Arriving in Varanasi and looking around the "old city" it seemed very dirty and noisy so we asked the driver to take us a little way down the river to the Assi Ghat area which was a lot quieter and would be a good location to have a bit of piece and quiet. The hotel was alright but nothing grat - basic in every way but a large room and weston toilet with good power in the shower! We agreed 300 rups for the room and then the old guy at the desk wanted 2 days money up front - aftr him getting quite annoyed and both Leah and i nearly walking out - we just decided to pay it and see how it all worked out. After a nice shower and breakfast of porridge with ... read more

So arriving in Delhi we straight away realized that we were back in a city. The air was full of dirt and there were far too many people everywhere – trying to get you to go to their shop or ask you for a hand shake – I really couldn’t be bothered with this again really!!! Walking out the train station, many people found us that had hotels and places for us to stay! Each one flashed us with their own cards and then more and more different cards came out their pockets so Leah just took them all and said we wouldn’t be going to any of these – they soon stopped asking us and actually said to her to give them the cards back. We went into about 5 places and all were pretty ... read more

So we arrived in Jodhpur after and ok bus ride to then jump into an auto ric-sure to be assured that the driver knew where we wanted to go! After haggling with the price and then him literally driving to the totally wrong part of town to where he knew “Yogi’s” hostel to be, we had to stop and ask for directions from some other bloke that spoke less English than the driver – we finally made it to where we asked! The place was really nice – set on 4 floors and decorated in a kind of hip and old mix Indian style, the room was large enough and with an on suite – was perfect. The town is a little dirty and seems to have a large amount of cows eating everything that they ... read more

MUMBAIIIIIIIIII The flight was on time and we arrived exactly on time as well which was really good. The plane was well nice and they fed you and even had a choice of 60+ movies on there as well. Didn’t really watch anything but couldn’t get to seep either! Took ages for the bags to arrive but then the taxi straight to the gateway of idea was an eye opener for Leah I have to say. Massive pothole’s and dodging people was what most of it was all about!!!! The sun seemed to have only just come out and the humidity was sooooo bad that we both were sweating loads even before we got out the Taxi. We were dropped of by the Gateway to India and headed for the Seashore hotel. We were stopped about ... read more

So - work is all done now. Last day was yesterday and had a great time. Everyone was really nice and Haydee decorated my desk with balloon’s and garlands and the special potty fishing game from Louisa (Danny the dog) was great. Loads of cards and good wishes made my last day very special. The bag is nearly packed and all I need to do now is buy a travel sink plug and put some pant in the top of the bag. I’m thinking 10 pairs will be enough. Should give me at least 20 days worth out of them if I rotate them properly and don’t suffer from the old “Delhi belly”!!!  I have still to pack half of Leah’s medical stuff as well so if one bag goes missing then we will still ... read more

I have now handed my notice in and just back the India Visa after the faff of sending it off and Leah not paying for her own Visa!??! At least we will now be able to leave the country and start our travelling! I may even be able to persuade Leah to extend the time in India as I know she will love it out there!! So all we need now is to get the following in order: 1. Malaria tablets (8 months worth atm but more if can get Leah to stay for longer) 2. Find Leah a back pack that she actually likes. I have bought her several and she has not liked any but the last one I did giver her was a “possible” 3. Suntan lotion – lots of it I think ... read more