The Adventure Company: Air Cadets swoop in on Morocco!

This months blog comes from Cardiff Air Cadets who recently took part in our Atlas Trails Teenage Adventure trip in Morocco. Their group leader, Troy Blackenship shares his travel diary with us:

20-27 Aug 2009
"14 staff and 20 cadets from 1344 Cardiff Squadron, Air Training Corps, have just returned from their first overseas adventurous training expedition in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco.

The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range across a northern stretch of Africa extending
about 2,400km (1,500 miles) through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The expedition lasted a week and included a day in Marakkech before being transported to Oukaimeden at 8,600 feet in the Atlas Mountains to begin trekking. They had no experience of
expeditions in Morocco and so this expedition was arranged in conjunction with The Adventure Company who arranged a hotel in Marakkech and gite accommodation in the mountains, qualified Mountain Leaders, chefs, muleteers and mules to transport the food and main luggage on the mountains.

Many cadets were unable to afford the full cost of this expedition, so the squadron applied to 4 charities for additional funding to support the expedition. They all made significant contributions, and they are The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, The Ulysses Trust, The Scarman Scholarship, The Jane Hodge Foundation, and finally a grant from the Air Cadets Region HQ (Wales & West).

Thursday 20 Aug 09 -Arrival
The group experienced very heavy rain on their coach journey to Gatwick but arrived with plenty of time to spare and boarded an Easyjet flight to Marakkech. The plane landed in Marrakech after a 3 3⁄4 hour flight where they met Abdul and Khalid, their 2 Mountain Leaders for the expedition. The temperature was, according to the pilot, a chilly 42
degrees Centigrade.



The team arrived at hotel Ryad Mogador after an interesting drive from the airport. Four lanes of traffic apparently driving in 2 marked lanes, and lots of dirty mopeds weaving around made things hair raising. Horn beeping indicates that an overtaking manoeuvre is about to take place, and the whole scene can only be described as organised chaos. To cross the road you walk out in front of the traffic and hold your hand up. It was very hot for a chilly day.
That evening the group visited a restaurant in the centre of Marrakech for the first taste of Moroccan food.

Friday 21 Aug 09 -Tour of Marrakech
They were taken on a walking tour of Marrakech which is a curious blend of 3rd world
basic living and the modern world. Mules work alongside motor transport and housing or
shops were very basic but have electricity. Most electrical goods and furniture on display were 1970s style. There are very few modern cars and trucks on the roads, most taxis being very old Mercedes and small Peugeot cars.
The guide for the Marakkech tour and Khalid and Abdu are all Berbers, but whilst the guide books imply they are a separate culture these young men were very metropolitan and mixed culture. One of the guides spoke 5 languages. It was extremely hot again, but when it is this warm the daily variation of a few degrees is imperceptible.
They visited a Berber pharmacy in the Souks and after a glass of mint tea were educated on the different herbs oils and creams and their uses. The group then visited the Palais De La Bahia.



After the palace there was time for souvenir shopping before making their way to the main open square in Marakkech, Djemma el-Fna, where there are snake charmers and market traders. The walk back from the square to the hotel was very arduous in the extreme heat.

On arrival at the hotel they had a few hours playing in the hotel swimming pool.
In the evening the group went back to the square, which this time was packed with people, and visited a nearby hotel for dinner. The roof garden of the hotel was covered in large dining marquees. Most people in the group had the same feeling about Marakkech -it felt like they have been there forever, and yet it was only one very long day.

Saturday 22 Aug 09 -Marrakesh to Oukaimeden.
First day in the mountains.
The overriding impression of both Marakkech and the journey to the Atlas Mountains was
one of a lack of architectural style and of poverty. The mountains appeared very slowly through a heat haze. The mountain road as they climbed to Oukaimeden brought
spectacular scenery anda few shops which appeared to be in the middle of nowhere. The
road had shear unprotected edges but the scenery was a great distraction. Berber houses appeared in the hillsides. Most trees disappeared from the mountains at around 2000 metres.

The accommodation at Oukaimeden was dormitory style. At 8633 feet the scenery was
rather like a cowboy western with grassy plains and mountains (usually covered in snow), and the temperature was more like a very hot day in the UK with a gentle breeze. There were mules, small cows and the occasional horse. Homes around the area are mostly hand built with dry rocks (for the Nomads) and rocks with concrete for the others.

