Hannah’s Weblog

I felt that I should publish my thoughts on Jailsalmer, having just read back over it I apologise for the rant, but remain firm in my feelings towards the place. The camel safari was fantastic however….Kim and I were joined by our friends James, Will, Manu and Daniel and really enjoyed travelling by camel, sitting under the shade of tree for fresh roti and veg curry and sleeping under the most amazing sky I have ever seen.

Since Jaisalmer Kim and I spent two nights in Jodhpur. I instantly fell for Jodhpur, like Jaisalmer it has a fantastic fort but thankfully Jodhpur’s maharajah has preserved it as a monumental national treasure. It now has a museum which made a fantastic morning visit for Kim, David and I, and I would highly recommend the audio guide which retold wonderful pieces of history and stories about the ancient citadel of the sun. While in Jodhpur we once again bumped into Anne, and also spent an afternoon with Reeka in her home. Reeka very generously and patiently gave us a cooking lesson. We spent a good few hours in her tiny yet immaculately organised kitchen, learning to make raita, seven different ways to make roti and a varity of vegetarian curries. It was a wonderful experience that gave us an insight into the lives of the people and a reflection on how busy and hard working the women of India are. The city of Jodhpur is like a beautiful blue wash cubic painting, again I was charmed by its terrace rooftops and busy markets, oh and its famous omlette sandwiches which were delicious!!

Now me, Kim and David (who has flown up from Goa and re-organised his trip to travel with us) are in Pushkar. Legend has it that Brahma dropped a lotus leaf in the desert and Pushkar emerged. The holy city has over 50 temples which sit beautifully around the main lake. We love pushkar…..it is famous for its bhang lassies and Israeli community who smoke, smile and crave the hippy peace loving lifestyle. The narrow streets that bustle behind the white ghats are overflowing with hippy indie clothes and funky cafes. We are now in Rajasthan’s marriage seasons so the air is full of celebration, music, brass bands parading and people draped in gorgeous clothes.

Rajasthan is a world away from Goa and Mumbai, the ancient dessert cities that we have traveled between are ghostly yet electric in their activity. The difference in architecture, temperature and scenery have been amazing to observe. Tomorrow we are heading to Agra to see the great Taj Mahal, then further up north………….