We are on our way to Pushkar this morning after a few event-filled days in Johdpur. Our car is wi-fi enabled, air conditioned of course, and happens also to be non-polluting which is all helpful. Only non-polluting cars are allowed in some places, for example near the Taj. I'm not sure how all those motorcycles managed it but perhaps that explains the horse- drawn carriages and rickshaws.
All of the guides insist on taking us to see the local artisans which of course is a ruse to get you to buy. The prices are high and the exchange rates low, and include as much as 20% commission to the guide. Bargaining here is mandatory but we are advised that that same 20% is about how much room you have to bargain with. The Delhi shop was very expensive but we did brush up on our carpet facts. We've been through this before but it is nice to be reminded that silk costs more than wool, just in case you take a fancy to a nice silk on silk carpet design. This morning we managed to each buy a small carpet. That's it-- no more shopping for me. We don't travel to shop and it is annoying when we are pushed into it. We would much rather be on the street or in a spa!
We stayed in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Well just kidding, of course. It was the Alsisar Haveli in Jaipur, but I'm sure you get the idea. We enjoyed breakfast and afternoon drinks (Indian gin and Schwepps tonic) in a huge courtyard, but it was only one of several (courtyards that is, not g and t!). There were of course comfortable seating spaces scattered throughout and our third floor room (no elevator) was set on a large upper patio with views across the bustling (dirty, crowded! crazy) city. Decorative coloured glass windows cast diamond patterns on our walls in the afternoon. We could have enjoyed this little oasis much longer and perhaps taken on the pool and an Ayurveda massage, but its onward for us. We have an ambitious itinerary.
So off to the desert town of Pushkar. Now that we are out of the city the highway is good. Pushtar is a holy city, where Hindus come to worship at the Brahma temple. This is where there is no alcohol allowed and all food is vegetarian, however, Rashpal has advised that our hotel is outside of the city! Whew. So we have time today to walk around the lake, and if we wish, take in the holy waters. I'm not quite sure what that entails, but will let you know if we do indulge, since it is likely to wear off before we get home. We will visit the temple, and check out a restaurant recommended to us by fellow travellers. Rashpal has offered to help us try a few specialties of the area foodwise on the street, but only after his careful screening of the vendor. We are also looking for some cheap white pants and tunics--emphasis on cheap--in preparation for Holi which is in two days. This is the Hindu festival of colour when people throw paint bombs at each other. We will be sure to take pictures! Apparently that washes off too.
Margaret has been practicing Hindi with our driver and managed so far how are you, I'm fine, and thank you. I'm stuck on hello and goodbye, which is of course, namaste.
Lunchtime. Later!
All of the guides insist on taking us to see the local artisans which of course is a ruse to get you to buy. The prices are high and the exchange rates low, and include as much as 20% commission to the guide. Bargaining here is mandatory but we are advised that that same 20% is about how much room you have to bargain with. The Delhi shop was very expensive but we did brush up on our carpet facts. We've been through this before but it is nice to be reminded that silk costs more than wool, just in case you take a fancy to a nice silk on silk carpet design. This morning we managed to each buy a small carpet. That's it-- no more shopping for me. We don't travel to shop and it is annoying when we are pushed into it. We would much rather be on the street or in a spa!
We stayed in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Well just kidding, of course. It was the Alsisar Haveli in Jaipur, but I'm sure you get the idea. We enjoyed breakfast and afternoon drinks (Indian gin and Schwepps tonic) in a huge courtyard, but it was only one of several (courtyards that is, not g and t!). There were of course comfortable seating spaces scattered throughout and our third floor room (no elevator) was set on a large upper patio with views across the bustling (dirty, crowded! crazy) city. Decorative coloured glass windows cast diamond patterns on our walls in the afternoon. We could have enjoyed this little oasis much longer and perhaps taken on the pool and an Ayurveda massage, but its onward for us. We have an ambitious itinerary.
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| Sharing the road... |
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| We toured Fatehpur Sikri and exchanged photos with these tourists from Kolkata |
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| Detail at Fatehpur Sikri on the road to Jaipur |
So off to the desert town of Pushkar. Now that we are out of the city the highway is good. Pushtar is a holy city, where Hindus come to worship at the Brahma temple. This is where there is no alcohol allowed and all food is vegetarian, however, Rashpal has advised that our hotel is outside of the city! Whew. So we have time today to walk around the lake, and if we wish, take in the holy waters. I'm not quite sure what that entails, but will let you know if we do indulge, since it is likely to wear off before we get home. We will visit the temple, and check out a restaurant recommended to us by fellow travellers. Rashpal has offered to help us try a few specialties of the area foodwise on the street, but only after his careful screening of the vendor. We are also looking for some cheap white pants and tunics--emphasis on cheap--in preparation for Holi which is in two days. This is the Hindu festival of colour when people throw paint bombs at each other. We will be sure to take pictures! Apparently that washes off too.
Margaret has been practicing Hindi with our driver and managed so far how are you, I'm fine, and thank you. I'm stuck on hello and goodbye, which is of course, namaste.
Lunchtime. Later!
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