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.