As we stopped for Chai at the local village "store," the shopkeeper suggested a road though the desert that would bypass Bikaner and take about 30 - 45 km off our drive. Our "short cut" took us though the dunes on barely discernable roads or paths. Despite not knowing where we are going, we had no problem as everyone is so friendly and helpful. All our driver had to do was to ask someone here to go. The only challenge was there were not many people on these back trails, but we made it safely and it was fun to go through the villages.
Jodpur is known as the "Blue City" as the caste Brahma's or priests all paint their houses in the "old city" blue so everyone knows they are a Bhramain. It is also said that the blue color kept away mosquitoes.
We visited the impressive Jodpur fort high upon the hill overlooking the city. The current Maharja still uses it to hold official events.... (e.g coronations or Elizabeth Hurley's wedding recpetion!) After walking down the hill into the old city and the bazaar called Sadar Market we were taken to a textile store by our guide. I have to say that the Indian people have to be THE BEST SALES PEOPLE IN THE WORLD......needless to say we left with a few items. With all of the sounds, sights and smells and experiences of the day we went back to our hotel to rest, relax and recuperate.
The next day was our "road safari" out to the Bishnoi Villages. It was a fun day to visit a few villages and eat lunch at one man's house.
Our host for lunch.... where Beth helpped make Chapati from hand ground millet and wheat... over an open flame.
Stunning and heavy silver jewlrey adorn village women
Too bad.. we make better village people than Marharajas.
Nice posts - I love the pictures of details. Did you get into the blue part of Jodhpur? We didn't and didn't realize it was even there until we left town. My only complaint is that I have to register every time I want to check out your blog.
ReplyDeleteFinally able to catch up on your posts. For some baffling tech reason, I haven't been able to access your blog for a couple weeks.
ReplyDeleteLooks/sounds like you are truly enjoying India. Even though it's been over 25 years since we were there, it has remained one of my favorite places.
Great posts - you two look like naturals in the native dress.