Hello all, Lisa here...

Since the last update, we have now seen quite a bit of Rajasthan and are currently in Jaisalmer (the desert area to the West). It's so hot and dry here it's hard to believe that people actually live in these conditions. I was actually a bit worried this morning, as our driver informed us that a German tourist died today in the town. It was too hot for him/her and they died in the Golden Fort. We were supposed to be visting today, but have postphoned it until tomorrow. I'm glad as it was sad to think of the poor tourist, especially when we saw the ambulance leaving the town which sent a shiver down my spine. Even the locals are finding the heat difficult to take and many have left their stalls/shops for the day and have gone home to cool down!

Before we arrived today in Jaisalmer, we travelled to Pushkar (on Thursday) and visited an Indian bazaar which I found a fun experience. It wasn't as hectic as you'd expect (again, probably due to the heat!) and we had plenty of time to visit all the colourful stalls and see what treats India had to offer. I really enjoyed i: It was like a little treasure trove and I have purchased the most comfortable pair of trousers/shorts ever: Joy, Karina, these are the ultimate in 'comfies'. I feel like Aladdin wearing them, but they're amazing!! After the bazaar we sat down near the Holy Lake to watch sunset. This was magical and I felt completely relaxed as the sun glistened over the beautiful waters. Pushkar is definately quieter than other places we have visited (obviously, the Himalayan prison that was Srinagar not included!) but it was really picturesque and a lovely stop along the way. In Pushkar there is a no meat, no alcohol, no eggs and no sign of public affection rule - it is a very pure town in all senses. Chris was very dissapointed by the no meat, as most or all of his meals contain this vital ingredient. I also had to keep brushing his hand away when we were strolling through the town! I think Chris was so desperate for meat, he would have eaten some more of the 'fresh' chickens - not sure if we mentioned it but during our trek in the Himalayas, the driver had a basket in the back of the jeep with two live chickens which we knew we would have to eat that evening, a thought which didn't appeal to me. I am not a vegetarian, but seeing them live changed my perspective (I even named them, which made it worse!!) Well, I refused to eat them that night, so Chris had to eat our friends to avoid being rude to the host.

Yesterday we continued our journey with an overnight stop-off in Jodhpur (Blue City). We didn't really see much of the town as Chris was unwell and spent the majority of the day sleeping. However, we may stop there again on our way back through Rajasthan and see what the place has to offer. Chris felt a bit better in the evening so we ventured out for some food an drinks to a place called 'On The Rocks', which was great. That was until some guys were acting weird and I really wanted to go. They kept staring at me, especially one at point-blank range and saying goree (which I know is referring to me!) and then two of them asked Chris to go dance with them, which made me think they were trying to leave me with the other two. We'd both had a couple of beers and I was getting the urge to have a word with them, but my instinct told me this wouldn't be such a great idea.

And all this brings us to today, in Jaisalmer. As we left Jodhpur I realised why it is called the Blue City. We drove up into he mountains which offers a brilliant view of the town and it's many buildings, the majority of which are painted blue on the roof, sides etc, giving a cubist effect. It was a fantastic view that I hope to photograph on ur return. Every town has a different offering: Jaisalmer is very deserty ( I feel like I'm in Disney's Aladdin, especially in my new pants!) and upon entering, you get to see the massive fort which towers over the city like a gigantic sandcastle. I'm really looking forward to visiting tomorrow, but am equally apprehensive because of todays events.

Again, we haven't been able to upload any pictures. Mum, I promise I will try to sort this asap!!!! Talking of pictures, some people here are really blunt and make you feel like a attraction youself. I have had people come up to me wanting a picture with me, which I found bizarre at first. Chris was a bit annoyed (!) that nobody wanted one with him in....Which made it even funnier when we were at the astronomical centre and two guys asked Chris for a picture. I thought I'd let him have his 'moment' and backed away but they said 'noooo madam too!' Chris's face was a picture......oh dear!

Ok, I think I'll go now (I do tend to write mini essays + we're about to get some dinner).

Take care, thanks for the messages.

Namaste,

Lisa xxxxxxxxxx