A Royal Boat Ride

Sunday 4 January 2009 Pune, India
Today Vijaya took us to the Shaniwar Wada Fort. Built in 1732, this 6 acre plot had a beautiful palace which after fire in the 1800's is only left by the foundations and its fountains. The grounds are beautiful and it must have been amazing back when it was built. Later that night we returned to the Fort with Karishma for a sound and light show. For the show they have a narrated story about the history of the palace and its falling, matched with synchronised coloured lighting directed at different areas of the Fort. Then off in a rickshaw for dinner with Karishma and her friends at The Royal Connaught Boat Club in Pune. Once again we were spoilt by hospitality and had our dinner shouted along with drinks. Karishma's friends are really lovely people, and lots of fun. We've noticed that Indian men don't feel inhibited asking other people to dance, and Pete had a number of invitations to get up with Karishma's friends to dance and ended up getting up and having a dance. To all our Australian mates, as soon as we get home, if we are out with you, anywhere, make sure you ask Pete to dance, I'm sure he'll love it. Another late night, but all the merrier for it, and a wonderful day had.