Textiles, Designs and old Indian gentlemen

Our journey over the past few days has taken us from Jodhpur to Udaipur by road with a stop over in Narlai. There don't seem to be any road rules in India, it is chaos on the roads but miraculously we have not come across an accident of any kind, not even a minor bingle and have not seen any road rage either. The drivers are very polite to each other as they drive on the wrong side of the road overtaking at every opportunity with the blast of a horn and minimal use of brakes. Our driver has been sensational, even navigating through tiny back streets of the old town.


While we waited for our transport at a hotel in Jaipur, the Dalai Lama just arrived to speak to a gathering and we were fortune enough to see him.
Jodhpur is well known for beautiful textiles, both block printed and embroidered. The colours and designs of Rajeshstan are stunning in not only the textiles but also in the architecture. There is such detail and intricacy.

We have been introduced to so much knowledge;
How to roll and tie a Turban
How to block print onto fabric
How to screen print designs in so many colours
How to tie and wear a sari
How to create paper from left over fabric pieces
How to drive on Indian roads
How to enjoy a hot oil Indian head massage
How to bargain in the markets
How to tell which is a real pashmina
How to get onto a camel and get off again with dignity
How to ride in a bullock cart under the stars
How to ride an elephant with dignity
How to be humble in temples, both large and small
How to peer through veiled walls as the queens had to
How to eat curry at every meal

I am sure we still have a lot to learn.


At Narlai we have been treated to a bullock cart ride in the evening to dinner under the stars. This was very special as the local villagers decorated their step well with candle lights and an open fire. They positioned our seating around the well while the sound of indigenous music wafted through the night air. The dinner was delicious and was overseen by an elderly Indian gentleman of 78 who had served as a captain in the army from 1956 to 1985. He was so proud to show us his photo in uniform displaying his many medals. These are the kinds of personal interactions that we remember.

Look at the ears on the horse, all the horses have ears like that.








- Marika at Women's Own Adventure signing off
www.womensownadventure.com

Location:Jodhpur, India