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Published: March 3rd 2009
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Managed to get a couple of hours kip on the overnight train which finally got in around 13:00. I was spoilt on my first train, apparently all the extras are only available on the Shatabdi express. The sleeper carriages are all open plan an mine held 3 beds on each side. A couple I met from Singapore were not as lucky as I because in their bit they fhad a baby who was screaming and vomiting all night so they didn't get any sleep at all!!
Stayed in the Artists colony hotel which is OK but I can't argue for 180 rupees (2 pound 50) a night, there wasn't any hot water but I'm getting used to that I haven't had a hot shower since I arrived here, cold showers are very envigorating though:-)
Just to give you an idea of the level of hassle I've had so far:
At one Temple an Indian lady followed me round the whole place for about half an hour saying that she was a good woman - I wasn't arguing with her but I wasn't giving her any money either.
On the train to Jaisalmer on 3 different occasions a
bloke sits down opposite me says hello, where are you from etc and then after about 10 mins of me ignoring him (its a war of attrition you can't give in and acknowledge him) he then thrusts a flyer for a hotel in your face and after a another 5 mins he departs to be replaced by the next one. one tip is to have your MP3 player at full volume then its much easier.
Whilst in Jaisalmer every single shop you pass the owner will say hello and then if you are polite enough to say hello back he will then launch into his spiel would you like....etc
Lots of women thrusting babies at you as well, I politely decline and say no thanks I don't want one.
Its around 40c here in Jaisalmer and have just had a look round the fort and the Havellis which are fantastic. The fort sits on a hill and on top is very similar to the medina's in the middle east - loads of little alleyways that don't tend to lead anywhere. Jaisalmer is on the edge of the Uthar desert, one of the biggest in the world, most
tourists who visit here tend to do a desert safari for a couple of days but as I've been on two recently I'm giving it a miss.
One problem I am having in India is there are no street signs, I've yet to see one, which makes finding things that much easier.
I have another night train tonight so that should be fun, arriving at Jodhpur at 05:30 in the morning - joy.
As you've probably gathered the nightlife is a bit quiet here but it sounds like I will make up for it in Nepal, met some Aussies on the train and they said Kathmandu is a riot.
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ania
non-member comment
wow..
Hello David, I'm so jealous ... It seems to me that India is an awesome place. I'm just scare of having no hot shower, how can you live with that :) Waiting eagerly for the next part of your travel blog :) Kisses and Hugs