Real Update Number 1

Hello there,
So here's what has been going on for this week:
We arrived on monday into hot Delhi airport and caught a taxi to our first hostel. Within an hour of arriving we were directed to the local tourist information centre where we found ourselves parting with many rupees through some slick talking. Then merely an hour on we found ourselves with a driver exploring the heart of Delhi from Old Delhi the famous market town through to the many vast temples, mosques and monuments such as India gate or the presidential buildings. We ate in our first (of many) Indian restraunts sampling many of the Southern Indian dishes. Finally we stumbled back to our hostel safe in the knowledge that we had an 8am start the next day and had not slept for 48 hours.

So day 2 and we were off to Rajastan's capital Jaipur for a 2 day exploration of all things Indian. The highlights included a desolate monkey temple built into a cliff face, Amber fort a fierce section of the incredible 17th century walls that run along the hillsides, also Sunset fort (aptly named) where we spent several hours taking in the stunning view across Jaipur. The most startling element of Sunset fort was the noise eminating from the city. India truly is vibrant!
Amongst other sights we visited the Pink City (also aptly named) which cannot be described well enough (we will get photos up soon I hope).

Now having gotten slightly more used to the insane driving, constant sightings of elephants or camels and never-ending pestering from hopeful stall owners or children we were ready to hit Agra.

Sight of the Taj Mahal, Agra is one of India's major tourist spots. This has encouraged a rise in crime in that area and so is often a catalyst to banks blocking debit cards used in that area. This was not something Kay and I were aware of and so when it came time to enter into the Taj Mahal we found ourselves without funds and rather nervous. Luckily we always have internet cafes and our trusty mobile phone for back up and after a quick (long) call to HSBC we were able to resolve the issue just in time to have missed the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal, bugger.
Not to worry though, Tara, our driver, to the rescue! We were instead treated to a fabulous meal (at local price!) and an intimate trip to the river view of the Taj Mahal, this was simply stunning (although like most days fairly misty). Again this is something that must be witnessed, hopefully our snaps will convey some of it's beauty.

So from Agra, after more temples and monuments, we return to Delhi and catch up with the small tour group we are travelling North with. They seem like a nice bunch and we will be, this evening, hopping on a overnight train ride with them, so I'm sure we'll all get to know one-another very well soon enough!

We will try to stay in touch as we head north although the cities will start to dwindle and I'm not sure we can rely on finding an internet connection.

Love to everyone,

Kayleigh & Ashley
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