottom). We had Chai from similar but much smaller cups, when you finish with them you throw them into the bin with all the other earthern ware cups. This is India's original takeaway container. When we finished we were approached by a cycle-rickshaw driver, please take us to the old city. A good 15 minutes later we arrived, paid and were on our way through the gates and into the old city town bazaar. Motor bike machanics and bike parts lined the first street we went down; we continued walking past food stalls and sari and fabric venders and eventually through traditional artisan quarters, executing their craft of sculpturing from local marble. What a sight; a first for me! Another first was the traditional pointy-toed shoes called jootis. We were still wandering the street late at night, the stalls were still open and the evening was very warm. We took photos of the parade with elephants going by. A man with a microphone asked us to repeat something in Indian, Leigh did, but I was cautious so all I said was Nameste (greeting), I wasn't going to repeat anything I didn't know as I didn't want of offend anyone. As it happened I had no need to worry, we had a pamphlet shoved into our hand. What does this say I asked the English speaking on looking shop keeper? They are doctors are encouraging people to donate blood, oh I felt as if I had let them down, by not obliging their request to copy repeat their words.

The next morning we were off to see the 16th century Amber Palace situated among ruggard hills some 11 km away while the township lies in the valley below. On the way we stopped at the Palace on the lake. We negotiated a taxi fare to take us there, wait for us and return us back to our accommodation early afternoon. This cost just over Aus$10. Eventually back at the hotel we had a nanna nap; woken up by the call to prayer over the local mosque loud speakers maing us aware we were a long way from home. We showered and went out to a local eatery for dinner, then walked back to our hotel, stopping for a chai and a box of 1/2 a dozen small indian cakes we would take with us on the sleeper train tonight; the 23.57 to Jodpur.

Hi to you all, sorry for the delay of these blogs but near impossible posting them. Lots of love Nella and Leigh