Tigers and monkeys and deer, O my!

A safari through Rambathorne National Park was a search for the 35 tigers that apparently live there. Plenty of birds, Bambi deer and monkeys. We searched and searched as the sun set, but alas, no tigers.

However, we did get to stay in a "Palace Resort", the fact that every hotel was called a resort did dampen the experience! But the welcome flowers were lovely. I had my first Limca - Indian lemon soft drink - not as good as I remembered, but perhaps the fact that it is just sugar was what I liked.



While it's sunny and warm during the day, the north of India is still in an unusually cold, cold snap and thick fog hangs in the air until at least 11. They've even given the school kids another week of holidays.



But when the sun rises, Rajasthan is glorious! This morning we travelled through the country side and the fog lifted revealing endless fields of green and yellow: wheat and mustard crops. Cows and goats grazed along the roadside, unfazed by the big trucks zooming by. Women and children tended to the fields and herds while the men appeared to sit around drinking masala chai, chatting and "thinking" as our guide described their role in society! Cricket games and kite flying seemed to be the Sunday sport. This is a beautiful part of the world. The people are friendly, poor but many genuinely seem content with the life they know.



Have arrived in Bundi and am staying in a classic Rajasthani home with a beautiful courtyard. Off to explore the town soon.