backtracking

well its 10.30pm and i had a craps nights sleep as i am rubbish at sharing a bed which is what becs and i are currently trying to do. i just keep waking up in the night aware of my personal space being invaded and hearing all the funny noises of another person breathing etc.. more information than you need probably, but it has entertained our current hotel manager no end that i was so keen to find a way of separating our beds, sadly its not possible. anyway i had my first chai today so i am buzzing! i've avoided chai till now despite knowing i would love it as i am normally caffeine free, but exception had to be made and i needed waking up. it was delicious.

i didn't think it was possible but the cuisine of this country keeps surprising me with even more delicious treats - the latest being dosas, a south indian crepe type option which are just gorgeous. so i continue to enjoy my food here.

bizarrely we are now back in udaipur as a short trip to jaipur made us both think better of spending much more time in big cities, they are just not fun to try and wander around, so we have retreated back to our favourite place yet. very glad to be back in such a relaxing and beautiful place that is familiar. i also really enjoyed the journey back here, although it took a whole day, you see more than usual and get to be a bit more out of the 'tourist comfort zone'. i have been especially chuffed with our last few efforts as we are starting to catch on that the lonely planet is actually a load of rubbish a lot of the time, and have got ourselves onto the local bus system between cities and towns. before we were signing up with tourist coaches that cost more and leave at stupid times.. but now we are well practiced in just rocking up at the main bus stand, buying a ticket for a bus that always seems to be leaving within 10 minutes, maybe picking up some local snacks to supplement our supplies and then getting on board. seems that way we get quoted better prices for anything along the way, and seem to take about the same time. result.

other than that i continue to philosophise about life and my part in it and about the nature of friendship and my contribution to it. a few of you have started to warn me how difficult i might find it coming back, so i am starting to think about any ways i can help myself with that and any ways i can prepare myself. all tips welcome.

photo is the one part of jaipur i did like when we wandered around the old city bazaars and stoped at this fruit stall. i just think the look on this old man's face is priceless.