Today the bus rolled into the northern Indian State of Rajasthan, bordering Pakistan. It's a dry state, receiving little water, even from the monsoon rains. The landscape looked as dry as a feather duster. Nevertheless, I know we have some great excursions planned for the next day or two and we're looking forward to them.
The bus left at 8. (We’re having some early mornings!) We checked out of the Trident, heading for Kalakho and Dera Retreat, roughly 4 hrs away, with stops. Before leaving on our India trip, Jimmy and I tried to look up these places in an atlas or Google, but could find nothing. That’s because they’re too small to warrant even a fly spot. Since Indians drive on the "wrong" side of the road and many of the roads are narrow, it’s like being in a heart-stopping video as our driver make his turns or squeezes this big bus between two trucks and dodging a hundred motor bikes at the same time! Today’s drive went from expressway to a small road, then to a dusty track where we left the bus to board jeeps -- four jeeps to take us on a dusty, bumpy ride to the retreat.
But, first I thought you might like to see some sights from along the way ....
All manner of travel on India's roads.
Not all the vehicles are new, but they can all hold a truckload of people!
Truck decorations are endlessly fascinating, at least to me.
Women with burdens.
Tractors are also frequently seen on the roads hauling one thing or another. This guy is carrying Class C bricks, either just purchased to use or bought to sell. Our guide told us they were Class C, otherwise, how would we know? See below.
Pardon the lack of clarity through the bus windows and the zoom I had to do, but this is one of the brick-making chimneys seen in Rajasthan.
Okay, let's talk cow patties. The patties are collected, formed into round pies, saved and used as fuel in winter, I believe. The women are doing something with the patties on that side of the road. The patties in the foreground look newer.
From expressway to dirt track.
Including cell towers, naturally.
Washing.
Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, way off the beaten path, the jeeps worked their way past water buffaloes inches away, on a track only wide enough for the jeep. But, every kid in the village came to road’s edge to wave. A few Sari-clad women waved, some were veiled and didn’t respond. The men seemed to be just sitting (or lying, as below) around.
And then we arrived at Dera Retreat, lovely, quiet, pastoral, just what the doctor ordered for people tired of city noise and crowding. We sighed and fell in love.
Welcome to Dera Retreat.
Dera Retreat is small, with cottages arranged in a semi-circle.
Our home for two days.
... and a porch to sit.
Denise and I went out on an explore after lunch, just a short walk past the gate, along the dusty road. We didn't go far, but it felt good to stretch our legs and get a look around. She and I looked for birds and flowers or anything else that caught our eye.
Calotropis -- Right away, I recognized it as a milkweed, but here in Rajasthan it's called Aak, and like all milkweeds is a toxic, nuisance plant in a field of potatoes or spinach.
Jungle Babblers are gregarious birds that forage in small groups of six to ten, but the men at Dera Retreat called them "Seven Sisters." Sure enough, they were flitting around in a small groups, but I couldn't get 'em to hold still long enough to count! Easily recognized call once I heard it.
We are going on an adventure in a few minutes ....
Now this is an India I might enjoy. I hope you are enjoying it too, Nickie. Your writing says a lot, but I'm curious how you are feeling now.
ReplyDeleteOh yes this is more like it!
ReplyDelete