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.

Friday 25th January, 2013.

A 6.15 a.m. start in the dark and cold.  Our 30 min. drive to Khichin took 5 mins.
instead.  We waited on the roof top of the feeders house for the first cries of the
Demoiselle cranes as they left their overnight roost.  At long last the first cries
were heard and then the first sighting of a flock approaching in the lightening
sky as they came towards us.  It is thought that there are between 15-20,000 cranes
here.  As the sun rose the flock became more frequent.  Their incessant call is very
raucous.  Their flying formations, the grace and ease as they dip and soar on the
thermal currents and the vast number were all worth the early rise.  It took some
time for the to pluck up the courage to enter the feeding ground but when they did
it gradually filled up with hundreds of them.
By now it was 9.30.  The sun was warm and we were beginning to thaw.  We had
also had breakfast and a hot drink.  We had the most delicious hot vegetable patties.
Now warm and fed we were happy to sit in the warming sun and just watch the
cranes feeding, dancing, a bit of pecking and the occasional display. 
It is not a good sight to see a crane with a broken leg.  The most common cause
of this is when they hit the power lines.
Cranes are easily spooked and any close noise will cause them to raise their long
necks, listen and when reassured will continue eating or if not fly away.
After lunch we set off via Jodhpur.

 Welcome breakfast.

 It was very cold indeed.

As there was a two day holiday one for a big Muslim Holy Feast and the second to
celebrate India's national day when we set off for Mirir Garh the roads were much
less congested.
We had a stop at the Hindu Osian Sun Temple and then on to Jodhpur. We were
taking the same route as we took up and soon the fun and games started.  We left
the agricultural section behind and encountered the traffic, road works, cows etc.
again.
As we drove through Jodhpur and looked up at the magnificent hotel where we
had stayed and the splendour of the fort it was disconcerting to see the squalor and
poverty all around it.
When we reached the turn of to Mihir Garh the track was of very fine sand and
the thought of getting bogged and having to get out and push was very real.
Anyway we were in for the most pleasant surprise. 
An oasis - First sight a very up-market tent set up and then as we rounded the corner
an impressive fort.  The staff was out of greet us and we were in for a very pleasant stay.

 A very ornate and busy temple

 Our for set in the desert where we were to have our last lovely stay.

Living conditions here are not too flash for many people at all.

Cheers!!!


Vivienne.

Thursday 24th January, 2013.

We had breakfast on the terrace under gas heaters where we had had drinks the previous
evening.
It was a short drive, ascending very steeply to the Mehrangarh Fort.  I do always think
of the poor people who built these enormous fortifications.
After lunch we motored on to Phalodi which has become famous for its proximity to
Khichan which is the wintering grounds for the Demoiselle cranes.
The drive, to say the least, was a thrill a minute.  The countryside is bone dry, the
dust horrendous and as we were in the quarrying area for red sandstone trucks with
enormous loads were thundering along.  The villagers live on the street - it is quite
gruesome to see.
Well there were hundreds of Demoiselle cranes just waiting for us.  We stayed until
they began to fly out to their roost for the night.
We journeyed on to our haveli style hotel - the Lal Nivas Palace.
By now we were out in the sticks again and when we saw the sign to our accommodation
our hearts sank as we were in an area that looked like a war zone.  There was a huge
amount of reconstruction  both external and internal going on all down the street.
The hotel is being renovated extremely well.  the ceilings and doorways are of  timber
which is ornately carved and has been restored well.  The staff were so helpful and so
pleased that we had come to stay.

Cheers!!

Vivienne.

Wednesday January 23rd 2013.

