Jaisalmer Streets

Jaisalmer

From Jodhpur we took a local bus to a city called Jaisalmer. This bus was packed beyond capacity and many people had to stand. We arrived 1 hour prior to departure so to claim our seats ahead of time. About 1 hour into our 7 1/2 hour ride the bus broke down. This is bound to happen and so far we have had great luck with transportation despite the good chance something could go wrong. I was sure we would be waiting on the side of the road for ages, but another bus arrived within no time (thank goodness for the global obsession with cell phones). Not knowing how it worked here I quickly moved through the lines to make sure we had our seats again. As we all piled in a few women stopped in line and told Rex that we were in their seats, and we needed to move down a row. I was determined to keep our seats so as to not loose out (thinking my assertiveness was necessary in this situation). Finally Rex moved down a row and we soon discovered that every person assumed the exact placement they had on the first bus... an unwritten rule I guess. How very polite.

One thing about travel here, particularly on buses, is the very consistent use of horns. I liken it to the sound of ocean waves constantly occuring in the background, only in this case it is not so calming.

The horn is used for many reasons and people seem to understand the secret messages hidden behind the honking. I am sure there are hundreds of horn translations, here are the few I am familiar with.
"I am passing."
"Move over, because I am not slowing down."
"I am here."
"I am behind you."
"There is not enough room for all of us on this tiny ledge of the mountain."
"You are crazy!"

Dress Up Delight

Here we are all decorated. I have to admit they did a great job of fixing me up... Slightly more lipstick than I am used to. The hand pose is meant to show off the henna designs that women often have for decoration.

Saying Goodbye

I could write about this family for days... everytime I look at this photo I start to cry. These girls will forever stay burned in my heart. It's funny because we weren't able to speak to one another much but it feels like we had many conversations. When Rex and I finished our packing we walked across the small road and said goodbye. For some reason it was especially hard for me with these three. Since none of the family members could speak English all I could do was point to the girls and then point to my heart as my eyes filled with tears.

I hope to visit them again!

Atti, me, Lutchme & Pooja

The Melting of My Heart

We arrived in the evening to our hotel in a quiet area outside of the city which was just perfect for us. Away from the horns and the cars... near quiet desert, mountains, and the stars. The next morning we became quickly acquainted with our neighbors as the young girls motioned for us to come into their home. Rex was hesitant, but I convinced him to come along.

As soon as we were inside they showed us the newborn lambs which they were quite proud of. Each girl beamed as she had her own photo with the lamb, even the baby of the group managed to get her photo opp. After the initial meeting they brought me inside and decorated me with bracelets, earings, bindis, and nail polish. I hardly remember how it all occured they were so fast, before I knew it they had me fully dressed as a traditional Rajasthani woman. Then they each took turns photographing me. It was hilarious! This all took place in sign language since we could not completely understand each another.

We never met the the father, but we met the mother, 6 of her 8 daughters, the grandmother and the uncle. I fell in love with the girls and visited them each day. The girls worked as tailors in their home... one evening when I stopped by I saw them sewing, bright smiles and all.

Even though it was clear they did not have much the mother cooked us chapatis served with yogurt and hot peppers... I am sure she would have given us more. I wanted to give them everything I had!

Forever Young

Live like you are young and you are guarenteed a joyful spirit!

I have so many favorite pictures from Jodhpur... they each tell a beautiful story all on their own. While most of the children stood still for their portrait the girl below, who is clearly a creative soul, chose to do "action moves." I decided to include a few pictures of Rex and me with the children as well... looking at these photographs I feel as if I am right back there walking the streets and giggling with the children.

Sweet Faces of Jodhpur

As we walked through the streets, with camera in hand (my hand that is, Rex does not enjoy taking photos) children asked to have their picture taken. Then I would kneel down and show them the picture in the view finder. It was a nice way to connect since we can't really communicate and they loved it... so did I.

The Blue City

This is the magical city I have always wanted to photograph! With bright colors against the striking backdrop of its blue walls. I could spend endless hours here. We were invited inside a few of the homes by the families who lived there. Inside is equally appealing... simple and so beautiful.

The Baha'i Lotus Temple

On day two of our stay in New Delhi we traveled to The Lotus Temple. This is a House of Worship for the Baha'is of the world and is offered as a place of prayer for people of every religion. Inside is kept completely silent for prayer. Sitting there the blessings of my life flashed before me. The places I have been so fortunate to see and the people all around the world who have touched my heart.

Baha'is Believe...

All humanity is one family.

All prejudice—racial, religious, national, or economic—is destructive and must be overcome.

We must investigate truth for ourselves, without preconceptions.

Science and religion are in harmony.

Our economic problems are linked to spiritual problems.

The family and its unity are very important.

There is one God.

All major religions come from God.

World peace is the crying need of our time.

Friendship

These children were playing at the Taj Mahal, and as it goes with childhood friendship someone inevitably feels left out. The little boy had his feelings hurt as the other two ran off laughing. He sadly squatted down until they came to make up. They had to spend some time convincing him but eventually they all began playing again.

The Taj

We arrived in New Delhi, India at our roof top guest house in the middle of the city at 2 am and quickly went to sleep. We awoke the next morning well rested, no jet lag, thank goodness we sleep well on planes. On the first day of our stay we took a bus to Agra. We expected this bus to be 2 hours long. Instead this was a 5 hour bus journey with stops about every half hour.