We landed back at our lodge after our drive back to town with just enough time to freshen up before we had to head to our overnight train back to Jaipur. The train was on time at 10pm and it took no time at all for the four of us to climb into our berths and head off to sleep. What a GREAT day we had had in the desert!
We arrived back in Jaipur very early and checked back into the same hotel we had stayed in a couple of days ago. After a quick rest, shower, and breakfast, we headed off for our last day of shopping at the local bazaars here in Rajasthan. Just for the fun of it, we decided to catch an auto rickshaw over to the bazaar (it’s always so much fun to get 4 people into a space made for 2 :o)
We decided we were going to shop for jewelry, shoes and more spices. Of course, we made this decision to try and keep a grip on not going CRAZY over buying more fabrics. Those fabulous, stunning, more beautiful than words can describe, FABRICS! We set off to walk the labyrinth of streets full of shops whose vendors entice you to spend those rupees. Let the bartering begin! :o)
In the bazaar
Can anyone ever have enough shoes?! :o)
Our day brought us new jewelry, sandals, spices and that delicious fresh squeezed sugar cane water. We displayed outstanding resistance when it came to buying more fabric, no matter how much we would break into a sweat and almost shake when challenged with the beauty of what our eyes were seeing. I was actually starting to think I would make our cats matching summer outfits if I could have just one more piece of fabric! :o)
Jenni is modeling the gorgeous jewelry Charanya bought to go with her new Sari
A few of the bangles we couldn't resist
Here is the machine they use to crush the juice out of the sugar cane. It is mixed with some lemon and a little ginger water.
Delicious!
We returned to our hotel early to have dinner as we are all off very early in the morning (5:00am) in different directions – Rowan and I to Agra and the Taj Mahal, and Shrikant & Charanya back to Hyderabad.
Our time in Rajasthan was challenging, mysterious, enchanting, and adventurous. The people, so warm, inviting and curious. No matter how much they look like the people Bush’s America are supposed to be afraid of, that is just #@&P !. We are so glad we took the chance to travel this far north and west, even though the US state department advised against it. A trip of a lifetime that was extremely enjoyable.
Stay tuned for Rowan’s birthday and the Taj Mahal…………… although I was questioning whether I could tear her away from listening to opera on her ipod in the gardens of the hotel in Jaipur…... she might still be there….
