I was looking forward to this one...for personal and emotional reasons....Finally THE MOTHERLAND!

I can say a million things about this place that i've seen and been completely shocked or suprised by. There is no way you can't come back from India and not be taken aback by either of those 2 options! It's a country whereby people make up their own rules.....There aren't even rules to abide by. Corruption, craziness and unpredictability spring to mind among other things....and it just made the experience a bit more worthwhile.

Things didn't start off too well, I have to admit I wasn't enjoying the 5 star hotel status...It bothered me bigtime. When you're travelling you get the feel of a country and you get to know the place through the people...not how we would live back home. I made a slight mistake of thinking I was still backpacking (meant to be a holiday) but at the same time people were making other assumptions....a genuine mismatch.

I decided to make a decision on my own part and join my parents in the village life...back where it all started for them in Gam (Gam means village)! This has been an incredibly interesting and frustrating time on my part. All this time I thought that I had really good Gujarati....and as I write this I've completely realised how wrong I've been about that. In fact my Gujarati is shockingly bad....In England I survive well to the point where relatives compliment me on my verbal skills. I get the same in Gam but it sounds different somehow....like they're not entirely convinced...and not likely to bullshit about it.

Although things didn't work out in the first week or so (for several reasons), I still enjoyed that time. Seeing a tribute to Gandhi in Mumbai (A mini museum) was special....I didn't realise the extent (due to naiveity) to which he has touched so many Indians. A treasure.....The man was a marvel...and someone that people should strive to but unfortunately don't. This world is filled full of greed...Money is seen as power. Seeing that museum completely made Mumbai....along with being around family, something I've missed since being away.

Delhi is completely gorgeous and COLD (at this time of the year)!!!!!!!!!! Jesus that place needs to be hotter even if it is winter! It's full of gorgeous sights...including the final resting place of Gandhi...he made his mark on this country, which extends to being a big influence on how the national flag looks. I sort of wonder what he'd think if he saw India now. Diwani Khas was a sight to behold...I was completely impressed by inside and outside...the detail was awesome!

Agra......Do I even need to spell it out. You've probably even seen my pictures. If you still haven't got the reason why people go to Agra...You frankly need some help! The Taj Mahal has made my year. I didn't even remember such a thing to be as amazing as it was when I first saw it very young....we must have spent around 2 hours there. Taking pictures, sitting down, being told off for leaning against the walls (TWICE for me)! You name it we must have done anything and everything there.

I sat near the west wall of the Mahal for about less than an hour just thinking how lucky I was to be there. How amazing it is to think a husband did it as a gesture for his wife (He's set a benchmark...BASTARD!). None of the other sights really deserve attention after that.

I lasted one day of the tiger safari before I caved in and left for Gam. Weakness? Maybe. Perhaps I'd had enough of being criticised....but for what reason? It's happened and it's in the past now. GAM!!!! What the hell was I letting myself in for???!?! Weeelllllll.....The first thing I remember after my train ride and getting in the back of the van was the smell of crap! The simple country/farmyard life consists of it!

I hadn't seen most of my family from India since 1993, whereby the most I remember is being bollocked by my Mama (Uncle) about chucking my cousin into the cowshed and the other of being sick constantly. Things had changed indeed! What set the tone was the question I knew was on everyone’s lips, and with which both mamas obliged.."Are you ready to get married?"...cheeky buggers!

Village life is pretty different and is probably (or not) how you might expect it. Life for the mamas revolves around keeping the Ketty (farmland) going. My Mamis (aunties) are more worried about how best to feed everyone. Unfortunately, I found the mama's to be a bit frustrating with the way they think. It's all still caveman-style alpha male....which means women come second. But what's funny is my uncles are scared of their wives slightly....to the point where things like eating meat and drinking booze is hidden away in fear they might be caught. HILARIOUS!

I managed to get 2 mini trips going with both uncles (unexpected) and turned out to be great. One of those of whom took me towards the Ellora Caves....these were immense and definitely worthwhile during a trip to india if you're anywhere near the region. I also got to see a rainbow sunset (sky was coloured in tune with the rainbow) at 6.11pm along with Gabrielle's "Dreams" playing on the ipod. My other uncle made things special with sunset point at Mount Abu....spectacular beyond belief! I can honestly say it's something you could save for someone special one day...that amazing!!

I can tell you about another experience I had at a major tourist attraction that had no toilets (It's hilarious, but you probably won't talk to me again, I was desperate!...Just send me a private message if you’re as desperate as I was (to know!))

I also managed to go to an Indian movie (I avoided these sort of things at all cost at home)...I got to admit it was pretty good, although incredibly girly..it was good. I hadn't connected with my roots this way before....it felt strange. Almost as if I was ignorant and learnt my ways....I really have neglected certain things in my life....a certain influence or attitude. Give it a chance and it could change you for the better.

It would finally be wrong of me to not mention the terrorist attacks and how we avoided them by literally days (we were in the Taj the days before it happened..drinking merrily)...It was completely saddening. I couldn't think if I lost my family or friends the way those other people have. But it's made me more greatful to have them still and maybe I have time to put things right that might be wrong. :)