In the afternoon the plan was to trek up to the summit of Oukaimeden at just over 9,800
feet, the highest peak in the area. They set off on the climb with the sound of thunder all around. The sun disappeared, and having climbed just over 100 feet had to stop to put on waterproof clothing. By 200 feet the rain was getting very heavy, and the guides wisely decided to abandon the mountain. Near the bottom of the mountain the rain turned to hail stones, vindicating their decision. At this height the hail stones really hurt as they hit your
head.



Not everyone attempted the first climb because the altitude affected some more than
others. Most people felt queasy, some felt sick and others had mild breathlessness, but the vast majority had recovered within hours.

The group finally set out again after an hour and climbed the mountain trail behind our gite. The same pattern began again with waterproofs being put on as it rained at 100 feet, but as the group continued the rain eventually stopped, and they reached the summit after an ascent of approximately 300 feet. The vista was breathtaking. The first mountain had been conquered.





Sunday 23 Aug 09 -In the Mountains, Oukaimeden to Aguersioual
Ten mules arrived the previous evening, and on this bright Sunday morning they were just standing still, untethered, with no thoughts of running away. The first thing you notice about mules is that they do not turn their heads when standing still. They just stare at whatever they have been pointed at. The group discovered later that mules walk faster than people on hills, so the mules would set off an hour or so after the walking party, overtake them, and arrive at the destination an hour or so ahead of them. The altitude was still having an effect on some people so 3 staff and 2 cadets were taken by Land Rover to the next gite. The ride was very rough, and the Land Rover stopped 5 times for the group to get out and help fill in holes in the track to make it passable.

The morning climb up the first mountain to a height of 9000 feet did not take long, and the group stopped at this highest point in the trek for photographs holding the old Ynysybwl Ensign which is being photographed in as many locations as possible around the world by air cadets.



The terrain ranges from cement dust consistency to rocks and everything in between, and a trail is a 12-18 inch wide place where others have gone before –not always a proper footpath. The morning trek was 10km to a Berber village of Asamkru and was extremely difficult, with much of it along the sides of steep gradients or down steep rocky descents.

The only shade to be found was underneath Juniper trees.







Light rain started as the group lunched under the trees, but as the lunch ended the rain became torrential and everyone had to rush to clear up the mats they sat on and put their boots back on. With waterproof clothing on they scrambled back up the village hill to be met by a torrent of muddy water which they had to get across. A Berber family gave them shelter in their barn. Whilst watching the floods develop a young boy was spotted trying to prevent the floodwaters enter his house. A group of cadets and staff and Abdu, one of the guides, went to help him dig a diversionary channel. Five minutes later they returned - mission accomplished.



The rain stopped and the guides arranged for one cadet suffering from dehydration to be carried on a mule to the next village. Sounds easy but imagine being scared of heights and then sit six feet up on a mule which is walking on an 18 inch wide unmade track with a long way to fall if you slip. Every step on the trail is an effort as you look for a secure place to put down each foot. The group had descended about 1000 feet to lunch, and then climbed 800 very difficult feet and finally descended a similar height down to the village of Aguersioual. The total distance travelled today was 19 km.

Life is so simple and basic around these parts of Morocco. The weather had been so variable and the trekking was above the fitness level of the average 50 year old. The trek today took 10 hours, and no- one will forget it. Nor will they forget the shower at the gite –just a bucket with a tap.

After dinner the cooks, muleteers and guides entertained them with Berber music and
dancing, the music being made with metal trays, water carriers, saucepans and spoons. A fantastic cultural experience. The scene was reminiscent of African dancing.

Time in Morocco passes very slowly, approximately half the speed that a person would
guess without a watch. By the end of this evening all cadets were feeling fine and only 2 staff were below par.



Monday 24 Aug 09 -Aguersioual -Imlil -Aremd
This morning one cadet and two staff were not well enough to walk. They were all taken by minibus to the next gite in Aremd. The trails on the 10km walk were wider and more
solidand much easier to walk on, and it took just 4 hours. The temperature was high and at one point the group came across a channel of fast flowing water which they used to cool down by soaking their clothes and immersing their heads.

The scenery is breathtaking and they passed through Imlil which is a very tourist centred village. A little while later they passed another mule and muleteer coming down a trail as they climbed.





The fitness and agility of the native Berber people in the group had to be seen to be
believed. They run on slopes on which others would fall and they have the bounce and
energy of a spring lamb. The group has been supported by the addition of muleteers and
cooks whilst walking, and they would run ahead near the end of the trek in order to be
ready with drinks and food when the group arrives.

