India Day 12 - Jaipur & Jojowar

We got a later start to the day than was planned because of the late hour last night and it was nice to have that extra hour. At 9 am we headed out of Jaipur and onto a wide smooth highway. We had a long drive ahead of us and I passed the time either reading or snoozing. We stopped at rest stops for a break and lunch was preordered ahead of time.

We ate outdoors at a restaurant located on a farm property. We were the only ones there and the food was very good. I had chicken curry with naan bread of course. It was very peaceful and nice to eat without half a dozen other tour groups. It was grey and windy and we had had a few drops of rain earlier.

We turned off the main highway and drove on a much rougher road for a short while until we arrived in the village of Jojowar. There are 'only' 6,000 people here so apparently that qualifies it as a village. As we got off the bus there was a huge noisy procession coming by. People were dancing, the music was loud, there was a tall flag, and men in a uniform of sorts.

After it passed, we walked a short distance to our hotel.

We are staying in a heritage hotel and it is absolutely gorgeous! The entryway is magnificent, the grounds are well-kept, and the rooms are beautiful. Mine is so very spacious and has a writing desk as well as 2 chairs and a coffee table arranged to form a sitting area. We were greeted with a fruit drink of some sort, together with a warm washcloth. This is the life!

Our guide took us for a walk through Jojowar's streets. It was apparent from people's reaction that not a lot of tourists visit this village.

Children followed us, smiled, asked for a pen, and posed for photos.

We had chai along the way and KV explained a few of the things we were seeing.

After our hour-long walk, some of us went to a nearby store selling scarves, tablecloths and fabric. The prices were fixed (meaning no bargaining) but they were oh so good (darn it anyway!). 

I walked a little ways further and found a gorgeous leather journal at a fairly decent price I think. Supper was an included buffet with many delicious dishes. I bought my first beer here in India. I had tried a bit of other peoples' and found it not too strong. Wine is not an option due to the exorbitant price in this country.

It was going to be bed early tonight but I am reading such a good book I can hardly put it down!