Hello Friends and family

We are currently sat in an internet cafe in the holy pilgrimage sight of Pushkar famous for its beautiful lake. However due to a poor monsoon the sparkling lake, dropped by Brahma no less, is a dried up mud pit. However the locals have built swimming pools next to the pit so full religious ceremony can continue.

It's really nice and relaxed here as there's no traffic (no autorickshaws here). I have also become a fully signed up vegan (no meat and eggs), renounced alcohol (no booze here) and dropped the romance (no kissing in public.) Have been mainly doing relaxing activities such as strolling and drinking masala chai and playing chess.

After 3 days of studious preperation we are about to begin our assent of a mini mountain to a temple which looks over Pushkar. I've got pleanty of oxygen packed and am ready to strap Rach to me and absail down if needs be.

Off to Jaisalamer tomorrow night on the night bus for a whistle stop day and a half before Udaipur.

Shalom Joe and Rach x x x x x