Tuesday 25 Aug 09 -Aremd / day Walk to Sidi Chamharouch
This morning as the group set out they were passed by many local women walking up
steep hills back to the village carrying grasses and sacks of feed on their backs and heads for the mules and goats. The men had all gathered at a house to build an extension. The community spirit in this Berber village is everywhere to be seen. It is incredible that despite their basic existence the Berber women and their children are always very well dressed, the women particularly often looking so brightly and smartly dressed that they look as if they are going out to dine, which of course they are not.



The group trekked 1300 feet up an almost continuous climb to Sidi Chamharouch which is
a religious shrine where a holy man died. It is a place used by Muslims in the same way as a pilgrimage to Lourdes. People with health problems visit looking for a faith cure, and we suspect it is mostly used by couples who cannot have children. Some people purchased little mementos. Then it was down to a river for a tented picnic and a swim.



After the 9km trek back to Aremd the group passed a Mosque with the sound of young
children chanting. The guide explained that this was the Koran school where children have to learn the Koran word for word between the ages of 3 and 7, after which they start normal schooling.

Wednesday 26 Aug 09 -Back to Marrakech
The group started with an hour's walk from the Gite down to the village of Imlil where they met the coach to return to Marakkech. Just above the village of Imlil the group saw the beginnings of Western civilised standards with a major road construction project under way with huge lorries delivering hardcore, and one lorry delivering stone which was then carried by mule up an incline to a house being built very much in line with our construction standards.

After a pleasant return journey to Marakkech most people stayed around the hotel in the afternoon to play in the swimming pool and experience a rare event in the Atlas Mountains -a HOT shower.

Thursday 27 Aug 09 –Return home
Today they flew home tired, having completed a difficult but very enjoyable trek in the High Atlas Mountains. The witnessing and, to some extent, experiencing the Berber culture has been an eye opener, making everyone appreciate the standard of living we have in this country, and this was equally as important as the actual trekking.

The heights and distances covered have been phenomenal and quite a strain on the whole
group, but if it was too easy it would not be such a great achievement. I found that by the end of the third day trekking most muscle pains just disappeared. The Berber people are camera shy, hence no pictures of them.

Our appetite has been whetted. We can’t wait for our next adventure.
Steven Abbott MBE
Sqn Ldr RAFVR(T)
OC 1344 Cardiff Sqn, Air Training Corps"

The full picture set in high resolution can be found here

The air cadets went on the Atlas Trails Teenage Adventure trip in Morocco.

Are you interested in trekking in Morocco or are you looking to explore Morocco with friends? The Adventure Company have 16 tours which can suit every traveller, whether that be solo travel, group travellers or couples looking to get away on their own adventure. Visit the Adventure Company websiter to find out more.

Thanks for reading,
The Adventure Company

The Adventure Company: Canoeing and Cycling in Croatia!

This weeks blog comes from Tom Haddow, our Flights Assistant who recently took the plunge and completed our Active Dalmatia tour in August of last year. He has let us sneak a peak at the travel diary he kept whilst he was away..:

"Day 1
After landing in Split airport we were transferred to Trogir, a nearby scenic town, to relax and stretch our legs after the flight. Trogir was very pleasant, we enjoyed a stroll down the river front (lots of very expensive boats!) and then struck off down a back alley finding our selves in a small square surrounded by cafes and ice cream stalls. We then sat down and got to know each other over a beer, or in Croatian, pivo, before being guided back through Trogir to the minibus and continuing on to the hotel.



Day 2
We woke up and proceeded down to the restaurant of the hotel where we were welcomed by a laid out breakfast of bread and spreads, cereal and yoghurt, on top of which we were soon offered our choice of cooked extras and hot drink, almost any request catered for! After breakfast we were transferred up river to start a very enjoyable and gentle introduction to canoeing on the Cetina river. Paddled/floated all the way back down to the hotel which was situated very conveniently on the river bank so on arrival we were able to just deposit our canoes and head to our rooms.



After a lunch of stuffed peppers and meat soup we embarked on a short trek across the river and up to a small chapel atop a hill. Everyone we met was very friendly and our guide Neven seemed to know everyone. Once reaching the chapel we stayed to enjoy the view of Trilj, the town in which we were staying, before heading back down for a dinner of locally produced veal and bed.



