Author: gingertravellerblog

Day 6 – Jaipur

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Another early start greeted us ready for a full day exploring Jaipur.

We started the morning off by boarding the jeeps to take us to the entrance to Amber Fort. Luckily this was single file traffic. Unluckily the roads had more potholes than the West Midlands which made for a very bumpy ride. We were greeted by plenty of looky looky men who didnt take no for an answer and followed our group round the majority of the first courtyard. After making no sales they finally left us alone. Amber Fort is beautiful which is why it is one of the most visited forts in India. It includes a series of archways made of intricate mirror pieces, known as the Hall of Mirrors and stunning views across Jaipur.

After another bumpy ride back down and more looky looky we were taken to a gem and carpet shop (yay…) I tried on a gorgeous aquamarine pendant, but nearly died when he told me the price. I think he nearly died when I told him my budget! But I did come away with a lovely rainbow moonstone ring. We also got double rum and coke whilst in the store, it was only 10am. And this was the start of a fair whack of booze today. Santa was hardcore and had his without the coke.. obvs. The 2nd rum came at the carpet shop but I would need to do a fair few bank shifts to afford one.

After lunch we visited ‘Jantar Mantar’ – a site featuring architectural astronomical instruments built by the Kachwaha Rajput king, including the worlds largest sun dial. Another UNESCO to tick off the list! A short walk from here (followed by more looky looky) led us to City Palace which was another amazing lot of architecture and another very popular tourist spot.

After all the sightseeing, it was time to board the rickshaw and head to the haveli where ‘the real marigold hotel’ was filmed. A BBC documentary which aired in 2016 featuring 8 pensioners who came to India to see if they could live here. The rickshaw was so much fun, although this time it was on main roads rather than the side streets of Delhi. I was travelling backwards and could therefore see all the buses and other traffic getting very close to us at all times during the journey. All the locals seemed to find this hilarious. Unfortunately, I didnt realise how low my top was… I think that nearly caused a few accidents!!

The haveli was beautiful. I could have happily stayed there for the night. We sat on the terrace, eating pakoras, drinking far too much gin (I got Santa’s, he didnt like it!!) and watched the sun go down.

To end the day we were treated to a lovely meal by a local family and their gorgeous dog ‘Jamie’ – he must work in a call centre with a name like that 😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 5 – Travelling to Jaipur

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Another early start ready for another day on the road; this time heading for Jaipur. This again meant more crazy driving. Cows on the expressway, cars driving the wrong way down the road, crumpled cars from crashing in to each other, utter roundabout chaos due to closed roads.. the list goes on!

We stopped mid journey for a spot of curry, just for a change 😉 as per the queue for the ladies was far too long, so me and Momma decided to use the gents. Bad idea… I’ve used a few dodgy toilets so far on this trip but the smell in this one was by far the worst. Fresh hot shit quickly burnt my nostrils. That was one of the fastest wee’s of my life!

This afternoon was one of the most fantastic experiences, as we got to feed, wash and walk with the elephants. Elephantastic is a sanctuary for elephants that have been mistreated. My elephant was born the same year as me which was quite special. Being so close to these magnificent animals and actually being able to stroke them and feed them was magical.

Tomorrow we are exploring Jaipur and heading to the haveli where ‘the real marigold’ was filmed.

Day 4 – Back to Delhi

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Today was another 05:30 alarm and another day of travelling. Being up early however means a beautiful sunrise!

In the previous days I have mentioned twitchy arse with the roads. Today however I think I spent the majority of the car journey touching cloth. I do not know how we made it back to Chandigarh alive! It really was the most terrifying drive. Luckily the lady who was sharing our car is off to NYC and Vegas next year, so I was in my element giving advice and therefore was distracted from what was going on outside.

Whilst we were sat at traffic lights, we saw lots of small children banging on car windows (including ours) trying to get Rupees. It really is heartbreaking to see the amount of homeless who are willing to wander through the traffic barefoot just to get some money.

Once safely (just) at Chandigarh we boarded the train for the 4 hour journey back to New Delhi. I was prepared with 2 episodes of Drag Race UK and The Apprentice so I had a lovely ride! Santa was opposite somebody very official, who had guards with guns and a sniffer dog. We decided to turn down the bizarre train food today.

