Jodhpur

First, let me thank Scottie B for recommending I visit Jodhpur. I was going to bypass this town and head straight to Jaislamer but I'm happy I did not.

Second, after a rough beginning, I have come to love this foreign land called India. It is truly a magical place with gracious people, rich history, delicious foods and an unexplainable force that invades your body and lifts your spirit. Sure, as with any relationship, their are hardships but that only makes for a memorable experience and stronger bonds. Now, to my latest travel happenings....

Once again I was able to sit on top of the bus as it made its way from Pushkar to Jodhpur. There is nothing like having the warm India wind caress your face as the landscape of Rajasthan speeds by (they do not drive fast here). As the many faces of the locals and bright colors of their clothes pass underneath me, a smile grabs hold of me as I realize my situation. I am very lucky to be doing what I am doing. I never forget this fact.

About 3 hours into our 5 hour journey, my new traveling friend Mathiu joined me on the rooftop. We laughed together at the wonder of our trip and the sights that lay before our eyes. We did encounter a brief light rain that pelted our faces and bodies like pinpricks, but the emerging sun made quick work of our damp clothes. As you will see by the many photos of the bus trip, the hours on the top of the bus were most enjoyable and rewarding.

Upon arriving in Jodhpur, once again we were quickly surrounded by men selling their guest house services. "My friend, try my house", "My guest house is recommended by Lonely planet", "Hellooooo...Hellooooo....Guest house of me is very nice". But alas, I had already had a guest house in mind thanks again to Scottie B. After some negotiating, I secured a room at the Haveli Guest House (large bed, fan, very clean bathroom) for $4 per night. The rooftop restaurant provides a spectacular view of the mighty fort as well as a panoramic vision of the entire city of Jodhpur.

Now that I am on my own again, I was energized to get moving and see the various sights Jodhpur had to offer. A quick lunch on the rooftop restaurant with two Brittish girls (Clare, Emily and I swapped travel stories of India and tips on cities we visited) and I was off to wander the streets. It meandered the variuos narrow paths and found mysel in the old spice and fabric markets. I set a slow pace and fully digested the hectic surroundings as shop keepers and street vendors tried to satify the large groups of women shopping. I stumbled upon the main square featuring a clock tower and open-air market. I moved carefully between the cows, autorickshaws, shoppers and sellors while answering the many shouts of "hellooo" with a thumbs up or a "hang ten" sign (thumb and pinky extended). The remainder of the afternoon I spent walking down the main avenue taking in the many store fronts and racing traffic.

I made my way back towards the guest house when I ran into Mathiu on the street. He was heading to the fort for sunset. I thought it closed at 5 pm but he had learned that only the museum portion closed then. So, I joined him for a quick autorichshaw ride and we stood in front of the entrance gates to Meherangarh fort. With it's three large gates and hairpin turns, the protection the entrace provided was both formidable and attractive in its design. We were able to spend 45 minutes touring the museum and gazing out onto the blue city of Jodhpur from the numerous balconies before heading out onto the ramparts or sunset.

Leaning against old cannons while watching the large, orange sun set on the blue city Jodhpur was mesmerizing. Our silent gaze at the natural wonder was occasionally broken by the request by Indians to have our picture taken with them (I was told by someone the Indian people think it is good luck to have a photo with a white person).

On the way back to the guest house, we ran into a small parade. The night ended with dinner on the guest house rooftop with the two English girls from lunch as the mighty fort was lit up against the dark night.

The following morning, I partook in the culinary delights of the famous Omlette Shoppe eggs (right outside the clock tower square) and the makhania lassi at the Mirshi Lal hotel opposite the clock tower. These two delicious foods put a bright spin on the rest of the day which included a visit to Chittar Palace, the home of the maharaj of Jodhpur.

The next day, I completed a few errands before sadly heading off via bus to Jaislamer.

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