Although our work is never-ending, now is the time that when we can slow down just a tiny bit. Briefly. As the “tourist season” draws to a close, we've got a whole host of things lined up for the summer (including more tours!) but, essentially we'll also have a little bit of time to take stock and reflect on what has been a fantastic first season for Wire.

Traditionally, the monsoon months in India are July and August - refreshing rains sweep across the country, easing summer temperatures and reviving the landscape. September flourishes and everyone prepares for the influx of visitors, marked by the moderate temperatures from October through to March. In Rajasthan, a predominantly desert state the monsoon rains are much anticipated, the life source for agriculture on which its people depend. In the six years leading up to 2010, the annual monsoons had been something of a disappointment leading to scarce supplies and even more than usual revealing dried up river beds and empty lakes. Vast swathes of land revelaed themselves where once massive bodies of water had stood. And so with great trepidation, everyone waited for the 2010 monsoon.

The word on the street is that Bundi is the next big thing. Give it two or three years they're saying. And it's quite possibly true, although we'd like to think that it will always be the small town with the friendly people. Having only been there once before there was a definite feelgood factor about a handful of people actually remembering you.