Hotel Kuber Porbandar

... top of the mountain you are met with a fascinating collection of beautifully carved Hindu and Jain temples, most of which were built around the twelfth century. The clouds, still as thick as they were before, swirled around the temple's large triangular spires and the many intricate statues as if it were a scene from an Indiana Jones movie, this mystical sight alone was definitely worth the climb. <br> We explored the temples for a while ...

... from the crushing crowds and the heat of the day. The beach was almost literally empty save for a few fisher people fishing with the myriad birds. We saw more salt piles. Much of Gujarat reminded me of the Magkhadaki salt pans in Botswana. We also decided to start keeping track of the funny Indian signs we see painted on vehicles, buildings and signposts. We'll collect those up and see what the collection looks like and share them if they seem worthwhile.

... of mishaps that could only happen in India... Aman, mom and I were directed to the ladies line where the woman making sure I was safe to travel questioned my Indian heritage and then scoffed when I told her I was Indian. Funny. Parneet had sent sandwiches and drinks with us, which we gave to Eric to carry for us. Unfortunately the juices were confiscated. My two giant water bottles filled with water were fine. Hmmmm.... I noticed lots of ...

... s lashing out at me. I start to get more acquainted with the Lathi as I receive a couple of hefty blows. One hits me right across my shoulder and the other on my arm. I leave the scene and walk further on where I meet my friend, I explain what happened but he seems unfazed and says don't worry there is just a few crazy ones out there, this is becoming the common saying, then he encourages me to take more photo's of the procession and of himself with fellow companions ...

... of the earthquake that occured in this area in 2002. This makes teaching English and amusing them all the more satisfying but at the same time tough. This Christmas was most definately one to remember as we were surrounded by all the extra joy and spirit of these special kids. We got them a little Christmas tree with hand-made decorations, gave them some sweets and even fitted in a round of pass the parcel before bed ...

... cows...camels...curry ...religion...beauty...poverty...bling. ..beeping horns...colours...beaches...palm trees...markets...chai...although a lot of this was unknown i took it in my stride and felt automatically at home here. The people stare some as we are visiting places that have rarely been host to a white face but it is in interest and wonder as opposed to anything else. The children cheer me up in particular with their laughs and smiles ...

Gujarat was never on the agenda but knowing it was a lesser-travelled state for tourist &amp; Rajasthan being on the other end of the pendulum I saw it as a welcome break to go and explore. After a few days of being in Gujarat I arrive in Porbander to visit Gandhi's birthplace. The building bears very little apart from a couple of large paintings on the wall of Gandhi, his mother &amp; father and markings on the floor to show the exact spot where Gandhi was born. There ...

The earth has enough for everyone's need, but not for anyone's greed ~ Gandhi South of the peaks of Girnar are the dry deciduous forested hills of Gir, the last home for the Asiatic Lion. Yes, the lion, Ashoka's symbol, Buddha's roar, and an intimate aspect of south Asian culture could easily disappear through disease or another major disaster, and most people don't even know it exists. Tigers of India have become a poster ...

Back on the dodgy buses we headed to the Safari Park at Sasan Gir to hunt down the last few remaining Asiatic Lions in the world. We were unsuccesful! Was it really worth the 10 hour journey...? Probably, we had great Palak Paneer (Spinach and cheese) curry to make up for the dissapointment!

... and who should drive past than the Maharaja's son in an open top jeep. It was worth staying the extra night. Didnt do much else except drink with a brummie from Dudley and his German girlfriend in a swanky bar where rum and coke was only 70 pence. Also got myself further addicted to lassi's with saffron inside, an expensive addiction. I left Jodphur ready for my 8 hour bus ride to Udaipur, plus the little extra ...