The Storm. Literally.

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As we sit here in rain-soaked Jaipur, we ask "Where do we start?"

I know exactly where to start in fact, and that's the journey from Delhi Airport to our first port of call, Parahganj. Oh, Parahganj. When we arrived outside our "hotel" we were shocked. Culture shocked. It was dirty, had a particular smell (shit) and was indescribably chaotic. We proceeded to sleep the whole day and later headed to the tourist office and booked any means possible to Agra. Delhi isn't the best place to be right now; Dengue Fever is rife, there's severe flooding (our driver, more to come on him later, told us today that the water is now waist high), Eid Festival meant everything was closed and EVERYTHING is under construction for the Commonwealth Games. It's chaos. However, one funny experience that we did have in Parahganj was that I (Mat) was nearly rammed up the arse by a cow. They wander the streets, the motorways, everywhere. And to Ambers joy, the only English channel that we could get was ESPN, which meant we got to watch Newcastle vs Blackpool. Happy Days!

So, Mr.Ranup (our driver.. PS Phil, tell Jijo thanks for the tip, PPS Ryan, we don't mean a chauffeur driven car, we mean a car, with only one wing mirror, a cracked windscreen and no seatbelts. This is luxury in India!) is driving us around Rajastan. Our first stop, five hours from Delhi, was Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. Amber will carry on from here... So, the glorious Taj - 20 thousand workers, 22 years to build and materials shipped from all over the world and the only comment Mat can make: "Doesn't compare to Hillsborough though does it?!", (and the less said about Wednesday, the better!). The passion, commitment and endeavour is undeniable, however; Our breaths weren't taken away. I wish we had witnessed it at sunset/sunrise, the marble is translucent so at these times the marble changes colour. Auntie Tess I did try and text you when I was outside but i'm not sure if it sent!

Oh, I forgot to mention something that happened on the journey to Agra. Mr.Ranup had to leave us in the car to pay for his car tax, at this point, the car was surrounded by 6 Indian men/boys (very intimidating). They were trying to sell us jewellery but one man had a dancing Monkey and was trying to make us take pictures (Mr.Ranup had told us we must not take pictures or buy anything). To my complete shock, and as Mat was looking away, a young boy took the lid off a box to reveal a snake, also asking us to take pictures. Try and imagine, Mat and I in the back of a clapped out car, with men dangling jewellery at the windows and monkeys and a snake surrounding us. Didn't think you could.

We are currently on the last leg of the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), Mr.Ranup has said that after this it is a lot less touristy (although we've only seen 3 other Westerners). We are hoping that what he means is that people will not try and rip us off as much. It is becoming a little bit infuriating knowing that they are taking advantage of us both. But we keep questioning "Can we really blame them?". After this, we head to Pushkar, then on to Bikander, Jaisalmer (for an overnight Camel Trek), Jodhpur and then lastly, Udaipur. Once this is completed we will get to experience Indias infamous trains down to Goa.

(Mats) Dad - No Black Sheep unfortunately mate, but I always keep a look out!
Sarz and Tom - We can see why you left after 10 days, we'll just see how it goes!
Mum - Thank god we nicked your toilet roll, they try and charge us for it here!

Neither of us have been bitten yet, thanks to Sal and your endless supply!

Oh, and a word on roadkill. If you think the odd rabbit is bad, we've witnessed a dog, a cow and a buffalo. Passing the keyboard to Mat... Amber was adamant that the cow and buffalo were just resting, but i'm 99.9%!s(MISSING)ure the buffalo didn't have a head.

As we wrap up, there is monsoon rain outside, but nonetheless, we are going to try and brave it and look round the city of Jaipur.

So, i'll leave you with a song.


Much love to everyone back home... We miss you..

Big kisses to Bluebelle and Harry!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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Comments

[Phil]

Wow!
Sounds like it's been quite an experience so far! I'm sure you will find the real India away from the capital. Stay safe! Phil

[Bevan]

Hillsborough
Has the Taj Mahal ever held an FA Cup Semi-final? I rest my case.

[blue]

hi!
dear auntie amber i miss u very much love bluebelle x x

[sarah]

hello!!
hey ams and mat sent you a private msg, hope you get it, sorry its a long waffle, hope your enjoying it all, blog again soon!!! love you both x x x miss you too :-( !!!! x x x