I took a pill

The day started with a rush. After waking up and having a quick breakfast we are back in the jeeps heading to Bikaner Junction train station again. Of course our guides, being excellent at what they do, make sure we are there with time to spare, and the train, being an Indian train, is late. I am a bit zoned out at the station to be honest. I only had a cup of tea at breakfast as gorging on all this beautiful food is starting to catch up with me and I’m a little bloated. Finally the train arrives and we all clamber on. For the second time in a row now my randomly assigned seat is separate from the rest of the group but luckily there is enough space for me to squeeze in with them.

We are in the middle of a bustling carriage and are seated next to a large family who we have occasional chats with during the journey. At one point one of the little girls comes over to us with a pot of pills and says we should try them to see if we like the taste. So I do something I would encourage no one to ever do – I took a pill from a stranger on a train in a foreign country. I am the only one in the group that does. It was interesting to say the least: almost masala in flavour but with a element of mintiness. I assume it was some kind of supplement, as it makes me feel a lot better. The group pass the rest of the time by playing many games of Chase the Ace but we have changed and added a few different rules to keep it interesting. For example we have shuffled in two jokers and a blank card, if you pull a joker you get an extra life if you pull the blank you can take a life from someone of your choosing.

Up the Bikaner Junction

We arrive at our destination, Jodhpur. Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan, set in the stark Thar Desert. It was historically the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar, which is now part of Rajasthan. It is known as the ‘Blue City’ among the people of Rajasthan. We head to the tuk-tuk rank and load ourselves into three rickshaws. Our drivers seem especially crazy on this ride. We go speeding in and out of traffic over bumpy, windy roads. One of the drivers seems to love smashing down on his horn an enormous amount, even by Indian standards. At one point we reach a road that is dug up for water works and our drivers try and get us to get out and walk the rest of the way. Anuj is having none of it and insists they go round the block to drop us of outside the hotel. Our hotel is in the centre of this marvellous walled blue city. Once we arrive we check out the pool which we all agree is probably worth avoiding and then up to the roof. It is an amazing view a full 360 view around the city, we can see the Old Fort, City walls, temples and so much more.

Rum's up, Thums Up

With full bellies we while away the night playing games, listening to music and sharing drinks. Holly, Stu and I, joined by Nikhil once he is back from seeing his cousin, are up until 2am. It is a perfect way to end a fun adventures day. Tomorrow we have a chance to lie in before heading to the fort, which at 2am I am very thankful for!

We later go for a walk into town through bustling streets each one seeming to just be busier than before. Our destination is a busy intersection which has a shop we can buy some drinks; the hotel doesn’t serve alcohol. Holly, Rachel, Stu and I decide to get a couple of bottles of rum between us. A traditional Indian rum called Old Monk which is very nice and bottle of Bacardi Black which isn’t as nice. Once back at the hotel we shoot straight back up to the roof to enjoy the sunset while we have a couple of drinks. Once the sun has set and the air cooled we are served dinner on the roof. Again it is delicious; I have yet to have a meal in India that doesn’t blow me away.

Jodhpur Call to Prayer
(click on the top right hand icon)

Jodhpur – the 'Blue City'

Roadworks