Namaste

And here I am in beautiful Jaiselmer, which is called the golden city and as soon as I have uploaded some pictures you will see why, fantastic scenary outside of a fort which is all built from sandstone as are all the buildings around and at sunrise and sunset gives off a golden glow which is incredible.

Departed Delhi on 27th after visting the Red Fort and Humayuns Tomb which looks like a mini Taj Mahal and was amazing, cannot wait to see the real mccoy now if this was a small taster of what to expect I should not be disappointed! The train arrived in Delhi 30 mins early which in India is unheard of and settled down on the train for what was to be my bed for the night. Train was fully booked although a few passengers did not get on until later on down the line which meant there was bit of space to relax prior to this. Jules went to bed pretty much as soon as we got on train so I went about chatting to the locals in the bunks around me. There were a couple Indian soldiers who had been in Delhi for the Republic Day march and were heading back home to Jaiselmer. Their english was not brilliant but compared to my Hindi very good, and it amazes me how many people speak so many differant foregin languages here in India, they are clearly very well educated and yet still so very poor. The soldiers shared their dinner with me which consisted of Roti and curry with a big tub of chillis to feast upon as you saw fit. We stayed up playing cards (or trying to as they attempted to teach me a game, which for very little spoken english was not easy). During this an Indian army doctor joined in and after the other soldiers went to bed he got his suitcase and swung it open on the bunk. He then proceeded to take out a wad of newspaper and began to unwrap it. Unclear as to what he was about to reveal I looked on to find another feast of Roti this time filled with cheese and spices. He then proceeded to hand me the Roti and fill to the brim with filling....... Yet another sign of just how friendly and hospitable these people here are, and how much I am actually eating!! This doctor was such a funny bloke though and clearly had my sense of humour he had me in stiches laughing. Train journey ended up being 21 hours and therefore the early arrival at Delhi did not continue into Jaiselmer as typical Indian timings came back into play. For such a long train journey it was incredible how comfortable and quick the time time seemed to go though and I am very impressed with their rail network judging on this experience.

Woke up to find a couple aussies amongst our bunks who had got on at Jaipur. Got chatting and they had been touring around India for last 40 days or so. Chap from a hotel in town was storlling the train and we with the Aussies got roped into staying at the hotel. I say roped into it, turned out to be a very pleasent hotel and at 100Rs a night an absolute bargain (about 1 pound 45 a night).

Went and looked inside the fort here which is an occupied fort with about 3000 people living within. Then went on a camel safrai in the afternoon/evening to watch the sun set over the Sam sand dunes. What an amazing sight and the camel ride was great fun. Then got driven about a mile down the road and watched some folk dancing (gypsy dance) with some typical indian music, alll around the setting of an open fire together with curry and beer.

Got a train ticket for Jodphur leaving tonight (30th) at 11.15pm and arrives there at 5:45. Just had a relaxing day of wandering around the streets of the town and fort to soak up the atmosphere and thought I would do a quick update here as well since had the time.

Now just have the train to wait for so think I will go and grab a beer and a curry. Had one at lunch and at about a pound fifty a pop it is hard to turn down!!

Not sure when I will next get an update done as have a few quick stop offs along way now so will update when have means to do so. I will also try and get some pictures up on here next time as well.