A glorious morning to climb into our buses and head for Jodhpur.
We really need a good scrubbing and a bit of warmth at night.
Last night because we had asked we got an extra blanket and a
hot water bottle.  Which was a very acceptable bonus.
As were were leaving we saw a third vulture.  This is really something
as the vulture population has diminished by 40 million in Southern Asia
since 1980.  The cause of this is because vets. have begun injecting Diclofenac
into domestic animals to reduce arthritis and so prolong their working lives.
This drug is poisonous to vultures and thus their purpose in life as a waste
disposal unit of domestic and human carcases has diminished.  Dogs have
increased to fill the gap but as they do not digest all the meat or all the carcasses
disease spreads.  As a result rabies has increased dramatically.
On my first visit to New Delhi, when I was a gal., the vultures were so numerous
I was scared to stand still in case they came to have a bit of a peck.  They were
very bold and landed close to the villages and villagers so as not to miss any
opportunity to scavange.
We had a puncture and whilst it was being repaired I took photos. to show the
size of the trucks and their huge loads.
We had lunch at the
It was a little bit of expensive heaven.  The entire  set up and presentation of
this establishment e.g. the mural both on inside and outside walls were
perfection.  Madonna comes here to stay and horse ride.
Our driver is very good at near misses and as usual the traffic was a
nightmare.
When we drove into Jodhpur we were given a very special welcome at the
Umaid Bhawan Palace - red carpet, a red canopy was held over us as we
walked in and rose petals were showered on us.
This huge palace is now 1/2 palace and 1/2 hotel which is run by the Taj group.
It took 15 years to build and was finished in 1943.  It is in excellent order, full
of superb objects and paintings,flowers and fittings.  Our bathroom was just
divine.  We walked through the gardens, went on a tour of the hotel and watch
the sun set behind the magnificent Mehrangarm Fort from the terrace.  Dinner
was in the main restaurant.  We were sad that this special treat was only for
one night.

 This magnificent tea light holder is made of marble and too big and heavy to pop
in my handbag.

The floral arrangements were exquisite.  All of this is of course very labour
intensive so it means employment for many.

Cheers!!

Vivienne.

Tuesday 22nd January, 2013.

Last night our desert safari was very successful - striped hynea
By dinner time 8.45p.m. it was very cold and desert breeze, as
all day, was strong and chilly.
The generator was turned off at 10.30p.m. and there was
absolute quiet.  We have been star-gazing too.
Freezing start to morning but just a short jeep ride to where
we started out on foot.
This is a rugged and rural part of Rajasthan and the sun coming
up on the hills was dramatic.  We walked along a bone dry river
bed - eagles and Kestrals.
Breakfast was most welcome.
We then had a 20k. drive to visit and walk through one of the local
villages.  Very basic - no running water, no power but homes inside
the thorn fences were immaculate.  Children grubby but well
nourished and loved.  All were very welcoming.
The poverty and harshness here is much less desperate than in the
cities where there are homeless, starving people and the noise and
filth overwhelming  - a rare sighting of 2 Egyptian vultures.
Our late afternoon outing was a great success.  We drove to our
walking path and spotted an Indian vulture and an Indian spotted
owl - 2 great finds.
Afternoon tea and we drove on to pick up our spotters who with the
aid of big spotlights found jungle cats and striped hyneas.
Glad to climb into bed and will be glad to move on to warmer and
more comfy accommodation tomorrow.

 This woman's home was so basic - clean.  she is squatting near the cooking fire.

 This brightly turbaned bloke was very high on opium.

 The white markings show that the malaria shots have been given and the brown ones polio.

This poor woman whose house was immaculate is busy sweeping the dusty street
outside her home and cleaning up the litter.  I can assure you that she is fighting a
losing battle.

Cheers!!!

Vivienne.

Sunday  27th January, 2013.

Hello,

We arrived out of the wilderness at the Jodhpur airport
only to be told that our plane had been cancelled and
there was not a replacement one scheduled.

2/12 hours later we are in another Place Taj hotel in the
lap of luxury and brilliant service.  I could get used to this.

We do not know however when we will be able to get a
flight to Mumbai and then to Melbourne.

Really suffering!!!!

We are a bedraggled looking lot - I do wish I had put in the
tiara.  Fast running out of clean clothes and looking very
scruffy.

