A change of pace

Leaving Bundi we travelled by jeep and then by open jeep through the countryside, visiting an old temple to Shiva (8th century) and waving to many children as we passed by.

The rural community of Bijaipur brought a change in landscape, the fields greener, the cows fatter, new dams and irrigation system. Both men and women work the fields and lots of children were at school. It is idyllic countryside that promotes simplicity and happiness. The reality is most likely different - it also looks like hard work.


Here, we are camping on the banks of a beautiful lake edged by marigolds and filled with birdlife. When I say camping, I really mean glamping. The tents are fixed, with ensuites and real furniture, in fact this is the first real spring mattress I've slept on in India.


An afternoon of reading and relaxing walks is the order of the day, followed by drinks, another delicious dinner and a fire under the stars. Our host Monte with his charming smile, beret and manicured mustache will keep us entertained with the latest Hindi dance tunes from his iPod - and a touch of Bryan Adams.

I feel like I'm on holiday!


For our 2nd day in Bijaipur we visited local villages and farm land, seeing opium crops amongst the vegetables. Our accommodation for the night is in the castle, my room was part of the King's quarters with painted ceiling, draping red curtains and carved furniture. It's on the top floor overlooking the village and fields below. The sitting area is exquisite and was the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping chai masala.






Today I'm getting a massage, sitting by the pool, having my hands henna painted and strolling through the village. Indulgent!



My tattoo:


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