We travelled over 360 kilometres today, leaving Jaipur at 6am and arriving at Jodhpur at 5.30pm – almost 12 hours of travel. But the day was enjoyable, Lassi drove like a dream except for one breakdown 40 kms from Jodphur. But as is typical, help emerged quickly, and a farmer road up on his motorbike towards us and quickly started working out what the problem was. His act of kindness was typical of Indian people – a genuine concern to help people in need. And for his trouble he decided to give us some watermelons – fresh from his farm. These are being prepared for breakfast tomorrow.
Jodphur is very different to Jaipur – the weather is hotter and the landscape now has a very desert look about it. Tomorrow we intend to look around the old city some more and give Lassi a rest – there is no doubt the heat and long distance today took its toll, so rest and some oil changes required before the final 280 km assault begins on Friday morning.
All going well we will cross the finish line on Friday, well ahead of plan, and in time for the cricket match Sunday afternoon, and finishing party Sunday evening.
By the way, today we had lunch with a Mayor of several villages, gave a lift to two Indian Railway workers, discussed local issues with several policemen, and met a senior official of the Congress Party. It is amazing how driving a Rickshaw can be an easy lead into all sorts of discussions about local issues. This has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip to date.
More tomorrow…
I could see from your travels you did not go to Mango town. I shall be Falconing in on ABC tonight Good Luck Safe travels GO Lassi.
P.S has Paul picked up any Project Management work
Well done gentlemen, what a great adventure.
Cricket match sounds like a good idea. Herald -Sun Melbourne are saying new coach will be J. Hird.
Hi Andrew and Paul,
Your tales of the road make me want to visit the hills and Rajasthan sooner rather than later. For us, it’s sort of escapist reading; you two maybe be modern day versions of Indiana Jones. Good luck for the final onslaught, go fast and safely. I’ll look forward to hearing more details of your misadventures soon.
Congrats on the journey – almost there! How’s the bum?? I imagine the springs would not be much for big Aussie bums!!!!!!! Look forward to more news and plenty of photos. Hope you get to see a bit of the footy in downtown Melb. Maybe a satellite dish somewhere in the desert? Keep a lid on the party! NOT REALLY!
The seats are actually quite comfortable…really! And we will be looking for the Downunder Bar in Jaisalmer for the football…there has to be one!
Hi Andrew! After reading all the posts, it seems you having good fun. Also, I hope seeing India in its truest sense would have been a different experience. Would like to hear more stories when we meet. Wish you and Lassi team all the best for the remaining two days too!!!
Good luck for the last day of the rickshaw run. I have my grading tomorrow for Blue tip! Feeling pretty good about it, a bit nervous. Can’t wait to see you Thursday night. 6 more sleeps! xooxoxoxooxoxooxoxooxoxoxxxooxoxo