There was a guy who had applied for a Pakistan visa. When he went to collect his visa, he was given his passport and visa for one month and he jumped with joy. As he wandered off down the street he opened his passport once again to look with incredulity at the visa which he had long waited for. Then he noticed something a little funny. On the opposing page was a strange looking visa. Looking more closely at it he realised it was a visa for China. Wait a moment he thought, I've never been to China. Puzzled, he opened the front cover... but it was not his face staring back at him, but someone else's....... So Corb's passport almost went walk about. Makes you feel good huh, knowing your passport had been given out ... read more

We had just one day in Jaisalmer, but set so far out in the desert, it was almost too much to bear as the sun beat down and the city closed up, itself hiding from the heat. The city palace was not particularly interesting, but the havelis outside of the fort were just lovely. Intricately decorated old homes of the nobility, the antique furniture made of silver was just stunning, as were the carpets and carvings both inside and out. We visited a second, more run down haveli - filled with bats, rats and pigeons - not exactly nice, but still beatiful in its own way, and with spectacular views across the town to the Golden Fort. From the rooftops of the fort we could see right off into the desert - it was completely surreal, ... read more

Jodhpur, the blue city, was great. I think it was perhaps one of our favourites so far and we had a really great time, despite only being there a day or so. The Mehrangarh fort which overlooks the city is amazing. The very smart maharaja or Jodhpur rescued the fort from disrepair by establishing a trust to manage it as a tourist attraction and they have done a fine job. The place is really clean, and as a foreigner you actually get something for the inflated entry charge you have to pay. The audio tour provided is actually informative, not only about the fort itself, but also about local customs and the life of the maharaja. It has lots of colourful anecdotes and background music which really brings the fort to life. Also, the displays are ... read more

Agra. Well, it's still got the annoying touts and rickshaw men you get in every big city in these parts, but it's got the Taj. Hate to be a typical tourist, but there is no denying it's beauty, it's just magical. And we were lucky enough to score a room with a view - what better place to recover. Taking it slow we've spent a couple of days here, exploring the fort, and then the Taj Mahal. They are both absolutely amazing and a true testament to the vision of Shah Jehan, a man who loved his wife, and obviously knew his architecture. The fort is made from red sandstone and white marble. It's palacial, grandiose, the carvings are intricate and the views of the Taj breathtaking. Everyone has seen the pictures of the Taj, but ... read more

The next stop on our journey in the sweltering heat was Bodghaya, a dusty little town in the middle of the fields about 8 hours or so North East of Calcutta. There isn't really much to Bodhgaya, but it's fame comes from being the home to the Bodhi tree under which Prince Siddhartha meditated, became enlightened, and became the buddha. Today the tree is a mere grandson of the original, but the complex that houses it, it's accompanying temple, and the surrounding gardens are equally as peaceful as they must have been all those years ago, despite the hoardes of tourists that visit today. The town is also home to a number of temples of monasteries from Buddhist countries around the world, each in their national style, which gives it a wee taste of international flavour ... read more