Jodhpur - still

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In desperate need of a rest from the assault on the senses that is India (smell mainly) we rested longer in Jodhpur than was initially planned. This also provided us the opportunity to really get to grips with the place and obviously participate in the 'All India Enuch festival' that was going on while we were there (it's a real thing!).

This was also Nics first sighting of elephants in the wild (Jodhpur market) with pretty face paint on. She was so excited that there isn't any photo - but trust me there was an elephant.

Jodhpur it appears is also home of the 'Richard Gere' pitch.

To take part in the pitch all one must do is walk down any street that has people selling rugs, saris, wall hangings etc. You will then be accosted by one of the various salemen working in said establishment and offered free chai, water to come and have a look around - after all this is the warehouse where all the other shops get there stock from and has the best prices in town!

On a side note can i just check that Scotland hasn't become overrun by carpets since I was last there as it seems all of India is exporting their entire inventory

Anyway a lovely presentation will ensue at which you are shown some wall hangings/duvet covers where many big names are touted about 'Armani', 'Kenzo of Japan', 'Venice', 'New York', 'London, have you heard of London?' hmmm. ... and then comes the clincher. 'You know Richard Gere was in my shop last year and spent $108/bought 108 pieces, look I have photo (Note: photo is of Richard Gere just not the shop owner) he is my friend, you be my friend. I give you special price - 8,000 rupees'.

We usually don't hear the last part as once Richard Gere has been mentioned we've left the shop, however, I don't think it stops them practicing the pitch.

In the end we picked up a wall hanging that supposedly retailed between 1,800 and 2,500 rupees for 1,300 from a man who had never heard of Richard Gere.

Also while in Jodhpur we visted the biggest castle i've ever seen, a palace built by the British (including a photo of Prince Charles ... oooh and many many spice shops

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