Day 3
Today we enjoyed breakfast as before and as we would the rest of the week and then went out back of the hotel and were transferred up a hill behind Trilj to start the mountain biking activity. First thing to explain to anyone considering mountain biking in Croatia, they bizzarely seem to have the brakes the ‘wrong’ way round, after a little getting used to it became second nature and no-one had any problems with this. The route was initially a largely uphill segment before a much appreciated and much longer downhill segment.





When we were most of the way down Neven took us on a detour to a river source which was absolutely stunning, even despite the incredibly cold water most of the group went in for a swim (me fully dressed as I had not brought any swimming gear at all!).



After an hour or so here and feeling utterly refreshed we were guided round another couple of smaller river sources in the area before being treated by a local family to a typical local snack lunch of bread, cheese and cured meat, after which we headed back to the hotel.

Day 4
After a more sedate introduction to canoeing earlier in the week this was due to be a more adventurous version. We were transferred down river and kitted out with wetsuits, life preservers and helmets, before heading out on to the river, after careful instruction from Neven we proceeded down the very rough river over the many rapids. I had obviously picked a good partner as our canoe managed to stay the right way up all the way down, a feat not managed by everyone! At the end of our route down the river we landed on the riverbank and had a light lunch and were driven to the seaside to enjoy a beach for a change of pace.



After getting back from the beach we headed off to the river bank upriver and when it was dark were treated to trout and banana split expertly cooked by Neven over a campfire. After which the more adventurous of us camped out for the night, leaving the rest of the group to return to the hotel for a more comfortable bed.

Day 5
After all the excitement of the white water canoeing we were in for a more relaxing day. We were driven up to the nearby historic town of Sinj, where our other guide Gorjana (harder to pronounce than it looks, by her instruction we all addressed her as Yana) gave us a guided tour which included a look around the local monastery which had a very interesting history and seemed of particular importance in the area before heading to the town museum. The museum was very interesting and gave us a much better insight in to the history of Croatia, specifically the area we were staying in, Dalmatia. One particular nugget of knowledge I committed to memory is how the spotted fur of the Dalmatian breed of dog apparently symbolises the many islands off the coast of Dalmatia!



After our tour of Sinj we were taken back the hotel. The following afternoon Neven took us for another trek around the outer reaches of Trilj, again demonstrating just how much of a local boy he was, hardly passing a single person without a friendly word. Neven at one point on the tour took us to someone’s house where we were ‘treated’ to home-made liquors, very strong, some people seemed to have a slight wobble on the return walk to the hotel…

Day 6
After eating breakfast and setting off at around 1000, we transferred up to the start-point for the white water rafting. The rafting was actually organised and led by a set of specialist instructors who were all very friendly and seemed to have a very strong rapport between them. One leader per boat on which there would be about 7 additional people, slightly rougher rapids than we had experienced on the canoes but we were expertly guided down the river by our rafting leader.



Part the way down we all disembarked and were guided through a cave before rejoining the canoes on the other side.



Day 7
At the normal time of 1000 we met and after we had had breakfast were driven to KRKA National Park. Gorjana took us for a tour round the park and was on hand if anyone had any questions, after the tour we were left to our own devices to explore and enjoy the spectacular views while some of the group went for a swim.



After dinner at the hotel we were surprised by the hotel owners with a cake to celebrate the joint birthdays of one of the group and Neven, one of our guides, after which we went to a local bar for a couple of drinks and an introduction to Croatian card games.

Day 8
Sad farewells and the flight back to the UK.



A big thank-you to all the group, the hotel staff and Gorjana and Neven especially for making this such a fantastic trip. Look forward to hopefully returning to Croatia in the future!"

Tom and his friends went on the Active Dalmatia tour, but The Adventure Company offer six trips to Croatia which cater for families, groups and solo-travellers. Visit The Adventure Company Website to find out more.

Thanks for reading,
The Adventure Company.

The Adventure Company: Find yourself in Sri Lanka!

Our next blog entry comes from Kelly Geoghegan who has recently returned from a trip in Sri Lanka, this February. She took part in our Sri Lankan Discovery Tour

She tells what it is they should expect from the island:

"Sri Lanka more then exceeded my expectations in every way.  There were so many memorable moments everyday. The friendliness of the locals and the beauty of the places combine to make this a wonderful holiday destination.



Dolphin watching, elephant safari and climbing Adams peak in time for sunrise were definite obvious highlights. However there was something new to see, to learn and to experience everyday, a fantastic itinerary.


