JODHPUR-JAISALMER

We left Jodhpur in the morning and drove six hours through desert country to Jaisalmer. Got a yellow dot on my forehead when we arrived at our lovely Taj hotel. In the late afternoon we went to the Cenotaphs, a crematorium, to watch the sunset. Dinner near the beautiful pool at the hotel.

Overnight in the Hotel Taj Gateway Rawalkot. 

JODHPUR

We left the hotel at 6:30 am to shoot the amazing Blue City. The early morning light was beautiful! Colorful clothing, spices and doorways. Lots of hustle and bustle, especially compared to the peace and tranquility at our hotel. We headed back there about 9 am for breakfast. After some free time, we explored massive Fort Mehrangarh in the afternoon. Then we went to Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph built in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Sing II. Another delicious Indian dinner at On The Rocks outdoors.

Overnight in the Hotel Ajit Bhawan.

DELHI-JODHPUR

This morning we flew to the Blue City of Jodhpur in Rajastan. Staying at Ajit Bhawan Hotel. Charming hotel and grounds. Built exclusively for Majaraja Ajit Sing, it is vibrantly alive with the personalized hospitality provided by the late Maharaja's family who still lives there. In the afternoon we walked around Jodhpur. Everything is blue. My grandmother, Helen, would have liked the color but not the filth. Narrow winding streets filled with cows (that on the aggressive side) , motorcycles and locals in colorful dress. Our guide, Carl, showed us the spot where Steve McCurry took that famous photo of a boy running through the street with red hand prints on the wall. Just as he was pointing it out the father of the boy introduced us to his son who was the model. The boy ran through the winding street for us. Pretty wild. Later a lovely family invited us into their home and served us special tea on their veranda overlooking the hillside. Delicious dinner outdoors under the stars in the garden of the hotel. This place is magical.

Overnight in the Hotel Ajit Bhawan. 

DELHI

This morning we visited the Jamma Mosque, built in 1650, in Old Delhi. Then we rode in rickshaws through the narrow winding streets. What a bumpy ride! We walked along Spice Street bursting with people and shops selling everything imaginable. Sensory overload!! Next we went to the Singh Temple in Old Delhi where Sikhs feed 9,000 people daily. Truly an amazing experience! After a delicious lunch we visited the Qutab Minar, 237 feet high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. 

Overnight in the Hotel Taj Ambassador. 

HAPPY DIWALI FROM DELHI

Day to acclimate. Our trip doesn't officially begin until tomorrow. This morning Nancy, Roseanne and I explored Khan Market nearby. Nice shops, friendly people, lots of poverty.

In the afternoon a lovely local Indian couple that Roseanne knew took us for tea at the private India International Cafe followed by a walk through Lodi Garden. The park is beautiful and very peaceful. Didn't feel like we were in the middle of the hustle and bustle of New Delhi. Lots of families picnicking and people enjoying the open space.

Today is the start of Diwali, a five day Hindu festival known as the "festival of lights." The festival signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.  Hindus light candles, hang strings of marigolds, and pray to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Tonight we heard lots of fireworks and could smell heavy gunpowder!

Overnight in the Hotel Taj Ambassador.

ARRIVED SAFELY IN DELHI!

14 hour flight from Newark to Delhi. Glad to be here!! Overnight in the Hotel Taj Ambassador. 

NORTHERN INDIA HERE I COME!

Off on a new adventure! Wheeeee! Leaving Oct 21. Day lost en-route, landing Oct 22 in Delhi. Stay tuned.....