Jodhpur 1

Woke early, like 4.30 or something stupid. We left the hotel in the pitch black and the freezing cold to look for the bus station. We were following the Lonely Planet map which is for the most part complete fantasy. We were looking for roads that were not there etc bloody book, its a life saver sometimes and a pain in the arse at other times. Every bugger has one also so its like yer all doing exactly what the Lonely Planet tells you. Its a blessing and a curse.
Anyway after staggering past a few cows and an angry dog we found the bus station. Still dark and looking like a rubbish tip/scrap yard filled with guys in the shadows with blankets around there heads it can seem like a fairly dodgy place. We had no hassle besides being charged the usual double for a cup of Chai. Our rickety 1947 vintage bus pulled up and we left Pushkar along a road that Cambodia would be proud of. Bone shaking is not the word and any thought s of sleep soon evapoirated. The guy sat next to us had a 40 gallon drum of petrol with some cloth stuffed in it as a cap. Of course people were smoking on the bus, this is India after all.
Every time the bus stopped the 2 of us were swarmed by kids and young lads who were completely fascinated with us and also wanted to see if Rupee/sweets/pens could be extracted from us somehow. It was mental, you are sat in the bus with 30 people all pointing and poking at you. Now I know why aliens don’t bother with us.
Its a pain in the arse being the most exciting thing in the town in 20 years!!
We passed through a load of literally 2 horse (camel?) towns in the middle of now where and finally after 5 hours pulled into the chaos of Jodhpur, central Rajasthan.
For once we did not get any shite from the rickshaw driver about him taking us to his friends hotel/shop/tour etc. We wanted to go to the old town which is beautiful and ancient. All the buildings are painted blue and towering over the top on a huge hill is the biggest fort/castle I have ever seen, the walls are like 32km long!!!
We got to our hotel of choice rite under the castle in the old town and got a room, not just any room but the only one the had left which happended top be the best room we have stayed in so far, the Maharani suite. In and ancient house, our room looks like something from Arabian nights. We had 10 windows, stained glass, pillows, amazing decor and a direct view of the fort above us, magical and really felt out of place there being scruffy backpackers off a 5 hour rattle trap.
It was stunning place to stay and we did not leave the room for 24 hours!! only about 18 euro per night and I reckon it would have cost 300 Euro a night at home, if you could get it.
We chilled out that evening in the room as it was all so romantic and special : )