Aaaaand breathe.

Arriving in Jaisalmer was like a breathe of fresh air... literally. A break from car fumes, endless beeping and grid-locked roads was most definitely welcomed and we instantly took a liking to the 'Golden City'.  We went for a wander around the maze of walkways and markets and were astounded to find we could actually browse the little shops without being hassled to buy something until we were half way down the street!

After a VERY hot night in our hostel room (apparently air con isn't a thing in Jaisalmer!) we were up at the crack of dawn, ready to embark on a two day camel safari. We were driven into the heart of the Thar desert, where our guides prepared us a breakfast over an open fire. Once we had eaten, we were paired up with our trusty steeds for the next two days! Butty was riding 'Desert King'; thirteen years of age and quickly turned out to be the hungriest Camel in Jaisalmer. I was riding 'Orky'; a little brown camel who was only six and loved to be scratched on his head (although an occasional biter!).

After about half an hour on the safari, we had the realisation that camels are really not very comfortable. Unfortunately for Butty, Desert King also appeared to be the widest camel in Jaisalmer, so her legs got quite the workout. After two and a half hours of riding, we were well and truly ready for a lunch break and some rest.

Because the guides had to make a fire, prepare and cook lunch, and untack the camels and lead them to water, the entire lunch break took near enough three hours. Ask anyone, and the concept of sitting in a desert for three hours with nothing to do would usually completely freak me out, but there was something so peaceful about where we were that the time flew by. We lay under a tree and listened to little chipmunks scurrying up and down tree trunks and the many songs of the many birds. You could hear the wind sweeping over the desert about ten seconds before you could feel it, giving us a much needed breeze in the 40 degree heat.

We rode for another couple of hours before landing in some sand dunes which would be camp for the night, along with 11 other tourists. We drank more tea and got to know everyone before heading out to watch the sunset from the top of a dune. After dinner, we made our way to bed (as early as 8pm due to the excessive beetles running around the place!) and lay peacefully whilst watching the stars appear for the night. We both woke numerous times in the night, totally forgetting where we were, and then looking up and seeing a ceiling of the most beautiful, glittery sky. It was a very special moment we will both remember.

The next morning we did the final stint of our ride. Whilst all the other riders stayed roped together, Butty and I got to off piste and lead the rest of the group. By this point, Butty's legs were really feeling the wrath of Desert King's wide build, and it was quite the picture when our guide decided it was time for us to let the camels run for about ten minutes. As Butty neared tears, I couldn't help but laugh as our guide continued to instruct the camels to run faster and faster!! (We are still recovering about five days later).

The next few days were spent exploring the absolutely magnificent fort, roaming the quirky streets, chilling by the pool (we managed to find a hostel within a hotel - basically staying in the basement by the storeroom but with all the hotel facilities), and eating beautiful Indian food. We tried Thali for the first time, which is a dish made up of five smaller plates to give you a variety of flavours. It is served with rice, chapattis, and popadoms and tasted insane. Jaisalmer is renowned for it's spicy food so even with us saying "teeny tiny spice", the Thali was the spiciest thing we have ever eaten!

It is safe to say we are both big fans of Jaisalmer. We had to resist the temptation to buy all the beautiful wall hangings, bags and jewellery, but decided we will definitely be back one day with empty rucksacks to fill!! Now onwards and upwards we go to Bikaner and Amritsar where the drop in temperature will be most welcome.