Before starting the 'pimp' itself there was a lot of shopping to be done. Jerry cans, garlands, paints, mascots and more were all bargained for and we returned laden and armed for an art attack. Another friendly encounter in the market meant that we also came back with a private "driving" lesson booked for 5pm.
Finally we got stuck in: 2 rickshaws. 5 minds abuzz with creative ideas. One Wannabe Westwood introducing the first ever episode of Pimp My Shaw. Fast forward 12 frantic hours and the team had stuck, painted, tied, transferred, traced and taped all sorts onto the 'shaws.
Mr Mercury and Granny were complete.
We'd like to take a moment to explain our name choices. In late 2014 Paul's grandmother passed away. Those of us lucky to have spent time with her knew her to be a truly cracking lady and she was fondly 'Granny' to all, irrespective of whether you were a family member. She is sorely missed by the Bennett family and RickinIt are happy she'll be joining us on this adventure. Meanwhile Mr Mercury aka Freddie Mercury acquired his name after much group debate and based on his moustache. Said moustache was not acquired through our own artistic talent but rather through a local artist, who like so many others was more than happy to help. We've yet to decide whether all the help we garnered was based off pity or generosity but either way we really needed and appreciated it.
A hiatus in the pimping was taken for the arranged lesson and PB and Fi were up first in Mr Mercury. Just an hour later the 'instructor' returned to pick the rest of the crew up and take Granny for a spin. Slight snag that PB had merrily forgotten to give us the keys to her. What would usually be a stumbling block to driving a vehicle was brushed aside by our instructor. By the time the girls had run upstairs to drop off bags and returned he had hot wired the 'shaw and done a Uie. The gals were impressed until the 'instructor' told us that 'No worries, all Indians can do this'. Perfect, 1 billion people skilled enough to steal our rickshaws and one fairly flimsy bike lock to lead the counter attack...
2 hours of training later, following a lot of stalling, questionable steering and a quick trip down the wrong side of a dual carriageway and we're totally ready to tackle the Indian roads. And by ready we obviously mean only 2 of 5 members have actually been able to start the rickshaws, and no one has mastered the emergency stop. Good.
As of midnight before the big departure, you'll be please to know our current plan is 'Turn right out of the hostel, left at the main road and onwards to Jodhpur.' We agree it might not seem like much but we have faith.
The day has come and off we go!
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