More from Jaipur

Okay. Okay. I know I was here not very long ago, but I have had quite a strange day and so wanted to put pen to paper (metaphorically speaking).

The thing about today, which has been remarkable, is how many Indians have approached me to ask why tourists are so unfriendly... It seems to be an opener (and of course provokes a polite response because you don't want to be proof of the pudding - so to speak). But saying that, such discussions have never been unpleasant or aggressive, but people being genuinely perplexed why -- on approaching a foreigner and asking what they think about India -- they are told to "f*ck off". (I really hope this isn't true.)

Anyway, the first time this happened (I was approached: not that I said f*ck off), I tried politely to explain that maybe people were intimidated. The second time it happened was with Bharat, a 21 one year old history student here in Jaipur. I did fib a little. I told him I was finishing my masters (all true); didn't have a job (also true); and was 25 years old (big fat whopper). He also thinks I live with my boyfriend in London (I wish). Copious conversations ensued, and it was quite interesting hearing the perspective of a local. I did end up having some chai in tea shop. And so far, no ill effects.

I took guide around the Hawa Mahal: was also invited to tea; and a final invitation by a fourth chap to tea on the way home. So slightly more attention than my earlier report today. But nothing nasty.

I visited the City Palace. As I walked through the entrance, there was a bloke in a turban playing a pipe, and I squeezed between him and the basket in front of him. As I did so, I thought -- like a complete berk -- that there were two plastic snakes in the basket swaying from side to side. You know, like those plastic cods that sing Merry Christmas...?! Except they weren't plastic: one of them kind of lurched towards me as I walked past. They were king cobras.

When I passed on my return I was so taken by staring that I trod in some turd. So uncool. Sigh.

I m now going to have an early night. I have just spent the last hour chatting to a French chappy (about to go into seconde: they are getting progressively younger!!). Feeling a bit pooped after my exploits today. Waiting for the rain to come, which I am sure will be with us very shortly. And preparing to move on tomorrow.

xxxx