 
Having travelled extensively in Asia I would rate Sri Lanka as the safest and easiest SE Asian country to travel in. I see the current political situation as certainly no reason not to travel. Because of this, the island is certainly suffering from a lack of tourists, most places we went were quiet, and this is the high season. 



But, everyone seems genuinely pleased to see you there. You will come away with a lasting impression of the friendliness of the Sri Lankan people.
 
As it is to be expected, accommodation standard does vary from excellent 5* resort to basic resthouses, but these are the best available in some of the areas you will visit. 

My best tip would be to always eat local food, it’s amazing and the western dishes offered are often disappointing.

We used local guides often, for nature walks, village tours and other excursions.  We ate in local villagers houses sometimes and tried to shop in local stores. 



We travelled in our own private bus, which whilst not being the most environmentally friendly option, was the only way to follow our itinerary. Travelling this way also does get you 'off the beaten track", and this after all, is why we were there! We wanted to see the heart of Sri Lanka, not the outskirts.

Our guide, Ruwan, made every effort to ensure we got the most out of our holiday, stopping whenever he saw extra things we might want to witness.



Especially memorable was a lady at the side of the road who showed us 101 things to do with a coconut! His love for his country was obvious in everything that he did and his local knowledge and explanations made every situation come alive.


 
In all honesty, I thought my holiday was fantastic. The people, the places and the experiences made this one of the most memorable holidays I have had. The excellent guide, Ruwan, and my fellow travellers helped to make every experience fun.



I think we got a reputation for laughing too much wherever we went!  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sri Lanka to anybody.  It really is an amazing country and this trip allows you to experience all aspects of the island, its people, its culture and its beauty."

Kelly went on our Sri Lankan Discovery Tour but The Adventure Company also offer 6 tours to the island of Sri Lanka find out more on the Adventure Company Website

Have you been to Sri Lanka? We'd love to hear from you too! Get in touch by leaving a comment or using the contact details at the side of the page.

Thanks for reading,
The Adventure Company

The Adventure Company: New Year Resolutions!

Happy New Year! Here at The Adventure Company we wish you fabulous new experiences and travel adventures in 2009.

Tis the season to start afresh and set out your good intentions for the year ahead. Naturally, our interest lies with travel, so the following resolutions might be a little biased…but you have to admit, they’re much more exciting and fulfilling than “learning a new hobby” or “losing half your body weight”. Here are a few of our ideas:

1.Make firm travel plans




Use the New Year to set some plans into motion, and don’t stop until they are at least partially in place- do not add to your list of pipe dreams this year! Whether that means buying a short break in the holiday sales, or picking a country that takes your fancy and investigating further, narrow down and pinpoint exactly what it is you want to do.

2.Buy a travel or guide book


January sales in both shops and on websites mean you can get some pretty up-to-date guide books for half the price. Reading about an area grows confidence, and keeping an eye out for your favourite destinations in the press, on websites or blogs also gives you something to look forward to. Buy three titles that you are interested in and keep them by your bed. Perfect for browsing during quiet evenings in to keep your mind focussed on the big dreams, rather than on the day-to-day stresses of everyday life.

3.Public transport


Do you have a vague idea of where you want to go already, but still aren’t sure as to whether you will go? Instead of feeling guilty that you haven’t booked your summer plans yet, find out about the public transport available in the area you are interested in. Do they have a greyhound service? Any unusual forms of transport? Cool train lines? Once that is done, plan the best routes, the cheapest fares, and whether you can book anything online. It’s mostly just browsing, but is actually quite pro-active, and gives you an integral understanding of a place you may visit in the future.

4.Youth hostels



Planning on trekking it with The Adventure Company this year? Worried you won’t be able to handle it? Our tours don’t make you feel like you are “roughing” it, but its good to feel confident before you leave. If you are a novice traveller, why not grab a mate and stay in a youth hostel in our fair isle one weekend? You’ll learn what it is like to stay in more of a “community”. You will be able to pick up tips from other travellers, too!

5. Decide to volunteer




Do something different and worthwhile this year. Since the UK is one of the most overworked countries in the EU, not everyone has free time to devote to a good cause. The Adventure Company has come up with a winning solution for those who do want to do volunteer work but can’t take long periods off work! Check out our new Hands On Adventure holidays, which incorporate volunteer work within two-week tours. This means you can still get a fabulous trip away, but devote a small part of your holiday (usually 3-4 days) to helping a good cause, whether that be helping the local environment, or spending the day at a school or orphanage.

