Day 35 - Move to Varanasi There are not many photos today as it has been a big travelling day! Last night at about 10.30pm, we got on the night train to Varanasi. I got on, and straight into sleep mode. Anna, Anu and I are in one carriage, Lisa and Bernie are in the next carriage. I have had a long sleep this afternoon, and into early evening. I have been up and around for an hour or so. I'm doing ok. I feel like there is a slow improvement the more sleep I have. After being on my feet for a couple of hours, I am so ready for the bed again! Anu had helped me by carrying my bag, which has been a great help. Quite honestly, I'm not sure I could have ... read more

Day 33 - Move to Orchha Anna and I have the early morning run well sorted! Anna always needs more time to get herself sorted, so always gets up half an hour earlier than me. Then I follow on after her. By the time to go, we always seem to be organised at exactly the same time, and ready to go! I am happy to be sharing her space. This morning we left the hotel at 7.15 to get the train to Orchha. We are expecting a two and a half hour journey this morning. I am treading on new territory, as from today, so really looking forward to see what there is to see! Anu has informed us that Orchha is a contrast to the other busy towns that we have been to so far, ... read more

Day 31- Jaipur, The pink city Up and about with the birds this morning. Showered and sorted. Feeling much better after my hangover; ready to start again... Lol I went over to reception to get yesterday's blog uploaded. I am having a problem with no internet, hopefully Anu will help me get some on my phone today. Anna and I went for breakfast, hmmm, bran flakes, that's a refreshing change! After breakfast,we took our tea outside and relaxed before setting off for a busy day. We set off at 8am for Hawa Palace and Amber Fort. I have been to both places before, bit looking forward to being reminded of their beauty! First stop is Hawa Palace, yes, just as I remember it. Then we jumped back into the car to go to Amber Fort. I ... read more

Day 29 - flying solo in Delhi I got up at about 7am, it's strange not having Helen snoring away in the other bed! I got ready and went in for breakfast. Hmmm... The room is full of men only, that seems strange after all my previous breakfast experiences. All men, and no Helen to chat to! No worries, I get on with getting some cornflakes, toast and jam, I even managed a black tea, although he did have to get it specially for me. It's not so regular here. It's all about the very sugary, very milky chai! The man at the hotel desk has offered to get me a SIM card sorted for my phone. It's no quite so simple here as it has been everywhere else, they need a copy of my passport, ... read more

Day 27 - Countryside cycle tour and Tara Boat We were up and about at 6.40 this morning. We were both well rested after yesterday's marathon chill out! The early start, and rice drop visit really wore us out! This morning after a lively breakfast in the hotel, we are booked to do a Countryside cycle tour with a company called Backstreet Acadamy. It is a social enterprise dedicated to impact. They work with many NGOs and disadvantaged communities to help them create a tour experience by helping them to access the tourism market, building better livelihoods and dignity through providing them with education, training, income and respect. It's good to use organisations like this if you can! Our tour guide for the day, Soy Kosal, was outside our hotel, ready and waiting for us at ... read more