Gentle day today in the heat. Circumnavigated Pushkar Lake, in and out of the ghats, shoes on and off intermittently with rehydration stops Saw more Cobras but didn’t pay the necessary fee for a photo thanks
Actual Camel Fair was hot and dusty but huge, sprawling, sandy, undulating site, with loads of encampments variously representing families, villages and studs A mixture of horses (more valuable surprisingly), and camels, and some buffaloes
Our introduction to camels began at what I think might be originally the polo ground, with the Camel Decorations Competition. Basically putting as much bling as possible on a camel However, after the competition ended, the judging panel announced the three winners, but the third placed owner got very agitated and “appealed the decision”. This …
Woke early to sounds of horns tooting, and cows mooing in centre of town Revived by two pots of coffee and bowls of yoghurt and fruit (and Nutella and banana pancakes) Our accommodation for the next 5 days… Now off out to explore…and out to the market No photos though of when I turned round …
Not that much to report today, just train journey across small part of India… We’re in 1st class chairs, which are full but reasonably comfy but 2nd class crammed in just as you’d imagine Men wandering up and down train with buckets of drinks, urns of chai, and all sorts of low carb snacks!!! At …
Early morning visit to Taj Mahal, (photos unfortunately suffer from the permanent haze presently). Clearly despite the haze, amazing place, architecture and views. What else to say? went in search of lunch… The Oberoi for lunch in case you wondered, excellent buffet type selection of classic Indian (and international) dishes. Highlights, chicken curry – flavoursome …
After a long overnight train journey in 1st Class A/C we arrived rather weary in Agra, and after dumping bags at the excellent Aman Homestay, went for a welcome brunch at “Good Vibes Cafe” nearby, for banana pancakes, egg on toast and generous Peanut Butter on toast, with gallons of coffee, lime soda and Mango …
A gentle morning, coffee and an “interesting” cheese sandwich” then the Virtual Sikh History museum/tour beneath Golden Temple entrance, impressive AV displays More photo ops, for locals. Gary worked out defence for touts selling temple headscarves “no thanks but would you like to buy mine back!” Gary also got his trousers repaired for princely sum …
Today started with coffee part 1 (not great) and part 2 (good) then went off to the Langur Room by the golden temple). Largest free volunteer kitchen in the world and massive organisation! We went through and sat in parallel lines (allcomers mixed in together) and were served rice, 2 chappatis, lentil and chickpea dalhs, …
Took taxi to the Wagah border ceremony (more on taxi ride later) Missed the VIP area (as it was Dipavali, therefore packed out) but ended up right at the top of the purpose built half stadium which meant we got a Birds Eye view of everything rather than close up, but equally got the full …