6. Invest in one great piece of travel gear


Resolve to find one great piece to add to your suitcase for all future travels. This won’t be the year to splurge on unnecessary items, but check out the sales for bargain-priced goodies such as a super-cool and long-lasting travel bag, sleeping bag, day pack or a useful gadget. Perhaps this could be the year to perfect the art of packing lightly too?!

7.Keep a journal




Let this be the year you actually succeed in this! If you think jotting down your thoughts from everyday life isn’t entertaining enough- why not focus on one aspect of your life, in this case-travel. Jot down each new travel dream or a destination that interests you. If you have planned your holiday already, make sure you take it with you and try to log the highlights every other evening. Writing about mundane things when you are away is actually more entertaining than you think. For example, if you went to Egypt and had some home made food- when reading back you will always remember what the meal tasted like, the smells, the people around you, the person who cooked it, and the setting in which you ate it. If leaving to travel extensively, invest in a cheap booklight, allowing you to quietly note down things in hostel beds or on low-lit trains. Then, once you return, submit your favourite entries to this blog - we always love new entries!

8. Become a solo-traveller.




Solo travelling is one of the more indulgent activities for single people- you can do exactly what you want, so treat yourself! Forget any notion of stigma and join other fun-loving people just like you on an action-packed adventure. And solo travelling isn’t just for singletons. Many couples who don’t share the same interests take separate trips and holidays, and our solo adventures are a great way of meeting like-minded people. Take the plunge and do it!The Adventure Company provides many solo travellers with safe, fun trips away - click here to find out more.

9.Be a traveller, not a tourist.




This is probably the simplest resolution on our list, but it’s also the most exciting. Look closely at countries you pass through, don’t listen to your ipod and get distracted - look around you! Chat with local people, get off the beaten track, have a drink in a bar where you are the only Westerner. Buy local produce, don’t visit the chain supermarkets, and take time out to learn about a lesser-known culture.

10. Go green




Be conscious of how and where you travel. Work out your carbon footprint this year, recycle more, sponsor a good cause, and if that all sounds too much, follow our basic tips on how to be a green traveller.

Do something amazing this year – set off on a truly great adventure!

Visit our website for more information, or find out more about our latest availability here.

Thanks for reading!
The Adventure Company
“Adventure is our middle name”

The Adventure Company: Tigers to Maharajahs!

Our next blog comes from David and Lorna Cooper who recently travelled to India and completed our Tigers To MaharajahsTour. They also included an extension to Varanasi and have kindly submitted a travel diary summarising their trip:



”Day 1: Delhi
Arrived at Delhi airport to be met by Sher our guide and the rest of the group. We all hit it off immediately. We then set off for our hotel. It was our first introduction to Indian Driving - Scary!



Still, we arrived safely at the hotel despite running red lights.

As we had arrived late Sher announced that our rest period had been curtailed and that we would be departing for our sightseeing trip around Delhi shortly. Lorna and I had a swift wash and brush up and went downstairs to meet the whole group.



Jami Masjid Mosque was on the agenda. It was our first taste of removing our shoes and going barefoot into the temples. It was hard at first just to abandon our newly purchased trainers but during the trip we got used to it. The Mosque was worth the visit and it was also an introduction to the sellers who would always approach you every time you got off the bus!

It was poignant when we visited Mahatma Gandhi’s grave and everyone appreciated the quietness of the area. It was an early night that night for everyone.

Day 2: Agra
After an early morning call and breakfast Sher led the party to the Railway station, where chaos reigns! However after entrusting our luggage to porter (50 rupees per bag) off we went to find our train. Sher soon had us standing in the right place for our carriage. The train compartments were as expected: plastic seating and painted blue.

Everyone was excited. One of the main reasons for coming to India was getting closer to The Taj Mahal!After a quick stop at the Hotel (and a quick cup of coffee in Starbucks for me) off to the red fort.



It was big and busy with many tourists of all countries. From where Shah Jahan was imprisoned we got our first glimpse of the Taj Mahal through the haze. It must have been so sad for him to see it every day and not being able to visit it.



After our visit to the Fort we set off to see the actual building. The men in the party got through security very easily but for some reason the guard took a dislike to the women in the group and kept sending them to the rear of the queue. Finally we all got back together and approached the Taj. There were the usually photographer touts there and the obligatory group photo was taken.



