My last blog was a retrospective, today I’m looking forward to my trip – I am leaving on the 11^th of March. It’s a week away! And no, I’m not very ready… And I’m flying into Rajasthan’s main city, Jaipur. From there I go to Jaisalmer, Jodphur and then to Delhi. Then I fly to Sri Lanka for 2.5 weeks. So what am I most looking forward to?

1. Camels in the desert, Jaisalmer

In 1999, my only foray into Rajasthan prior to my upcoming trip, I never headed as far west as Jaisalmer, where people take treks into the desert on camels. Not that I am keen to ride a camel to be honest. But I would like to head out into the desert for a night and this should be the perfect opportunity. And yeah, there may be some camels around. I don’t fancy getting on one, I’ve had plenty of chances in Egypt, Iran and Jordan to get on one, and nothing has propelled me to climb on board. But, I guess you never know.

2. Nuwara Eliya, Tea Plantations and Cooler Weather

I think after two weeks of hot weather to start my trip, when I get to the Sri Lankan high country it’s going to be a big relief. A chance for a little hiking, beautiful scenery, and the tea plantations too is making this quite something to look forward too.

3. Trains, trains and also, trains!

There’s no country to ride the trains quite like India. Even if I’m not roughing it in 2^nd class this time – it’s going to be an amazing experience. I’ve chosen day journeys, so that’s good too. Lots to see out there and train life as well. I’ll be on the train a few times in Sri Lanka too. It’s a different experience, the trains will be climbing a bit, some lush greenery in the hills. Can’t wait!

4. The Blue City

Jodphur is a place I haven’t been before, and is legendary for its blue buildings. I’m very excited to see this place, to explore something for the first time.

5. Getting decent photos of Rajasthan

As I talk about my previous trip dating back to 1999, you can see that the photos are old, scratchy and frankly a bit rubbish. Compounded by the fact I didn’t take many of them. Yeah, they were taken on film which does provide a little extra nostalgia, but really I want some decent quality digital photos of both India and Sri Lanka under my belt. That will bring a little genuine satisfaction!

6. Getting a Shave

Yes. That’s right. In India you can get an amazing shave in these small little barber shops. They are also!

7. Getting on that aeroplane!

I tell you, with the last twelve months I’ve had, I am literally staggering to the line of getting away again. Although it’s only about 10 months since my last trip, I feel like it was so much longer ago. Working excessive hours, being tired, frustrated with life and work… I just can’t wait to finally get away from it all for 4 weeks. March the eleventh is that date. It can’t come soon enough!

 

And there you are. A quick list today. The days are disappearing, but somehow it seems further away than it did at Christmas! Still, I suppose the day will come… thanks for stopping by today – and May the Journey Never End!