dicky and dobber's diaries.

Hi people,

Its great to be able to keep in touch so frequently!
Just a quick entry as we are leaving for our bus to Pushkar (west of Jaipur) in a few mins.. The journey takes 3 hours , hopefully the bus will not be too packet and crazy! We managed to book our hotel in pushkar by phone last night. All of the hotels seem to be under two pounds per night and so far have been pretty good mid range hotels (exect the hole in the wall in the Delhi hotel room!)

We went for food last night at a revolving restaurant which is in the top of an ancient tower. The rotation took 45 mins and we got a great 360 degree view of Jaipur. We also visited the pink city yesterday which is a bazarre of bustling stalls selling cloth, spices etc. V interesting but am looking forward to some relaxation time away from the bustle!

Saw a few camels yesterday and the odd pig that trotts past our balcony rooting for food! Am odd sight i must admit!

Take care everyone,
Love 2 all

Sho and Rich (Dobber and Dicky Dutch!)

Sho's busy on the other computer at the moment so thought id add a quick entry whilst she does what she needs to do!
Went for a visit to the Red Fort in Old Delhi today. Had no idea how to get there so took our first ride in a rickshaw! Was certainly an experience to remember. The pollution is horrendous though - you can feel it blacking your lungs, especialy when you're stuck in one of the numerous traffic jams which plague this city. The fort was excellent though - completely dominating the skyline. Had to go through numerous security points and we were both searched before entry - the guard assured me that it was alright - "tourists good, indians not so good!!!" Made me chuckle!
There were plenty of soldiers inside as well, admittedly all sat round reading newspapers, but with AK47's slung over their shoulders!!

Got some nice photos to show, so will try and upload them at some point, although im not sure how I'd go about that just yet!!

Just had tea anyway, in an effort to get an early night as our train leaves for Jaipur at 6am tomorrow!! Looking forward to a change of surroundings and hopefully a more peaceful existence!! If not, we're going to scoot to Pushkar in our quest for a quiet life!!

Love to all,
Rich

LAnded in Delhi an hour late after a delay at Dubai. Our prearranged pick up was still waiting for us though!Got taken to hotel along the most insane roads we have ever seen (even on tv!) Passed numerous cows, monkeys, rickshaws and even a dead body by the roadside! You had to see it to believe it!
Even leaving the airport was an experience - as we walked through the doors to the "outside world", there were hundreds of men, women and even more kids. Not a single english person - although exactly what we came for! The children we came across looked no older than 6 or 7, but were out with no shoes on and rags for clothes begging with a really forlorn look in their eyes. We didn't know what to do, and as a result didnt give anybody anything!!

Reached hotel and had a sleep. The sound of numerous drums being played and horns being beeped continuously coming through the hole in the wall that had been blocked up with a newspaper!

Ventured into Delhi, with the aid of our bible (lonely planet guide) to an area called Connaught Place. This was marred though by the incredibly persistent touts constantly trying to hoodwink us in to going to their taxi or their 'tourist information'. We were aware of this already though, and are definitely getting better at ignoring them! Sho is especially good at starting up random conversation so as for them to leave us alone!!! Visited the main bazaar afterwards, in an attempt to find the 'real india'. It certainly didnt dissapoint! Narrow backstreets filled with stalls, huge volumes of human traffic, rickshaws, mopeds, cars and cows again!! No english people again!! Had a drink on a rooftop terrace at a place recommended by our bible again!! was bliss to escape the bustle of the streets!
Shonah had the living daylights scared out of her when a little lad pulled a gun out of his bag and pointed it to her head!! Im sure her heart stopped for a few seconds! Turned out to be another plastic toy for sale! She did manage to find two pashminas though for under two pound - the quality seems pretty good too!

On a bit more of a disgusting note, Rich visited the worst public toilet in the whole world (think trainspotting and then a whole lot worse!!!) whilst in the main bazaar! Said hes never smelt anything like it! From what I could see, it was just a wal with a whole at the bottom right in the main street.
Booked our train today - we were very pleased with ourselves having done it at the official foreign tourist bureau, to Jaipur on Fri 23rd. It leaves at 6am, so an early start for us!

Summary of thoughts so far -
The roads are the worst we've ever seen
The toilets are the worst we've ever seen
But, we love it! The expeience is something we definitely wanted and we are realy enjoying soaking up the atmosphere!

Hopefully Jaipur will be a bit quieter and more relaxing. If not, we're hopfooting it to Pushkar - the home of hippy travellers for the last 20 odd years. Apparently many travelers grind to a satisfied halt here!!
Will update hopefully before we leave Delhi.
Love to all,
Rich and Shonah

So, not quite the date of departure, but it is certainly fast approaching!
Not really feeling nervous, more apprehensive as to what Delhi wil throw at us! Have possible read plenty about it being the biggest possible culture shock anywhere, so should be a lot of fun! Anyway, we're both going to take things as they come, and as such haven't really planned any set itinerary! We'll do our best to keep you updated as and when we get the time/inspiration!!
Rich and Sho
x