Jaisalmer - The Desert Puppet Theatre

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The 'Golden City' of Rajasthan has many things to offer, from its ubiquitous camel safaris (see Johnny & Hoodu - we miss them so) to it's 12th,13th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th century fort (It was knocked down a few times. Actually they were pretty rubbish at defending it and it seems to have changed hands more times than Poland). However the undesputed highlight is hidding mere minutes from the old city, sneakily positioned in the arse end of nowhere that no tourist in their right mind would go near (we were lost again - I blame Lonely Planet's maps ) is the one, the only 'Desert Puppet Theatre'. One man's mission (we met him - he's lovely) to keep alive the anciet and mystical desert art of Punch and Judy.

Wonderful and engaging stories like 'boy and ball' and the classic 'man, woman, woman, man, man, woman, woman , man' were brought to life by skilled and dedicated artists - and a bloke on a kazoo. Almost magically the stage was transformed and we were transported to the deserts of old, living under the stars at one with camels and horses in a playground of fantastical wonder.

Honestly, it was pretty good fun and the blokes controling the puppets knew what they were doing. However, the biggest surprise of the night came when we turned round and saw the other half of the audience. As with every Indian we have met, has driven passed us, has caught a glimpse of us, he opened with

'Which country are you from' (add your own quintensential Indian head wobble)
"Scotland", came the reply
"Ah, I have been. Where are you from"
"Edinburgh", slightly bemused by his nod of understanding
"I came for the Tatoo and stayed at The George on George Street. Wonderful city. Very Cold."
"Ha yes" (terror/lack of understanding as most people have never heard of Scotland. In fact we have been told that the UK doesn't exist - which is rather worrying)
"Did you enjoy the show" etc.

We don't think too much of this chance meeting (they happen 20 times a day) until we exited and saw his full military escort and car with little Indian flags on the front and blacked out windows. He was clearly important, very important. Probably important enough to buy us dinner and drive us around India showing off the sights, wining and dinning with the stars. Ah what could have been.

Who he was we don't know, will we meet again - who can say. But one thing is for sure, we'll always have the Desert Puppet Theatre

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Photos

Our only companion on the fort walls
This was one of the cows that head butted Nic - tee hee

View from our window
This 300 year old haveli came complete with fitted electrics and steel girders - only slightly spoiling the desert ambience