Hello again..!

We have just hunted down an internet 'cafe' - it's been difficult and sorry to anyone who has texted us, as we have no acces where we are.

Ok, so for the record we're not actually in Delhi (as it may say on the 'map') - we're actually in a place called Srinagar in Kashmir (don't panic parents!!) God knows how we got here of al places, but we wil start off with where we left you last time...

Our last day in the crazy Delhi was spent doing some sightseeing: we visited the Red Fort and Indian Gate (both very beautiful) Getting there was a challenge as we had to cross the most manic roads EVER!! There really are no rules and you just have to edge yourself forward and pray as you attempt to dodge traffic in all directions. We also had more hassle from the children - a smal girl grabbed me shouting 'enna, enna' trying to put some henna on my arm. She was relentless! On our way back we also saw an elephant on a road (similar to a British dual carriageway) - he then attempted a masive roundabout!! Nothing is impossible in Delhi.

On Wednesday we were picked up early and left Delhi for the Himalayas - well, that's how it was 'sold' to us. Yes, we did go into the Himalayan mountains but we weren't aware that it was actually Kashmir until we arrived (mainly due to all the military people patrolling the streets). Our first night was panic-filled: we imagined being kidnapped by Muslim rebels or something!! But, so far so good and we leave on Monday.

Our time in Kashmir has been a real eye-opener. After settling in on the first day, we were taken on a 3 hour boat ride around the beautiful lakes - the ride was so tranquil and we were sat on a sofa type thing, completely chilled out. On the ride we met -Nice Flower Man' who has now become my stalker. He has waited outside my bedroom window on his boat (we are staying on a houseboat) every morning since we've been there. He's very persistent and gives me flowers to try and make a sale. I'l be glad to see the back of him! We also saw a floating market, temples and smal villages where people travel from place to place on their boats. Even though we were out of Delhi, we stil got some stares along the way. Chris reckons I get more because I'm blonde - some are nice, some are gawping and he rest give me evils (even though I am dressed). On the way back to the houseboat we must have travelled through some kind of mass worship - we couldn't see anyone but could hear chanting and praying: quite haunting as night fell on the lake.

Thursday saw the start of our biggest challenge to date (little did we know on Friday we would face what was probably the greatest physical challenge our our lives.! to come,) We were taken into the Himalayan mountains where we stayed overnight and came back to the houseboat today.On the way I had the biggest panic attack - a wasp somehow made his way up my trouser leg and stung me. Then, as I was trying to bat it out it stung my hand again through my trousers!! We had to spray insect repellent down and luckily it died. Phew!

We arrived at basecamp - due to the cooler weather in the mountains, this was a hut/shack type thing. We were put in a room which was literaly empty apart from some blankets on the floor. This is where we slept Friday night and it was very strange to say the least: We kind of felt like prisoners. That afternoon we went on a walk and were then taken to a gypsy house - this was the most awkward moment ever!! It was really interesting (and thought-provoking) to witnes how they live: It was like a dark cave with a fire and that was about it, apart from a few pots and pans on some 'shelves'. It was awkward because our guide (who speaks both languages) decided not to talk much - therefore we couldn't talk to the gypsies, who were sat there staring at us for the length of our time there - probaly ten minutes, but the longest ten minutes in history!

Satruday came, as did the most exhausting adventure we have faced. We trekked the Himalayan mountains, unaware of how difficult this would be! We were given ponies and told we can use these when we get tired. This seemed fine, except the ponies were with us for about 10% of the time! The mountain we took was 4,500 feet - because of time constraints (and tirednes) we were about 50 feet from the peak - a litttle dissapointing, but still a great personal achievement. The ponies were more scary than they sounded - at one point we were on them, traveling up some steep rocks (practicaly vertical). I kept telling one of the guides to get me off and he replied 'no problem madam' - so frustrating! Poor Chris fell forwards off his pony and had ended up with some massive bruises on both legs. It was great reaching the height we did and I was very surprised as I was panting like a dog most of the time! The way down was the most scary experience. I don't think I have ever shaken with fear before, but I did that day. It was absolutely terrifying and I must have fallen about 8 times or more. So I too have come away with some cuts - at one point I fell and a sharp twig went up my nail which caused it to bleed. The guide tried to stop the bleeding by fashioning a plaster out of a plastic bag - not sure if it helped as the bag was reall dirty anyway, oh well. I'm afraid I cried a few times on the way down too - I'm not ashamed to say this and you will have to see from the pictures (which we will hopefully upload soon) how dificult this was. We have never trekked before and had no safety equipment!!

Well that's the most of our adventures so far. We're still in Kashmir and will be leaving on Monday for Agra to see the Taj Mahal. I think we will both be relieved to leave Kashmir as it leaves you feeling slightly uneasy.

To Chris' family etc, he will write he next entry for you! - He would have done so today but we have limited time on the internet and Chris' style of typing (one finger) won't get us that far!!

Until next time, take care!

Love Lisa and Chris xxxxx

Ps - Uncle Ian (Lisa's) if you're reading this I have a new found respect for you! I think you mentioned you climbed the K 2 which we saw from afar today and it's incredible!! x