Jaiselmer, India 09.28.10 and 09.29.10

Jaiselmer is a place that I would go back to in a heartbeat...
(click on any photo to enlarge it...digital viagra, if you will...I know, bad humor, but I could not resist...)

At any rate, Jaiselmer was so ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL & CLEAN as to seem surreal - something out of a movie site...the yellow sandstone, ornately carved buildings and clean surroundings were only the beginning. It was quiet enough to hear the sound of children playing, pigs squealing, and dogs barking - horns were a secondary noise, much to my pleasure and surprise!

Its people were kind, smiling, and unaggressive - even the shopkeepers - such a welcomed change from other cities. There was an army base nearby, and the officers were so very open and friendly, too.

The tie-dye method was invented here - the original method alive and well - small knots, hand-tied, resulting in the most amazing patterns. These women were locals, encouraging us to buy at their friends' shop - needless to say, we were happy to oblige them!

The views from the rooftop restaurants were breathtaking and the food served from those places was delectable - spicy and rich.

One of the waiters carried Oliver around while Ali and I ate, enjoying the smell of the air and the sound of local musicians. A friend of his arrived, carrying his daughter, who, when introduced to Oliver in her father's arms, reacted with fear. Obviously, she had never seen a "white" baby before. It was a very intriguing experience, watching this beautiful little girl slowly warm to a baby that did not look familiar in the least.

We toured the Amber Fort - so clean and inviting compared to the others we had seen. This one was inhabited, too - and filled with shops - and life. It just felt so different - it was infused with life unlike the others. 

The Jain temple was a wonderful site to visit - intricate carvings. I was so struck with the contrast between modern Indian dress and the voluptuous, sensual carvings inside this temple. It was also "engendered" with some very amusing carvings!

Ali, Oliver, and I met some wonderful Chinese tourists at the guest house, and we set out on a desert safari with them. Ali & Oliver wisely ventured out to the camp in the Jeep, while the rest of us climbed upon our desert steeds for a  2-1/2 hour camel caravan amid gypsy encampments, area villagers on their camels, and fantastic views.

The safari was wonderful - the food, the camaraderie, and the night sky, complete with meteors to wish upon. I found particular delight filming a few dung beetles fighting over... well, dung.
I could have stayed here longer, relishing the surroundings and the people. Perhaps I will...