Pushkar - the land of lost souls...

Trip Start Feb 14, 2005

Trip End May 06, 2005

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Flag of India Pushkar, India
Wednesday, March 16, 2005

(Nicole) Pushkar is a small "hippie" town. We've seen people with lost souls (a.k.a. people with dreadlocks, tie-die shirts, shirts made of cannibus, baggy cotton pants, etc.) from everywhere...France, Spain, England, U.S., Japan, Korea, etc... There are yoga/meditation/healing centers for people to experiment with. Peter was also offered marijuana several times. In addition, in Pushkar where the city is build around a beautiful lake, it is customary for people to place these flowers in the water and make a wish. However, in recent years, many locals have tried to monopolize on this opportunity by telling tourist that the flowers and wishing act are free. But then, after you make your wish, they demand a payment in return. When Peter refused a flower from one of the locals, the man said "Why did you come here?!"

Since it has been about 1 month into our trip, Peter decided to shave off his head because it was getting too long. He spent a whole $.50 to get the haircut. While Peter was getting his haircut, we saw the police tearing down awnings and platforms that extended too far into the streets, without any warnings! They just come through the streets with bulldozers and start tearing things down. The barbar cried out "this is an abuse of power." I am not sure how the police system works here, but it looks like they have a lot of power over the citizens.

In the evening time, we have been going out to the lake. Pushkar's beautiful lake is situated for a romantic view of the sunset and sunrise. At night, everyone (tourists and locals) gathers around the steps to hear music played from a tabla (drums) and sitar (string instrument). It's really relaxing and nice. Everyone is just having a good time.

I am not sure why we are here. Maybe we are lost souls, like everyone else here. We both have no jobs and no savings by the time we get back. Maybe we're just like everyone else here.