Jodhpur

Jodhpur is nicknamed the Blue City, and the reason for this becomes obvious as you assend the road up to the mighty fort which dominates the city skyline. Most of the buidlings in this area have been given a wash of delicate light blue paint which when viewed at street level is quite pleasing to the eye but when viewed en-mass becomes really very impressive and beautiful. It is not a huge City and the old town especially appears to have been created soley for the purpose of extracting money from the pockets of foreigners.

The market by the clock tower is a prime example of this, with vendors falling over themselves to bring you in to their small textile shops and show you the latest pashmina's they have just produced exclusively for Paul Smith, Armani and Kenzo... all available to me only, just for today, at a specially reduced price because I am their 'first customer' and a sale from me alone will bring them good luck (and Rupees it would appear). Riiiiiight... I'm sure Paul Smith would be overjoyed with the washed out mismatch of colours used in the classic 'Stripes' design, but nice try all the same.

After the obligatory visit to the Fort which is very nice and all that (well serviced by an audio guide system that comes free with your overpriced entry ticket), I stopped for lunch on my way down the hill at another guest house which a passing traveller had recommended. I certainly was not disapointed as the 'Thali' I demolished was absolutely lovely. Not only that but the place was attracting travellers from all over which lead to a lengthly and interesting conversation ranging from Israili Passport restrictions to the almighty rock quartet 'Queen'.

After picking up a few useful travel tips it was time to proceed onwards to Udaipor, this time by A/C sleeper coach. All very nice if the A/C had been working. I'm probably now about a stone lighter.