It was quite beautiful and all we could do at first was to stand and stare. The girls decided they wanted to go inside to see the tomb but given the rugby scrum that was at the entrance I was a bit dubious. Still nothing ventured – so forward we went, me holding on to all my valuables as best I could. However in we went and it was well worth the effort. Afterwards the group split up and wandered around the gardens just looking at the building in awe from different angles. When we again met up the group had decided that the visit to the Taj had made the trip to India worth while even if nothing else was seen. It was with great reluctance that the group made its way back to the bus to take us back to the hotel.

Day 3: Fatehpur Sikri & Ranthambore
Up early again this morning and off to Fatehpur Sikri. This apparently was a city built by one of the Maharajahs to ensure he had a son and it seems to have worked. However the city was only occupied for a short period as a lack of water forced a return to the original capital.



Alongside the city is a major mosque which unfortunately is inhabited by many locals trying to sell you trinkets. I suppose they have got to make a living somehow.

Afterwards it was back to the bus and onto the bird sanctuary at Bharatpur and the bird sanctuary of Keoladeo Ghana. This place I think gave us peace and quiet for the first time since joining the tour and all of us I think would have liked more time to enjoy the park.

But a train awaited us. By this time the men had agreed to get the ladies on to the train first to get the seats, and then we would get the bags on. Unfortunately I was last on and while getting the last of the cases on, the train started off. I’m not saying I panicked but let’s just say I threw the last on and grabbed hold of the train as it picked up speed. It was with great relief that I got to my seat!

Day 4: Ranthambore
Aftter arriving late we unpacked and went straight to dinner (via a much needed beer.) Sher suggested a early night as the first game drive starts at 5:30 am. Everyone agreed and fell into bed.

The morning started with a light breakfast and we all got onto the Cantor, which is like a truck with seating for twenty and no roof. Each truck was given a game trail number and the truck had to stick to that trail no matter what happened. Off we went and as we travelled through the park the ranger told us of the various animals we saw, mainly samba deer at first. Not long before the truck had to turn back, it stopped and looking down to the trail we saw this:



Everyone started to get excited - this was the first sign of the tiger we had seen! Then the guide pointed and lying on a hillside was the tiger.







That ended our game drive for the morning we returned to the hotel for breakfast which was eagerly anticipated. I don’t think anything but the tiger was discussed for the next 4 hours until the evening game drive. Unfortunately the next game drive turned out to be an anticlimax for we never saw the tiger again. The ranger explained that it was just luck that we saw the tiger and they could never guarantee such a sighting that we had that morning.

Day 5: Pushkar
It was an early morning departure for Pushkar from our hotel and armed with our packed lunches we boarded our bus. We stopped for lunch along the way and it was good to get out the bus and stretch our legs.



It was getting late when we finally arrived in Pushkar. The tent we were allocated was quite comfortable with electric lights and flushing toilet however I wasn’t too sure of the shower - it looked a bit Heath Robinson to me!



It was getting late and after a meal and a quiet drink we all turned in. All food at Pushkar fair is vegetarian- however, we could get a beer in the mess tent.

Day 6: Pushkar
It was an early start the next morning. I put my bucket out and hot water was delivered to the tent. After breakfast transport was arranged for us, a camel cart, and we all set off to the fair. After Sher had explained how the fair was arranged and shown us some sites –this included the girls getting blessed, at a price. We were then allowed to set off on our own.



The town was so busy but it was fascinating with the colours and strange smells. The girls soon got into the buying mode and began to bargain with the best of them. After a while we decided to make our way to the fair main showground where there was to be a moustache competition. It proved to be a great draw to both locals and tourists alike. As we wandered around the sights and sounds it was like being carried back to another time, with a few modern conveniences such as motor bikes thrown in.



The locals were always to keen to show off their prized possessions but I resisted the temptation to start bargaining for Lorna, although the camel did look nice and had make up on!









We all arrived back at our tents tired but exhilarated. Sher had arranged for us to go back to the fair to see the sunset so off we went by camel cart again and climbed a small ridge to sit and watch the sun setting on the fair.



Day 7: Pachar
At breakfast next morning the group decided that as we had a long way to go to the maharajahs palace in Pachar it would be better to leave before lunch time as was originally planned and stop to have some lunch somewhere on route. It was quite lucky we did this as the driver of the bus got lost as so many of the roads had been washed out in the recent monsoon! During our drive we came upon one traffic jam with a difference:



Still, it did provide some light relief. On arrival at the palace, a beer was welcome before even being shown to our rooms.



