We found the Russians to be warm, friendly people, and we got some insights into their ways, making it easier for us to relate to them. Michael refused to fly on Wednesday the 13th, so we organized a sightseeing trip to Pune for part of the group.

Non-flyers made the most of the simple life at Kamshet visiting the weekly market, buying saris and traditional silver jewelry and visiting the Karle and Bhaja Buddhist caves to see the beautiful rock cut carvings built in the 2nd century BC.

Coconut water, watermelons, barbeques, spicy curries, chilled beer and vodka were key words as were flying, lying in the sun and floating about in the lake