Scheherazade would have felt at home &ndash the demise of the camel caravans and the partition

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Scheherazade would have felt at home – the demise of the camel caravans and the partition of India have fossilised Jaisalmer, almost as if the "Tales of the Arabian Nights" had never ended.Service?The staff are helpful and speak some English Food can be served in your room if you feel anti-social. Musicians play in the courtyard every evening.Rooms?Eleven quite small, simply furnished, but far from cell-like rooms. All have a small bathroom with a shower and loo (sitting, not squatting). All have a view over the desert, some more impressive than others Sheets are changed daily if requested Deluxe doubles cost 1,050 rupees (£16) Standard doubles cost RS850 (£13). Book ahead.Food?Although there is a restaurant, you can eat on the terrace, too Breakfast Rs80; main meals Rs180.

The Rajasthan special menu is Rs300 – more courses, bigger portions and better quality goat, goat and more goat, and chicken. The Trio restaurant near the main gate is excellent for a change.Clientele?Better-off back packers and discerning independent travellers.Things to do?When you have finished exploring the warren of streets overhung by exquisitely carved stone balconies, the 15th-century temples and the sandswept medieval tombs just outside the city, you could take a camel safari – everyone does. Ask at the tourist office by the main gate for recommendations.Address?Jaisal Castle Hotel, Jaisalmer 345 001, Rajasthan, India (00 91 2992 52362; email: naraynniwas satyan .in).. Needless to say it was the name that drew us to this place. As far as names go Fray Bentos is right up there with Intercourse, Pennsylvania, and Nowhere, Ukraine.

Even though we're here I find it difficult to believe that the town, home to the original "frigorifico", or meat-rendering and cold-storage plant, exists. Needless to say it was the name that drew us to this place. As far as names go Fray Bentos is right up there with Intercourse, Pennsylvania, and Nowhere, Ukraine. Even though we're here I find it difficult to believe that the town, home to the original "frigorifico", or meat-rendering and cold-storage plant, exists. We had expected an industrial setting, the South American equivalent of Bolton or Hartlepool, but we couldn't have been more wrong The town is a delight. It is laid out along the banks of the river Uruguay, there are palm trees and willows everywhere and there is even a replica of the Crystal Palace bandstand in the middle of the main square, a gift from the old factory to the town. We arrived at lunchtime and the place was deserted, with only a faint melody from a radio to disturb the tranquilo on which Uruguay prides itself.Saturday night was a different matter.