A 27 hour train ride west to the state of Rajasthan, my new German buddy and I finally reach the stunning blue city of Jodhpur. A majestic fort overlooks the city and is surrounded by lots of miniature blue houses that are clustered up together like Lego pieces. In fact, this city has been featured in a film before but I can't remember which one. It’s literally a whistle stop so we visit the fort and then later decide to sample the special bhang lassi (er…Indian yoghurt drink). Hmmm…we soon realize that it was perhaps not such a good idea. When new buddy told me that he had to go back to his room for a lie down, I thought it was a little odd so I went to check on him and he was as white as a sheet. Well, I didn’t have to wait long to find out for myself as we both spent the evening throwing our lunches up. I suggest you lot give this one a miss if you visit India. Of course, our plans to attend the once-in-a-year festival that evening fell through because we'd passed out and slept through the singing, drumming and music that happened right outside our guesthouse without stirring once.
So I missed the village trip the next day but was adamant that the day would not go to waste so I jumped on the local bus to a small town called Osian. It was on this random trip that I really experienced the kindness of the local people. Whilst waiting for my bus home, a packed bus skidded up towards me with people hanging out from the windows and doors. To me, this bus was full, the locals thought otherwise. They squeezed me onto the bus and a seat miraculously appeared from nowhere and I was helped out with paying and all before I even mentioned where I was going. They had automatically helped me out and I didn’t even hear a single word of complaint. I felt a deep sense of profound gratitude to the people!
Today, my whirlwind love affair with India has come to an end. I am now in love with Kathmandu. This place is nuts, I had no idea that there was a 14 hour power cut everyday and so I found myself scrambling for a wall when the lights went out as I was halfway through a shower! Showering by starlight is certainly an experience. Anyhow, I got talking to a seasoned Aussie trekker and he's coaxed me into my next challenge; a 2 week trek in the Himalayas on my own!! No guide, no porter, nothing, just little old me and my backpack. He's done base camp three times and said that this way; I would really get to discover new things about myself. We went shopping together and he's helped kit me out with my trendy new trekking gear (a must for photos he said and I agree) and we've mapped out my itinerary. He's confident that I will be OK but was a little dubious when I asked him if Kathmandu was above sea level and he said that it was the dumbest question he's ever been asked in Nepal! So now he's making sure that I get on the right bus to start my trek.
Hmm…..I'm excited but nervous, the altitudes pretty high, I'll be stinking for days, I'll have to use my brain and navigate, I could get attacked by a yak (but I know what to do if I do) but let's hope there are phone boxes along the way just in case I need to call the SOS! Only joking! I set off tomorrow, wish me luck!
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