An early start for our kayak ride down the river. With our local guide , Vishnu, we precariously step into the long shallow boat one by one with around 5 cm between us and the surface of the water. We spot quite a few birds and vrocodiles lining the edge of the water. We stop a fair way down the river and jump out to catch a glimpse of the rhinos bathing again in a seperate patch of water. Back on the boat we glide downstream to stop and start our 'jungle walk' b...

We left lumbini at around 8.30 in a very bumpy jeep ride with the crazy driver from yesterday. The hotel is gorgeous with vaguely warm showers and mosquito nets provided over each bed. The four of us ventured out with 4 hours to spare. Such a relaxed place we ambles leisurely around taking in the sights and the peaceful village. We headed down to the end of the road to see what lie at the end. The flowing river with a few bars lining it's edges greeted us at the ...

An early wake up we get a private car from our Varanasi hotel all the way up to the the Nepal border, meandering through flooded fields, bumpy roads and hectic towns. Once we hit the border it is mayhem, pedestrians and cyclists trying to squeeze past the trucks that crammed the main street. We eventually, after mud splattered legs and very close contact with locals, reached the india immigration exit office. A rather efficient affair we continued forward and sto...

We arrive into Varanasi at 7am very blurry eyed and still a bit shocked from losing jen the night before. We jump into a couple of rickshaws and head to our hotel (hotel surya). Wow welocome serenity after our train ride! A lush pool out the back we all go for a quck dip before venturing out into the blazing sun to see the famous ghats. We cosied up into a couple of cycle rickshaws down the super bumpy road for a half hour ride to the edge of the Ganges. When we...

Our final day in Delhi (on the tour) a few of us rise early to head out and see if we can get any tickets for the commonwealth games. After a tour hour bounce around Delhi visiting 2 of the stadiums and not having much luck getting tickets, liz and I head to Connaught place to get a well needed coffee. Bu before j mention that I have to say something about the bus journey earlier that morning. After being stranded at the dirt stadium with a ticket counter that ha...