All deserts are Tharred with the same brush

Like Jodhpur, a majestic fort presides over the township of Jaisalmer. Apparently it is the oldest fortified town still in use. This town is the gateway to the Thar Desert, which I have just spent three days in riding a camel. The desert trek was led by Tiger, who is from a desert village about 100kms from where we roamed. More flatulent than his camels (Mr Magoo, Johnny and Michael Jackson), he was a wellspring of both information on the Thar desert and funny phrases, such as "no chai, no power" and "Camel college, plenty knowledge!"; and in relation to his flatulence; "in desert, you are eating and farting as much as you like" and "Dhal powered fart!". I

was joined on the trip by three legendary Argentinians called Emelio, Sophia, and Fernando. Emelio and Sophia are engaged, while Fernando is Sophia's brother - before travelling in India, they were in Egypt just before the civil strife that is happening at the moment. Emelio recently graduated from psychology just like me. They have convinced me that my next trip should be to South America, and agreed that my plan to do a che-guevara-esque bike trip around argentina and chile in the summer is a great idea. After mostly vegetarianism for the last month, the biggest beef country in the world (which also has cheap beer) is sounding very good to me! The trip

itself was quite difficult for me as I was hit with gastro at the worst possible time - the very night before the trek. It lasted through the whole trip, only improving on the third (and last day). Combined with jolting camel rides, it was painful! One good thing to come from the trip is that my previously weak, virginal upper thighs have now turned into veritable vice grips by the camel riding - camels are a lot harder to ride than horses! The first night in the desert, we camped in the sand dunes, which look amazing at sunset and sunrise. Both nights, we camped under the stars. It was so nice being somewhere that the stars still have power over the night sky, I could see so many compared to the 7 or so stars visible under the city lights! All in all, a worthwhile trip - I'm looking forward to a camel trek in the Sahara desert if I get to Morocco!!