So would you believe I actually had a good sleep?! I only had to call Molly Brown once for snoring as I was dozing off, but other than that I was undisturbed, and felt good for it. I met everyone for breakfast at 0715 and it seemed everyone's spirits had lifted and a good nights sleep had done everyone the world of good. I had porridge and honey for breakfast which was lovely, and just a nice change from eating something fatty and oily. It was a shame we only had one night at the hotel, especially given that it was so nice and had a swimming pool. They were cleaning it in the morning though so weren't able to use it then either. Never mind, we were venturing to somewhere even more relaxing: Lumbini. This ... read more

After the lack of sleep on the night train I was so tired I didn't think I'd have trouble sleeping. Turns out that a full afternoon of snoozing for Molly brown wasn't enough and she snored the whole night. I was sick of her by now so woke her up every time she started. Just as I was managing to drift off she'd start again, damn it, if only I could drop off first!! My alarm went off at 0430 to which she groaned and didn't move. I showered and made my way downstairs for 0500 the time I thought we were meeting. Turns it it wasn't until 0530 but it allowed me time to have a couple of coffees before heading out. We got a tuk tuk to the same place on the river Ganges ... read more

Varanasi The train finally rolled into Varanasi at around 11pm. We walked across the road to the hotel which wasn't too far. Crossing the road was again an effort in itself, luckily Raghu is not also a tour guide but acts as lollipop man when required (which is much of the time!) the hotel was lovely, really clean. Raghu handed out the room keys, I figured I would sleep through anything tonight so wasn't too fussed about sharing with Molly brown. Raghu did say that I could have my own room for the rest of the trip for an extra £200 for the week. I did think about it. On one hand I hated sharing with Molly, but on the other, I was a bit peed off that that was money for my Everest flight and ... read more

I had THE BEST sleep ever, and was up and out for 7am as we were getting the train at 8pm. Initially the train seemed like it was on time as it was pulling into the station, but then Raghu said it would be 3 hours late due to engine failure! We were told to expect this from Indian trains, so it was a case of stand and wait. Ten minutes later we were hurrying to get on, it was only stopping for 5 minutes so with bags as well you have to move fast. The first lot of carriages whizzed by, and it was almost like an overcrowded prison on wheels. There were arms sticking out of barred windows, and it looked crammed to the rafters. Our carriage arrived and thankfully it was the better ... read more

I wish I could say I woke up refreshed, unfortunately I woke up groggy, Just before 3am. Despite wearing ear plugs, Molly Browns snoring thundered around the room. After about half an hour and no sign of letting up, I got up and gently tapped her back. 'Pearl, I'm really sorry but your snoring is so loud' I said. I'm on my side she replied. Don't you have earplugs? I told her that yes I did have earplugs and I was wearing them, but could still hear her snoring as it is really loud. I got back into bed and after about half an hour, slowly started to drift back to sleep when ZZZZZZZZZ the snoring started again. I put my iPod on thinking a bit of low music may drown it out, but about 3 ... read more