The Blue City

Kieran:

We spent the morning travelling south-east to Jodhpur, named the blue city because all the houses surrounding the fort there are painted blue. This city was far bigger than Jasisalmer and you could definitely tell that you were back on the main tourist trail. Even so, the fort, again situated on a rocky hill high above the city, gave terrific views of the surrounding landscape, mostly dominated by blue building sprawl, with a small lake, and an ornate clock tower hiding amongst it.

We looked round the fort and then went into the city below, where we visited a tea and spice seller in the market, and were shown more teas and spices than i can remember, but I didn't leave empty handed, buying a few packets of tea (one in particular being chocolate tea!) before we left.

Today was a long day.

Nick:

Sorry I haven't texted, not much signal here for some reason! So much to say, you may have to wait for all the details until we get back.

Since last e-mail I've visited Deshnok, the temple of rats! Jaisalmer was our first city day tour, turned out our driver isn't guiding us, he's just arranging guides for us, and it turned out to be very good. Beautiful Jain temples, that a monk showed us around by candle light. Then Camel tour was incredible good fun, and sleeing under the stars. Woke up a bit sandy though! Yesterday was easily the best day, hard to top Jaisalmer and Moonlit Dunes all to ourselves!

Today we hit Jodhpur, which is very beautiful, buildings painted blue with a huge hill fort in the middle. A bit hot and tiring to walk around the fort. Jodhpur is a very big and busy city, like Delhi it's a bit daunting! A bit zapped today, but doing good. We tried to take out some more money earlier, and didn't have any luck, but it was probably the ATM. Both Kieran and I got "wait 24 hours to activate card" messages, not sure what that means?! Will try again tomorrow. Next time we can take out money I'll take out a lot to last me I think. Apparently ATMs can be a bit unreliable... It also didn't like my cash card, maybe have to withdraw on Visa... we'll see tomorrow.

Anyways, animal list update: More birds to identify, low flying grey woodpecker like bird with crest in desert. Big lizards, monkeys, and a man taking an elephant on roundabout!

Would love to talk more, but some people are waiting on the computer in our hotel. Driver is doing good for us, and we're fine. Speak more soon, no Internet tomorrow apparently. We're staying in Ranakpur instead of Udaipur tomorrow, chance of crocodile!: