Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We arrived at Chandelao Garh, the home of the local Lord .... it is a medieval fort that has been converted into a small hotel and ... we are the only guests at the moment!! Our rooms are the old horse stables ... which have been beautifully renovated .. the owner Mr Pradhuman Singh is delightful and very regal!!! As are his labrador and dash-hound pooches!! After a lovely lunch ... a great massage and a rest we head off late in the afternoon on a village walk!! Children scream with delight when the see us and line up for 'one photo' which really means 10!! They are so happy, just wanting their picture taken, not asking for money, pens or lollies...
The women are really interesting .. The ones who have come from outside this village to marry must cover their faces with a veil and those who have grown up in the village and married a local man can have their faces uncovered. They wear a lot of gold .. Even I have gold envy!!! Through their nose, on their forehead, round their neck, wrists .. and the men all have pierced ears with gold flowers with rubies ... in a daisy pattern!
We wandered to the well and watched the young girls haul the water up into water containers to carry on their heads .. much laughter when Rosie and Ray jumped into help!!!
Back to the Fort and the Gin and Tonics were calling Rosie and I!! Dinner on the roof top of the fort overlooking the village was a perfect end to a great day!
Rooftop breakfast was delightful ... listening to the village come alive! Off on a jeep safari to a few nearby villages - but first a stop at the local school so Shari could deposit the remaining pencils she brought from home. So many children sitting quietly, waving shyly at us ... absolutely fantastic!
On to the villages, bouncing along in a jeep that is probably older than time itself .... light monsoon rain falling ... didn't deter anyone man, woman or child from asking for 'one photo!!' groups of woman formed instantly posing for photos! Their saris are so colorful and their faces so pretty! The men with their turbans are amazing. Mix in a heap of cows and goats a few camels and a heap of dogs ... and you really need to watch where you step!!
We visited the local shoe maker, potters, sewing ladies, saw wild buck, deers and village life that probably hadn't changed in 100 years! Incredible India!!
Onward to the city of Jodhpur - far from the quiet village ... looked a bit dodgy as we tried to find our hotel ... lots of people gave us directions ... all different ... then we stopped in front of the Ratan Villas ... and our jaws dropped!! Amazing!! Yes we love you Rustic India .. quick change and we have ordered lunch and lolling in the pool!! Ahhh!!
- comments