Cheers.

This turban winding is quite a feat  - all tucked in neat and tidy.

 Mark showing some of the children how to use his scope.

This is what they saw close up.  The beautiful, graceful demoiselle cranes.

Cheers for now.


Vivienne.

Sunday 27th January, 2013.

Hello,

Today we leave Mihir Garh to Jodhpur, Mumbai where we will
stay overnight.

Wi- fi has been impossible here so I will have to catch up on
my journal entries in Mumbai.

Love to you all.

Vivienne.

These two photos. were taken at the Mehrangarh Fort.

The hands depict the practice of Sati.
When the Maharaja his widow the Maharani before she
flings herself on the funeral pyre leave behind a set of
handprints for her family to remember her by.

In the second photo. this little fellow was singing his heart
out.

.

Monday 21lst January, 2013.
It is late at night and I am getting my self muddled.
Modehera is the 11th century sun temple
Rani-ki-vav   the queen's stairwell.


Once again a very chilly start in the dark but this time in the bus.
As the sun rose we saw flocks of cranes leaving their roosts.  We
crossed the Tropic of Cancer on our way to Siana.
Of course the traffic was a"joy". We passed vast yards of marble
ready to be shipped.  There was massive road building and reconstruction
going on.
Lunch was at the Palanpur Palace near Mt Abu which was built in 1932 and now a
convention centre and hotel.
We travelled on passed fields of fennel, mustard and castor oil.
Now the journey really almost got out of hand.  We were virtually
playing "chicken" with huge tip-trucks filled with stone or soil from the quarries. 
After their contents had been dropped they were filled with fire-wood from the
scrub that had been cleared
We crossed the boarder into Rajasthan and as the roads and traffic worsened
some opted for sleep and some for prayer
Upon arrival in Siana which is so remote that it is not on many maps and
is set in the granite and most dramatic rocky rugged Aravalli hills the
villagers and camels were awaiting us.  Each and every time I ride a camel,
the last time was in Timbuktoo, I vow never again.
The camp was set up for us and our tent ready.
Not a minute to spare we were off for a night-time safari.

 The Palanpur Palace

 Our welcoming committee.

I am nearly up to date now. 
There were a few days when there was not any wi-fi and now I am trying to
rush things.
We are in Jodhpur now but just for one night and I do not know if Phalodi
will have wi-fi.

Cheers!!!


Vivienne.

20th January, 2013.

Another chilly start in the dark and we were on our way to the second lake to
watch the roosting birds awake with the rising sun - very spectacular  Hundreds
of pink flamingos reflections were mirrored in the water making a perfect pink
silhouette
In the afternoon we drove to Moderna - RANI-KI-VAV (i.e. the queen's
stepwell).  This stepwell was buried for centuries and suffered much damage
due to neglect and flooding.  It was not until 1960 that work was begun to
restore this ornate and highly sculptured vav's hidden treasures.  This site
is truly worth a google.  It is a most impressive piece of architecture and its
exquisite carvings are to be seen in its pristine glory in the ornamental work.
The fine carvings depict trade, death erotica and religion.
By now the weather was warm and sunny and our last stop for the day was a
IKATSILK sari weaving demonstration in Patan.
Here we were shown how labour intensive it is to produce this expensive
cloth - one sari length costs $7,000.00.
Then began our journey home.  Our driver got lost four times in total.
In order to corrections these mishaps the first time he just did a "U" turn
against all the traffic.
The second time he drove up the wrong side of the highway into the oncoming
traffic until he could find a gap that would let him back to the right side.
The third time we could not fit under a low underpass so he just stopped all
the traffic by turning back into it.
Can you imagine all the horns honking?
The fourth time he stopped and asked for directions.
Tonight we pack up ready for an early start to Siana.



Please do make an effort to have a bit of a look  for this amazing place.

 Things can be so grim here and smelly.  these two girls were so in need

It has really been a very special day.

Cheers!!!


Vivienne.