8.4.2008

Back in Jaisalmer

Its good to be back in this Golden City, life is so much more relaxed. There areant so many tourists, most shops have closed, the ones left open do such hard sale that you dont even dare go anywhere near them. There is a festival today, of women, who make wishes for good husbands and if they are married for the goodness of their husband (hows that still women's festival anyway?). The maharaja will come to the city palace today, cit on the marbel throne (ouch, it'll be hot), salute the locals and make prayers. Then there is a procession to the lake where people make more pujas and walk back to the square. There are already young girls and women dressed in beautiful saris, full-on make up and covered in gold jewellery going to the Jain temple. Mum and I already stopped a bunch of girls on their way and took some photos.

Last few days have been pretty easy going. Rahman gets on better with the locals. He was playing cricket with the kids, drinking beer with shop owners and chatting up other backpackers. It works for him, yet I still wonder what he will take back home from this holiday. Whether he is at all interested in the culture and poor beings around us.

We'll go for the desert safari tomorrow and then yet another long car journey to Pushkar. We are simply whizzing around but taking it easy at the same time.