Day 6 - Jodhpur
The Blue City
03.01.2012 - 04.01.2012
23 °C
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Following our sunrise I was glad to see Charlie had been given to a group of Americans also in the camp, with a smile I wished them good luck as Charlie turned to bite his handler. We were ushered onto a camel called mr rocket and Sarah was given the reins (after I told Isaac what a great horse rider she was). We walked for a while, slightly apprehensive about these large beast, they are certainly no horse! Isaac gave us two instructions…. 1) steer him on the path and 2) kick once in a while… upon which point he disappeared for about 30mins leaving us without knowledge of how to stop or how exactly to steer him. They clearly do health and safety differently in India!
We then took the long drive to Jodhpur and slept near enough the whole way! Jodhpur is known as the Blue City and indeed near enough every building isblue around the castle, it apparently keeps the city cool and is the colour of the Lord of the lands. The castle here is immense, huge 40ft walls and gates. Still in the zig zag fashion the mains gates had 1 foot long spike all over it to further prevent elephant attack. It has never been taken by force and the reasons why are easy to see. Inside there are some stunningly beautiful rooms and stone carvings, gold painted rooms and magnificently grand Halls. We took a walk along the ramparts and could see for miles just a sea of blue painted walls. The fort almost untouched (except for a few battle scars) since the 1600’s is another wonderful example of ancient architecture, riches and deep history, such a stark contrast from the poverty all over the country.
Finally we settled into a delightful tea in a small restaurant where we ate like kings for £5 each. Korma (hot, spicey and fruity) and a curry made from figs and cheese wrapped in balls, with saffron ice cream for deserts. Tops off another memorable day. It is hard to imagine that we have only been here 6 days, having seen and done so much, tomorrow we look forwards to a 2 day stay in Udaipur, the Venice of the East.
Posted by Jolley-Jarvis 03.01.2012 23:51 Archived in India
