Earplugs

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The night time revalry was pretty loud. It wasn't easy to sleep through but we managed it.

An early start by auto rickshaw to the tiny Orchha train station. Lots of local people travelling somewhere lined the platform. The ticket office open just before the train was due. However, there was no change available so the ticket seller wouldn't take a 100 rupee note. A very kind local man stepped up and paid the 10 rupees we needed. We were very grateful for his help and tried to find change with the stall holders. Not a chance! It is becoming a little tricky in India to find small change. Everyone pays using their phones and scans a QR code or desperately holds onto their change as it is hard to find. It doesn't help that we can't use the UPI (payment) apps as we have no Indian Bank account. And that the ATM spits out 500 rupee notes when what we need are 20s and 10s!

Another local showed us some temple shots from Khajuro. We sniggered! Enough said.


The train arrived on time and we are off to Mohoba junction where we will change trains to Khajuraho. It was packed but some kind ladies budged up to let Christine sit with them. The men were standing but suggested the luggage rack way up high would be the place for Darryl to sit. A good call as he sat amongst the fans. Thankfully they were off as it was pretty chilly this morning.

We were definitely in need of train chai and soon it came. 10 rupees of milky marvel! Darryl finished his chai pretty quick and passed his cup down from his perch towards Christine to be carefully disposed of in the bin. Intercepted from an outstretched arm by a local, helpful as ever. He grabbed it and threw it out of the window! This is normal behaviour.


Destination Khajuraho - The usual auto drivers attacked at the train station. We ignored them but a taxi driver arrived and offered us a hugely discounted price. We took his offer and he took us to where we needed to go, right next to the Shiv Sagar Lake. Our friend was waiting outside. We chatted, drank tea and decided on a plan for the rest of the day.

We are a Thali for lunch but
Christine started to feel a little unwell so then went to sleep. Darryl toured the small town continually 'harrassed' to buy a temple tour, postcards, wooden sculptures, food etc et It is obvious that there are not many foriegn tourists in town and people need to get what money that can from anyone!


Darryl stumbled across an old Hindi movie playing in a large tented area. He was invited in to watch. It wasnt long before another person introduced himself and wanted to sell a tour. This hasn't played such a prominent partnin any other Indian city. Things are looking a little more desperate here!
Darryl missed most of the movie and when it ended walked just around the corner to a small temple. The temple contained a huge Shiva in the centre. Once again Darryl found a lingering friend that wanted to sell him a tour. In fact Darryl was never alone for one minute due to the local salesmen...


Evening chatter commenced and was followed by an amazing veg stirfry before retiring for the night.

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