Jodhpur - great for opium and saffron lassis

First we should probably tell you about our train to Jodhpur. Basically it was a twenty-one hour journey with twelve of us squishing into an area for six. In general, normally the trains in India are surprisingly good. You simply book the ticket at any station in advance then you get an allocated seat that can turn into a pretty comfy bed. We were very impressed on our first train trip in India!

Anyway, on this occasion, since the train only left once a week, there were dozens of extra people who had “Waiting List” tickets, which means they let you into the carriage but you don’t get a seat. Since half of our group were also “Waiting List” culprits none of us could really complain so we all just grinned and bore it for 21 HOURS. Luckily everyone was friendly and nice and there were smiles and giggles most the trip.

On actually arriving at Jodhpur we found a great place with a balcony and spent a couple of days exploring the beautiful blue city and its dominating old restored fort. The audio tour of the fort was one of the best ones any of us had ever done and really made the fort come alive. We also spent a morning taking a little safari around the local tribal villages, where on the way we chased antelope in our jeep and afterwards Scott was peer pressured by his parents to try opium (but such a small amount that none of us actually felt any of the effects).

Scott's dad trying opium...

A couple of colourful locals