Ajmer/ Pushkar

I sat next to a Muslim dwarf, on the baggage rack, on the train to Ajmer. Thought that was worth noting. No, you cant buy tickets for the baggage rack, but I had only bought a general seating ticket - 45rs, and there weren't any general seats left!

The town center was PACKED, and the Islamic shrine I had hoped to see, as well as being hopelessly crowded, also had a 'no bag/ no camera' policy, which meant it faced a 'no Pete' outcome.

Didn't come here for that though, as Ajmer is the gateway to the town of Pushkar.

Rather jumbled notes from here, so will do my best.

The reason I came to Pushkar was, well, I am not really sure. I think I had just heard fellow travelers talking about it, and it sounded nice in the Rough Guide. The Holi festival was taking place that morning, and it is famous for the throwing of paint on people. It was something I wanted to take part in, although I am glad I arrived late in the town square, as it looked like (and later conversations confirmed) that it had been like a war zone... clothes being ripped, and tonnes of paint being thrown, splashed, inbibed and generally abused! I arrived at the tail end, and still got 'painted', but was able to get it off with 1 shower, unlike some people WHO ARE STILL PINK/PURPLE (10 days later).

Because of the holiday, all the cafes/restaurants were closed, bar 1 place doing Israeli food.. and it was this place that got me sick..... damm you Felafel and humus wrap for tempting me!

I tried not to let it ruin my visit though, and managed to see the sites of the town, get my 50rs blessing at the lake, and doing lots of relaxing in bed (while not on the toilet). I was feeling slightly better the next day, so wanted to visit a very highly recommended cafe, where I had a great tofu and aubergine sandwich, but in hindsight, was rather a waste, as it was expensive, and came straight back out again. The clientele at the place though, made me realise that while I am another backpacker in India, I cannot call myself a hippy. I dont seem to share the same views, certainly not the fashions, and I think my view of my own self importance is kept mostly in check. The conversation of a young couple from Oregon sitting next to me angry. They were talking about how much they loved India, especially the food, while eating tofu salad and drinking milkshakes. They were not interested in going to China as there was nothing to see and no one speaks English there, and "because the population is so large, the culture is watered down with sudo-arts". As if China is so different from India, in terms of population and tourism. All of this took place while they were wearing the 'Indian' clothes that only tourists wear... angry!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overall though, I dont think I missed too much by being sick here, as Pushkar is a town aimed squarely at tourists (every building seems to be a guesthouse or a shop)