There’s a man

 It feels quite rare in India when women are given priority. But at the far side of Mehrangarh fort there is a beautiful temple and the easy path along the top of the fort is for women only (and disabled people according to the sign). Men have to walk back and down the stairs. The views from the top of walk way are fabulous, overlooking the old blue city of Jodhpur. 

On returning from the temple two older western men passed us on our walk way. We laughed and as we were chatting to a local student, we noted the presence of the men but she laughed and said they are fine as they are elderly. 

No need for an alarm

 When I’m at home I’ve no need for an alarm, the seagulls fulfil that function. 

Here in Jodhpur, whilst getting to grips with my jet lag, my wake up call is the Islamic call to prayer. Then the honk of auto rickshaw horns and barking dogs. Much more interesting than the beep of an alarm. 

I’ve never heard of where you are going

 When I was checking my in to my flight to Jodhpur via Mumbai from Heathrow, the check in assistant said that she had never heard of where I was going. 

I’ve been travelling in India for 30 years and as it is such a huge country, the list of destinations is so vast. She was from Goa, so I said she enjoyed the beach too much and need to head to Rajasthan. 

My list of more destinations to visit here is still long, but it’s also great to revisit places in different seasons to have a completely different experience. 

It’s an iPhone 16

 As a traveller in India I can never blend in, always standing out and always trying to fit in. 

 I got an autorickshaw today to take me on a more real cultural tour of Jodhpur. From the stone quarries, to the sari drying, local chai and food stops it was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

At the chai stall I asked the guy if I could take a picture of him pouring the tea, as it is such an art form. On getting out my phone he shouted “it’s an iPhone 16”. I am so conscious that my new phone is worth an average annual wage here, the extremes are vast.  

Snow patrol

 Whilst I am packing for temperatures of 32 in Sri Lanka, the outside temperature is zero degrees. My best laid plans of doing what I normally do and drive to Winchester to catch up with a friend and then take the coach to Heathrow has been scuppered, so I need to let the train take the strain. I just didn’t want to be stuck on icy roads on the 4 hour drive up country. Well I’m almost out of Cornwall, enjoying the warmth of the train and there’s no snow in sight. Still better be safe than sorry! I’ve checked in online and my holiday has begun. 

For so many years, living so near Heathrow, I just got a taxi. Now I’m almost 400 miles away, so it’s a bit more of a journey! 

Passport, visa, camera

 It’s a week before I head off to India. My rucksack is out and slowly getting filled. In absolute contrast to our cold dark winter weather, I’m packing for the heat and a wedding! Back to work tomorrow to start my prep for all the things I need to get done before I depart. 

I do love the organising of adventures, Sri Lankan train tickets purchased, as they become available 30 days before departure. All the hotels were booked in August and the travel itinerary based on a suggested route from the trusted lonely planet guide.