VIEW FROM OUR HOTEL ROOM

Happy in the Himalayas

Since our last post we have been very busy. We have made a visit to Agra and went to the Taj Mahal, which was every bit as spectacular as everyone says. It was a shame that some of the experience was spoilt by numerous people wanting to sell us a variety of randomn souveniers.

After Agra we went back to Delhi for the night, visited a couple of markets (not the ones with the shootings - if you've heard of these back home) and ate yet more Thali. This continues to be delicious and kind to our stomachs!

On Thursday, we started an epic train journey to Shimla, a town on the foothills of the Himalayas. The journey took 12 hours in total. The first part of the journey was great, comfy seats, free newsaper, water and breakfast. The 2nd half wasn't so great (7 hours of) although the views were absolutely breathtaking, travelling up a tiny rail track to our destination over 2000m above sea level.

Shimla is beautiful and a lovely break from the pestering of many of the towns we have visited. It is here that Rella is celebrating her birthday, in a hotel room with a balcony looking onto an endless view of foresty hills (the damp on the walls, floor, bed, pillows, sheets and ceiling are another story!).

Our driver led tour has now finished and although we enjoyed it immensly, we are happy to be doing our own thing and moving at our own pace (the driver turned out to be a bit of a sight seeing bully, which means we have seen more than enough forts and palaces for the time being!).

Rella has added the first travelling charm to her bracelet - a camel. A trip we will remember forever!

Hope you are all well and happy. xx