Moving into Rajasthan - Pushkar

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We had one more day in Agra before we intended to move onto Pushkar. the intention was to visit the site Fatiphur sikri which was some old moghul capital.

However, the intrepid Delhi belly struck and we were both laid up in bed all day. The worst food poisoning ever...

Basically if u want to loose 2kg's a day - here's how u do it (the delhi Belly diet)
1. Eat a dodgy 4 day old curry in Taj Ganj in Agra.
2. Allow food to settle.
3. Have severe vomitting diarrohia and cold sweats all night.
4. Weigh yourself to see u have lost 2kg's.
5. repeat until desired weight is reached.

I'm sure I could sell that to some supermodel somewhere....

Anyway, we moved on from Agra to Pushkar in Rajasthan. Pushkar is a holy Hindu town in the middle of the desert with a lake. The lake is surrounded by 52 Ghats for each of Rajasthan's Maharastra's. Each Ghat has its own set of shops guest houses and so on. So it is a bit of a holiday town - Indian pilgram style.

Despite the piles of cow shite and endless flies this town is really laid back and a good place to sit and watch the world go by with one of there super Lassi's.

We did a Puja, which consisted of getting a dip in the very clean lake (note the sarcasm). Once the Brahman priest made throw the flowers he said repeat this mantra after me... "I give a donation for my family of 500 rupees". So I answered back "I give a donation for my family of 100 rupees" His reply was you have a big family so u must give more. This went on for another minute or so until we agreed on a donation of 300 rupees....

The motto of the story is that even the Priests will haggle with you in India.

My turn (Leith)

Pushkar

I spoke too soon about Agra. We had dinner at a quaint unassuming restaurant in the Taj Ganj thinking our seasoned bellies would be resistant to the bugs the area is known for.
How wrong could we be. I ordered Veg (being the safer option) and Ben happily ate some of mine.
Less than 2 hours later and I couldn't move. Yes ladies and gentlemen, if you are reading, we both got Food poisoning in Agra. Our tibetan guesthouse manager got a Dr to arrange some medicine and thank god we were able to get on our sleeper bus to Pushkar.
Now, three days on and as we ready to leave Pushkar, I have had to go back to the pharmacy. I'm pretty sure I have Jiardia so hopefully these pills will get rid of it.....

On a better note, Pushkar has been FANTASTIC! What an great place to recover and restore one's faith in a country.
Pushkar is where Lord Brahma (creator) dropped his lotus flower and a lake sprang up where it fell. There are over 300 temples in a town that surrounds the lake which is the size of Foxton. It is a very spiritual and holy town so no meat, eggs or alcohol.
Touts here don't over haggle you at all - food is good and hygenic albeit very catered towards traveller's tastes.
We've met plenty of interesting people here including one fascinating man from Jersey who is developing his own theory on the creation of the Universe based on a mathematical formula. He had just come from Pakistan where he'd picked up his hash for his stay. He carried across the border in the safest pocket..."the one that he was born with"....
Anyway this is a great place and truly does seem to be very spiritual. I had a mind bogglingly clear dream the first night we stayed. If it ever comes true then I tell you about it.
Tonight we ride....Jaisalmer beckons.

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Comments

[Chris]

Hi Guys Well well well ..... no I mean pooly...poorly ....poorly Seriously I hope you are both back in pristine condition. Keep the blogs coming - it is so great to have the updates and also it is so iunteresting having the his and her versions - nice balance!! It is 10pm 10th Dec - I have just got back from ChCh to find an empty house - a strange to celebrate 59!!! years. However we are going to have a party tomorrow instead. Look forward to the next blog Luv Dad/Chris