Day 8: Pachar To Jaipur
Next morning I was up early and watched the sun rising over the village and listened to it awakening..



After breakfast, the group set off around the village to see the local Hindu temple and the local schools. We had all contributed to getting various items for the schools such as pencils, notebooks and other items and helped to distribute them to the kids.



It was enjoyable to do and as the schools receive very little state aid it was very worthwhile.
Later that day it was back onto the bus to go to Jaipur.We arrived at the Bisseau Palace in Jaipur early in the evening and were able to unpack and have a shower before going out into town for a meal and show.

Day 9: Jaipur
Sher arranged for a call the next morning and we all set off to visit the astronomical centre and royal palace. The astronomical was fascinating and our guide was very knowledgeable about the site and of subjects such as birth signs and palm reading. Some of the readings proved to be quite near the mark - I won’t say which ones girls!





The royal palace was very interesting with the armoury and art exhibits. As we had the afternoon free Lorna and I got off the bus at the famous Palace of the Winds and had a wander around the local markets.



My wife thought our purchase of a silk bedspread, pillow cases and cushions for approx £30 was a very good buy!

That night Sher arranged for dinner to be served on the rooftop of the hotel with a sitar and drums providing the music. It proved to very atmospheric with various fireworks going off all around the city.

Day 10: Jaipur & Amber Fort to Delhi
In the morning the group headed off to the Amber fort. Before arriving Sher warned us that going up to the fort on elephant would be impossible as the queues for the elephant rides would be too long for us to wait for. In a way, it was nice to see that the animals only worked for so long in the morning and then were rested.



So we went up to the fort by jeep. What a place! The amount of manpower to build it must have been immense. Some of it was beautiful especially the council chamber and the ladies palace.







There was a lot to see and the visit to the fort lasted approximately 3 hours. Then we collected our baggage and made our way to catch the train to Delhi.

At this point I must make mention of one of our party, Kate who left the group at this time to start an adventure on her own. She is going to work for charity in Jaipur until January 2009. I hope all goes well with you Kate!

Day 11: Delhi
A Day to ourselves, I think the first of the holiday. Most of the party went off shopping. I think many stalls must have tripled their budgets that day.

Lorna and I met up with Ailsa, Sheila and Sue in the Imperial Hotel for lunch and although I say it myself, the champagne was well received. A much more civilised lunch than we had become used to.

Our last dinner was taken in a restaurant, Clay Oven which was close to the hotel. It was a bit sad saying goodbye to the rest of the group. We had become quite close and I would have no hesitation on going on holiday with any one of them, especially my concubines!

Day 12: Delhi to Varanasi
Lorna and I said farewell to the group as they left for the airport. It was odd being on our own now but we made the most of our day in Delhi.

After some confusion and hassle with Explore India when securing our bunks for the railway journey, we managed to find a bunk that was suitable, but not our first choice. We had requested an AC1 Sleeper, and received an AC2.

The Railway station was also manic and very crowded, we were happy when we finally got on the train.

When onboard we found we had been booked on two top bunks, luckily an elderly gent gave up his lower bunk to allow Lorna to sleep there, as she would have been unable to climb onto the top bunk.

During the night I had a most unfortunate accident when I tried to climb down from the top bunk. I landed on the floor bruising my ego quite severely. I would advise anyone doing this trip to Varanasi either to insist on an AC 1 sleeper or a flight there!

Day13: Varanasi
We arrived in Varanasi almost 3 hours late which, according to our guide was good timing for Indian trains!
Then we were taken to our Hotel where we had a good breakfast after being shown to our room.

Our guide for our stay was very good and knew all about the sites we were taken too. He also took us after dinner to the banks of the Ganges where they pray for world peace every night. With the music, chanting and incense it made for a very atmospheric and unforgettable evening.



Day 14: Varanasi to Delhi
On our last morning it was an early start and we were taken to the banks of the Ganges once again, but this time we embarked on a boat with our guide and an elderly rower who took us up and down the various sites on the bank. It was strange to hear loud laughter there, a form of yoga, we were told!




After breakfast Lorna and I were then taken to the Airport for our flight back to Delhi.

Day 15: Delhi
After breakfast it was off to Delhi airport for our flight home. In conclusion, would I go again? Most definitely, YES! I enjoyed 98% of the holiday, the guide Sher Singh was excellent and the rest of the group were some of the nicest people I could ever hope to travel with and we have made some very good friends!"

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