Back into New Delhi and a further hour of terrifying roads, this time back on the coach. I have no idea how the driver manages it… being up high means you see everything going on below, although it is fascinating to watch!

This evening I dragged Momma & Santa to Maccies as part of my Maccies world tour, and treated myself to a Pizza McPuff and Spicy Paneer burger. My god the burger lived up to its name.. delicious, but wow it was hot 🔥

Tomorrow is another early start as we head to Jaipur. It is still a constant sound of horns outside the window so not planning on much sleep tonight!

 

Day 3 – Shimla

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Today we got a lie in which was music to my ears! After a delicious breakfast (which wasn’t curry based!) we headed into Shimla to see all it had to offer. Luckily they’re not as bat shit crazy so the drive around was a lot less twitchy arse.

We started the morning back on the toy train to Tara Devi. Santa was sat amongst a very nice Indian family and he enjoyed a good old chin wag about cricket, and a few selfies for their Facebook. Here we visited a Hindu Temple and enjoyed some stunning views of Old, New and Little Shimla.

We then headed to Viceregal Lodge; the former British retreat and the site of the signing of the treaty which led to the partition. I’ll be honest.. I’ve taken that from the guide book. I had no idea what it was, why I was there or what the guide man was on about! It reminded me very much of a Trust. Massive shame they couldn’t stamp my NT passport!

The final part of today was onto the Mall Road in Shimla. We were taken into the Gaiety Theatre for a talk from a poor man with man flu. Santa found him riveting.. and fell asleep within about 5 minutes. We walked the busy streets, got asked for more selfies and watched far too many naughty monkeys.

Dinner tonight was of course another curry #ringsting

Shimla has been fabulous and I would have happily stayed here another day! It’s another 5:45am alarm ready for the long journey back to Delhi tomorrow!

Day 2 – Shimla

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This morning was the dreaded early alarm as we spent most of today travelling.

New Delhi train station is like nothing I have seen before. The trains are so long you could probably fit the whole population of Worcester on them! There were people (and a couple of dead ones…) absolutely everywhere. Our train journey wasnt traditional squashed in indian style as we were in the executive car. The term executive being used loosely 🤣 we did however get a rather interesting breakfast of omelette, 2 chips, peas and carrots. I decided to brave the toilet after the 1st train and it was actually ok! The woman next to me in the queue decided to take her clothes off however.

Transfer to the next train station was by taxi. Santa got to ride shotgun and I think he nearly dropped a bollock a few times due to the no shits given of Indian roads.

The 2nd train was a narrow gauge heritage railway to Shimla, known as the toy train. Another UNESCO to tick off the list! Being in the foothills of the Himalayas means the temperature has dropped so Thank God for winter attire!

We get a lie in tomorrow! What a total treat 😍 ready for a day exploring Shimla and all it has to offer.

Day 1 – Old & New Delhi

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Blogging day 1 a day late due to lack of wifi and extortionate charges from EE for data!

As Steve will be pleased to know, we got to the airport with plenty of time to get checked in, eat and find Santa a bottle of whiskey to keep him well watered every evening. The 2 flights over were very pleasant (still unable to sleep for any of it. Will never have Tilly’s awesome skills) although some of the food was questionable. The breakfast was especially odd, but hey.. it’s free!
A warning to anyone coming to Delhi airport. When it says the immigration queue is 10 mins, that is a total lie. Nearly 2 hours we queued for! The poor woman in front of us fainted; although could have been a cheeky way to get to the front of the queue. Of course every other queue moved far quicker than the one we were stuck in. Standard!

Finally we got out the airport and had our first experience of India. Wow. Words cannot describe the absolute chaos that goes on on their roads. We very nearly had a bus go into the side of us. One of those twitchy arse moments.
We visited the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India, where I got my first selfie request. Next we were treated to a very terrifying rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi. Again, words cannot describe just how busy these streets are. They are lined with people selling fruit, food, chicken feet, fabric and car parts (I wonder if that’s where FAF ended up)

We had the wonderful news that the wake up call tomorrow is 5:30… as we have now been awake for 36hrs, we had best get some shut eye!

Amsterdam day 1

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This weekends blog features 2 new faces (although not new to you all on Facebook) Introducing Ben & Callum!

