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Published: January 20th 2012
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This morning started with me fixing the toilet. The tank didn't refill last night, so this morning I decided to turn on the water and see what happened. The tank filled. The fixture leaked significantly, but since I was taking a shower and there were no doors on the shower anyway (almost all showers are like this in India) I figured a leaky fixture didn't really matter. I'd rather have a toilet that flushes. But that's the only problem in this hotel. They delivered coffee to our room this morning and we took two bottles of water and they didn't charge us for any of it. I know they wanted a good review on airbnb.com, but even if they charged us, I would've given them a good review. Hotel Jeet Villa is inexpensive and good! And I had a great shower and so did Annette. I even showered barefoot!
We were on the road by 8:45 and after a couple of hours we stopped for chai, but this place was no midway! Against my better judgement, I ordered chai even after using the bathroom which was only marginally better than a public bathroom in China. While we're sitting at a
table waiting for our chai, a big rat runs out of a hole near the ceiling just over our booth, runs down the wall and right under our table! Even more repulsive than a public toilet in China! I think I handled it better than the Indian woman at the next table. But I did NOT drink my chai. Hardev was laughing. I was not. Until later.
We also saw a dead donkey and a dead body being carried while we were on the road today. Not the quantity of three dead camels, but the quality of the dead things was equal to three dead camels in my opinion. We arrived in Jodhpur around 1:30PM and rather than keep our reservation in the city where the car couldn't go, Hardev suggested Dhillon Guesthouse on the outskirts. I'd made a reservation at a place recommended in Lonely Planet, but I am glad we stayed at Dhillon. We had a big, clean room and there was a beautiful courtyard. The food was home cooked and delicious! So was the banana lassi! It was only 1000Rs for two of us, but dinner and breakfast were not included. Still, it was a great
price and it was quiet at night.
We checked in and left to go sightseeing after a bit of lunch at Hotel Priya, which has quite an operation on the street. We attracted several beggars who were NOT there until two white women sat down, but they were clearly not allowed to enter. But they were very persistent at getting our attention. We had great masala dosai but couldn't eat it all, so we wrapped it up and gave it to two women who were both holding babies. They looked less than thrilled. They also looked pretty well-fed.
We arrived at the Mehrangarh Fort around 3PM and paid the 300Rs to get in, and 100Rs for both of our cameras. The entrance is a truly spectacular piece of architecture. It was ornate and oppulent and well-cared for. The audio-guide was also excellent. Not too much information. Inside is a display of artifacts, weapons, and art. The architecture is stunning, but there is a load of pigeon shit eating away at certain parts. I don't understand why they don't do something about that. When we walked out there were several vendors selling things and there was another shoe salesmen.
I already bought three pairs of shoes! But I bought another pair to wear around the house. They are so cheap and so beautiful!
Hardev was waiting for us and took us to a white marble temple called Jaswant Thada. It was closed but we got a good look at it. Beautiful. We saw Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel from afar. It's another place like Lake Palace where you can't go in if you don't have a reservation.
Back at our lovely guesthouse we ordered dinner and relaxed. Dinner was mixed veggies with curry and dahl and chapatis and rice. It was so good, and spicy! Early to bed tonight. On to Udaipur tomorrow.
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