On the road

Today is Thursday and belatedly I am completing yesterday’s blog. 

Why late you may ask?  Well just to name a few things excuses, no time - this tour is so full on there is no time for chilling or writing - it is a tourist tour, the kind I hate with back to back action and ‘lessons’. Then the fact that there was no power in the village for a while coupled with the fact that there is no wifi. 

But I’m back now. 

Yesterday we set off at a civil time from Jaipur to travel to our next destination. A detour on the way to see the second most photographed place in Rajasthan, the Patrika Gate funded by local hindi media and quite a spectacle. It is the venue for many wedding or celebration photographs and despite it being mid week there were many couples having their photos taken. Very beautiful and worth the stop. 

Our driver Mr Singh took us on a great drive along immaculate highways, still with some crazy drivers but devoid of the toot, toot we had become so accustomed to. 

Along the drive Baggy explained the arranged marriage system to us. Not too different to the way other ethnicities do it, although most have moved on now. Nevertheless it was interesting to hear and rather shocking to know that some couples do not get to meet each other until the wedding ceremony. 

We arrive at the town of Bhilwara where we stop at the Spice Garden Terrace Restaurant for lunch. Our host, a beautiful lady resplendent in her sari, the wife of the owner joined us in a lovely lunch. 

Each of the components of the meal where tasty but not to the extent that I would rave over it, however the black lentil dahl came out as no 1. 

We carry on driving after lunch till we arrive at the magical Castle Bijaipur where we were greeted by a traditional band, a cold drink and a marigold necklace. Very lovely, very touristy. 

The castle is an old heritage building that has been restored and is absolutely beautiful. Our rooms more like suites with the most gorgeous decor. We have a wee seating area to share and that looks down over the grounds and the pool. Exquisite. 

I spied the menu of services and it took me less than a second to book a massage. Before long I am led into a room by a diminutive lady dressed in a sari. 

I stripped off, lay down and she started her magic. One of the best massages I have had; lots of long strokes and pinch like movements. 

The woman is a masseuse by trade and massages new born babies and their moms every day over the first month of the babies life. She was wonderful. Just heaven. 

My massage over I return to my room where I later hear the drum of traditional music. Venturing down to dinner later they are still playing. 

I spy a kiwi guy - his full face moko gave me a clue that he was a kiwi and we had a chat. He was with a group of four people and were on my flight coming over. They had colds too. 

Dinner was enjoyed while we sat round the pool having dinner, for me a very ordinary mutton curry. Nice but nothing special. 

One of the kiwi guys came and joined us as we finished dinner. He sponsors a wee school in the locality. I’d love to go there. 

The day was over. Time to retire to my room.