Newtons Manor Jodhpur

... double booked us - claiming some spurious excuse of confusion over the dates. We found a replacement, with the help of our mow much more friendly guide, and before heading for supper we took a wander to see the early 20th century British folly of a weirdly designed clock tower in the central square which seemed to be a badly conceived mix of Chinese, Indian, and British architectural styles - its weirdness not lessened by multi-colored lighting.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India adamandmandana

... from 1439. The whole complex is constructed around the measurement of 72, the age of the founder of Jainism, Mahavira. The entire temple is made of marble, measures 72 square yards and held up by 1440 (72 x 20) individually carved pillars. Inside are 72 elaborate shrines around the main central sanctum that houses a 72 inch tall image of Adinarth etc. etc.

Leaving the temples we had a two hour trip to Udaipur over a small mountain range that provided another interesting take on how not drive!

... looking up to godess Parvati, wearing pink trying to be as this idol of wife as she was for her, Shiva. Mehrengarh Fort you will also find her, throning the city accomagnied with the mullas calling all over the city during call for prayers. It's just something to experience.

... He was so clued up and able that it made me feel ashamed of myself. When I left I gave him my woolly blanket which I think he was chuffed about, as it was freeeeeeeeezing in the desert at night. I didnt get much sleep at all, mainly as I was too excited at the landscape I was surrounded by. When I looked up at around 3am, all I could see was the moon (it was nearly a full one) lying so low and it was as gold as I've ever seen it. All else is good. We're moving ...

... we were able to check in right away, we caught up with a little bit of sleep, before heading out for a spot of lunch. Bad news, Son started feeling unwell again. Just when we thought we were out of the frying pan, the fire stoked up a notch or two. So, a slow wander through the alleyways in the fort, getting lost a few times and walking past the same shops too many times before we headed back to watch the sun set from our fort-top room. Dinner on the ...

Je suis actuellement a jodhpur,la ville bleue, pourlecoup, elle est vraiment bleue, c est magnifique... il y a eu un mur d un temple qui s est ecroule avant hier, c est assez terrible, on peut voir au bord du temple, leschaussures entassees des cadavres. Enfin... je suis avec alana, une australienne, on se marre bien, aujourd huion est reste toute lajournee sur le toit, demain on sera a jaisalmer, la ville doree, le desert...

... there is still a place to withdraw to, a place of sanctuary and peace which is not necessarily a physical location. i'm taking some time to remind myself that i am this place, and that no matter what sandstorm is raging outside, i know where i've been, what i've come through, who i am, and it's not too too far from who i want to be. ...... it would be idiotic to attempt a comprehensive survey of the pieces of india that i've gathered over the last 4 months ...