Friday 1st February, 2013.

Hello,

Well I am home and back to the nitty-gritty.
Once the washing machine goes on that is it.

We had a great time and the very last photos. I took
shows just how much staff these hotels have.  All
are skilled in what they do and always pleasant and
helpful.  Their wages are not too great.  We helped
their economy and there has been great improvement
but there is a long way to go.
Nearly everyone has a "phone and just love them.
There is a huge amount of the population who will
never have running water, a flushing toilet or a proper
bed living for the moment is important.

The last photos. show how we ended on a high note.

 The food here was to die for.  this is the desert section. the vegetable menu was superb.

This florist was standing in his gum boots whilst  he changed the flower in the middle of the lotus pad.

Cheers!!!


Vivienne.

Indian Escapades: Monday 28th January, 2013.I think that it is tim...

Indian Escapades: Monday 28th January, 2013.

I think that it is tim...: Monday 28th January, 2013. I think that it is time I closed. Time for dinner and to pack. Looking forward to seeing very soon. Love ...

Sunday 27th January, 2013.

After breakfast we had a bird spotting walk and it was pleasant once the sun came
up.  The call to prayer and the chanting of the Hindu mantras really make this
fort more authentic.
After lunch, we had the best chocolate ice-cream, we boarded the bus for our last
hair-raising drive to Jodhpur.
Here we were greeted with the news our flight had been  cancelled and that there
was not any replacement or other air lines we could use.
We were housed overnight at Vivanta Hari Mahal hotel a huge place run by Taj.
Once again opulence but this time of a "sturdier nature"  i.e. no frills.
Our walk around the hotel showed how the swimming pool had been enclosed by
a mesh canopy to stop damage by birds and their droppings.  This is a very solid
and stolid place - a lot of dark wood and marble have been used.  The timber is
ornately and intricately carved and as all the flooring in the vast receptions areas
are laid with marble it is chilly to say the least.
We left for the airport which is much in need of a"make over".  This airport was
India's first international one.  Take off was 1/2hr. late.  The flight attendants were
a surly, ill-tempered lot.
We are staying overnight at the Taj Lands End.  The drive here once again showed

 Foyer of Vivanta Hari Mahal Hotel which has two shops filled with the most beautiful treasures

 Can you see the mesh - it goes right over the top and down all sides

 Front gate

Wood carving - very intricate

the squalor and poverty, much roadworks and the traffic dense and chaotic.
This hotel is set in a leafy suburb and we are on the 22nd floor.  Our room is modern
as is the hotel.  the flowers gorgeous and the service super-dooper.  Fruit juice
being delivered, fresh baked cookies towel changes and two roses - one for me and
one for Geoffrey.
We leave here at 8.00a.m. for the airport and our flight home.

Monday 28th January, 2013.

I think that it is time I closed.
Time for dinner and to pack.
Looking forward to seeing very soon.

Love

Vivienne.

I do hope that the Blogs and photos. of the last three days have come through.

 One of the many exquisite floral arrangements

 The view from the 22nd floor of our hotel
I would have loved to bring these two figures home.