You will all be glad to know that the past few days have already got better.

Yesterday (07/03/09) we spent the day with the family of the man who's boat we are staying in. They are such a lovely family and welcomed us warmly into their family. We went across the river with them so that their mother could see a Magi. The plan was for us to go to a park over there, but unfortunately it was closed so we waited for the mother at the Magi's house. We spent a while chatting to a man who has a Kashmirian shop in Cardiff but after a few hours we were called in to see the Magi. The room was filled with people sat on the floor around him so we found some space and sat down to listen. Once we were seated he drew out a small sword and him it on the table and then held it up horizontally and moved it up and down our faces, a lady then learned over to inform me that he 'now knows everything about me and about who i am' which was a little unsettling! People would take it in turns to tallk to the man and tell them about their problems and he would give them something to help (often a piece of paper with some writing on or a candle with a length of string wrapped round it). Occasionly they would start singing and he would occasionly stop them to give improvements on the lyrics. Of course this was all happening in Kashmiri so it was a bit hard to follow what was going on. Eventally i was called forward to speak with him. After establishing that i had no real problems within my life he said that he liked me very much because i reminded him of one of his close friends. He also told me that i was quite a grounded and mature person and that i liked to save my money. (I suppose the next few months will show whether he is right or wrong!)
After we left we walked to one of their family friends house who invited us in without question and gave us huge amounts of Kashmiri tea, bread, cakes, biscuits, and crisps. All of which were very nice. Eventually we travelled back across the lake and had our main dinner. At about 8pm one of the sisters came over to tell us that they had brought some henna and wanted to know if we wanted some designs. So, of course, off we went to their houseboats and had beautifal intricate henna drawn on to the palms of our hands. (I will put up photos as soon as i can).

I spent this morning re-packing my suitcase and chilling out for a bit and this afternoon we have been invited to someone else's house so i am looking forward to that.

Unfortunately we were not able to change our trains so we leave tommorrow for the long journey to Amritsar but it has all worked out really well as we have had the oppertunity to meet their family.

I know you are all wanting to see photos but the computer here is not letting me upload them (so don't say i didn't try). I will try again at the hotel in Amritsar.

Hope you are all still well. Lots of love. xxxxxxxxx