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.