Blogs from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, Asia - page 29

You arrive at the desert and what you don't expect is rain but that's exactly what we got... The rain put an end to our ambitions of a desert camel trail and stained all our photos of this "golden city" with a dull grey sky but that didn't stop us from admiring this wonderful sand coloured fortress town. It did dampen spirits a little though and on the back of some rough gastric problems in Jodhpur, we were generally at a low point as things were seemingly unravelling at the end of the trip. I think it was safe to say, we were happy that home was approaching... It's a shame we met the town at a low ebb as the place is stunning - its ramshackled, sandstone beauty is something to behold. Most visitors will ... read more

So we started bright and early gently riding into the countryside, after being surrounded constantly by people it is a blessing to be in the middle of nowhere with nobody in sight for miles around you. There are 4 of us and 3 camels, Me on Murea, Kawena on Rocket and the guys on Hilton. Amin is a 22 year old champion jockey and safari driver and Deu is a 24 year old exceptionally clever young man who has never been given any of the opportunities we take for granted in the UK. If he had been privy to the same standards of education that we have in the west he would be brilliant in whatever field he chose to take. around 12.30 we stopped under the shade of a tree to cook our chapatti’s, veg ... read more

All text was lost due to sever crash, but now recovered... Even briefer entry this time! Actually back in the UK for 5 days to update our visas. Fly back out tonight to Mumbai, stay there one night and meet Keeley, Claire's niece the following day. Then the three of us fly down to Goa, where Keeley is staying with us for three weeks. Just spent a couple of weeks in Rajasthan, and had a fantastic time. Had a car and driver for most of the time, and stayed in Jaipur, Pushkar, Bikaner, Jaiselmer, Jodhpur, Ranakpur and finally Udaipur before driving down to Ahmedabad for the flight to Mumbai and then home. Got covered in paint in Jaiselmer for Holi, Claire nearly stepped on the holy white rat in the rat temple in Deshnok, both nearly ... read more

Our anticipated driving time from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer was to be 7 1/2 hours in total. We were not looking forward to it. However, it turns out the trip is a mere four hours. 300 kms in India should take more -- we average less than 40kmh so far on the trip. How could a 75kph be possible? Well we found out. Jaisalmer is 120 kms from the Pakistan border. Along the road from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, we passed countless military vehicles, barracks, firing ranges and so on. So, the road -- a mostly empty one through increasingly barren but wildly beautiful desert -- is in impeccable condition. Fresh paved sections abound, two wide lanes all the way and largely straight. It was a dream. We hit speeds of 100 kmh -- flying, we were. Our ... read more

Yes a week has passed now.... No great hassles. The driver is nice enough, a bit controling at times but we can manage him. So now we have experienced so many thing theres no way of beginning the tale. We've seen elephants, camels, beggers, forts, temples, desert, desert sky, slept under the stars in the desert, danced with locals, played dress up and many more wonderful things. It hasnt been all effortless thought, I've had stomach problems for 3 days and for example and of course the people just wont leave you alone. YOu always see their money hungry eyes everywhere you go....to them you're just a big lumb of money. BUt India is very nice....but I wont say I'll miss it when I leave.... ta ta for now...... read more