The journey to Dam this morning was slightly longer than anticipated due to our good friend Mother Nature who decided to leave a thick layer of fog at Schiphol Airport. This meant being sat on the runway at BHX for over an hour until it was safe to fly; but better to be safe than sorry! If you’ve never been to Schiphol before, be prepared for the longest walk of your life to actually get out the airport!

Once safely in Amsterdam City Centre we set off exploring and crammed in all the usual tourist spots like Anne Frank Huis, Rembrandtplein square, Dam square, Bejinhof Park and of course the cheese museum. Dressing up in clogs and patterned windmill tops whilst munching your way through loads of cheese; what more could you want!

We decided to try local Dutch waffles for a cheeky afternoon snack. Although cheese, bacon, onion  and raspberry sauce may sound odd on paper, it’s an  actual taste sensation. We all really enjoyed our pancakes and they certainly filled a little hole.

This evening we decided to do a pizza cruise. Myself and Callum have done this before and loved it (because of the unlimited wine) so dragged momma and Ben along this time. It’s great value so is definitely one to consider if ever you come – we booked ours through Expedia and it includes a pizza, unlimited beer/wine/soft, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and a 90 min boat cruise. We finished off today with a stroll around the Red Light District and introducing momma to her first sex shop, what an absolute treat 🤣 the weight of some if the items in there would be over your hand luggage allowance, so just bear that in mind!

Dubai 6

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Our last full day 😭 only a small maccies breakfast this morning because Friday in Dubai is brunch day!

This morning we had a lovely walk along the beach and did a spot of souvenir shopping before heading into Downtown Dubai for our big feast. Downtown is full of chic and rich people so I looked totally fabulous in my £10 Primark dress. We enjoyed cocktails with views of, you’ve guessed it, Burj Khalifa before heading to brunch.

The setting wasn’t quite what we were expecting; what it actually was was lots of skimpy dressed women with legs up to their armpits (I’m only jealous) trying to bag themselves a fella – people watching heaven. But we came for the food and that definitely delivered. As you all know I like my food 🤣 so it was only right that I quality controlled pretty much the whole lot. Get me that poo knife!

As it’s our last night here and we love a good sunset we jumped in a taxi and headed for Burj al Arab. It was absolutely stunning and this will definitely make it into our top sunsets. Momma took about 400 photos as shes now a NikonWanker. She also got sand thrown in her hair by some awful little cretins; if only it was allowed to teach them a lesson, but lets not get arrested on our last day.

Cases are all packed and ready to go for tomorrow. Dubai you’ve been amazing.

Dubai 5

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This morning started off with the usual; a Maccies breakfast 🍔 where the staff greet us with ‘hello again’.. they must be thinking you big fat piggies 🐷

After our fill we headed to Dubai Miracle Garden, the worlds largest (obviously) natural flower garden and it’s a must do if you are here out of the summer season. Obviously we missed the bus by about a minute so had to take a taxi. The Emirates plane made out of flowers was a highlight and I did enjoy watching the many poses people decided to do next to it #candid              It was certainly a different garden visit to what we are used to.

Another taxi ride and onto Jumeriah Mosque where non-muslims are invited inside to learn about prayers and the religion itself. You’d be surprised but I actually found it quite interesting and I was very impressed with how spongy the carpet was – a treat for the feet.

This afternoon and evening was spent in one of our favourite places in Dubai, The Burj Khalifa. Until the end of March they do a light show, a smaller display to what you see at New Year and it was amazing to watch. They did one themed around Chinese new year a few hours later. The fountains are also great to watch, so had a few sessions of that as well. We actually ate in a proper restaurant tonight whilst enjoying the people watching around the base of the Burj.

As the Dubai Mall is full of posh shops it would be rude to not pop into Tiffany’s. However they clearly knew we couldn’t afford anything as our every move was watched.

 

Dubai 4

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This girl is on fireeeee 🔥 we decided to spend the morning on the beach as we’ve had two very full on days. I’ve however failed as a ginger by not putting suncream on my legs and arse; I think you could probably fry an egg on them. Momma is just as bad!

This afternoon was the must do trip to the desert and it was fantastic. We drove over the dunes and watched the sun go down, rode a camel, ate far too much food, had a henna sesh, watched belly dancing then lay and watched the stars. It was the perfect end to the day. We also got to see Dubai’s impressive skyline as we drove back into the city.

It was nice not to have a maccies tea, although we did squeeze in a cheeky cake there earlier!