13/04/09 - Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer was lovely - consisting mainly of a fort which looks precariously perched on a load of sand! The other main attraction is the desert. We eventually left for the camel safari which as all good tours do - start with being packed into a really hot jeep. And we were only a few minutes in to the journey when we stoppped so our driver could take his hit of opium to keep him awake! Reassuring start. We were back on the road and passed a few of the Indian army troops on their way to the Pakistan border - which was only about 50km away.

A little while later we were introduced to our camels and headed off on our trek. At sunset we set up camp and had a wee sing song round the camp fire - which was kicked off by our Indian camel men. No idea what they were singing but whatever they were smoking seemed to be helping. Graham continued with a rendition of Flower of Scotland and our English friends suggested Bohemian Rhapsody!! - this was a most surreal and bizzarre request but was hilarious and beautifully done (not)! And quite a challenge for our Indian drummer.

Camping in the desert was a little different from what we have done in Scotland - for starters no midges, but plenty other biting beasties. Also, no tent required to keep the howling gales out - just a couple of blankets and a 'sand' pillow - but it was a little hard for sleeping on to be honest. But we were lucky to have a very clear sky with millions of stars and a full moon (it had been raining a couple of days before!) .

Bizzarre to think that exactly 3 weeks ago it was our wedding and now we are sleeping under the stars in the desert in India - things seem to be going well. Although, while we are taking in the space and peace and quiet our Indian guides are talk, talk, talk....they never stop.....would love to know what they find to say.......