Hi All,
This evenings blog is proudly brought to you from our bay window overlooking the city Udaipur and all the fireworks (did we mention it is currently wedding season?). The day started with a warm shower and a lovely breakfast. Then it was time to once again pack the bags and get onto the chariot for another day of crappy roads and no leg space. We had an 8 hour trip today with a few stops along the way for loo breaks, lunch and visiting Ranakpur (a Jain temple).
Ranakpur is built of white marble which is quarried from Makrana (the same quarry to supply the Taj Mahal). At Ranakpur there are no leather goods allowed at all (including purses, shoes, belts etc) and they are strict on this due to the seriousness of the religion. Jainism is based on a doctrine of non violence towards all living beings and are strict vegetarians. The more orthodox ones cover their mouths to avoid inadvertently swallowing living organisms. They also don't wear shoes and brush the ground in front of them as they walk so they don't accidentally kill an insect.
Ranakpur is one of the most spectacular temples that you will see. Set in a secluded wooded valley of the Aravalli Hills, the 15th century temple is one of the 5 great holy places of the Jain faith. It is one of the single most impressive examples of Western Indian architecture.
Once we arrived into Udaipur we checked into our very nice hotel and finally were allocated the presidential suite. We have been waiting since the beginning of the trip and finally have a nice room, with a nice view, a comfy bed and hot water to be confirmed.
Finally we are able to get some washing done as people are starting to look at us funny coz our clothes smell bad and have had no opportunity in the last week to get any washing done. Last pair of clean knickers used today, luckily they have all been washed today and are dry and ready for tomorrow. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief.
After washing was sorted we sat in our bay window and watched the sun set and (we would like to say with a G & T however we are out of T, must get some tomorrow). Then it was time for dinner. We headed to the old city for dinner and will explore that area again further tomorrow. After dinner back to the hotel, write to you fine folks then off to bed.
Love to all
Toot and Gordo Xx.
This evenings blog is proudly brought to you from our bay window overlooking the city Udaipur and all the fireworks (did we mention it is currently wedding season?). The day started with a warm shower and a lovely breakfast. Then it was time to once again pack the bags and get onto the chariot for another day of crappy roads and no leg space. We had an 8 hour trip today with a few stops along the way for loo breaks, lunch and visiting Ranakpur (a Jain temple).
Ranakpur is built of white marble which is quarried from Makrana (the same quarry to supply the Taj Mahal). At Ranakpur there are no leather goods allowed at all (including purses, shoes, belts etc) and they are strict on this due to the seriousness of the religion. Jainism is based on a doctrine of non violence towards all living beings and are strict vegetarians. The more orthodox ones cover their mouths to avoid inadvertently swallowing living organisms. They also don't wear shoes and brush the ground in front of them as they walk so they don't accidentally kill an insect.
Ranakpur is one of the most spectacular temples that you will see. Set in a secluded wooded valley of the Aravalli Hills, the 15th century temple is one of the 5 great holy places of the Jain faith. It is one of the single most impressive examples of Western Indian architecture.
Once we arrived into Udaipur we checked into our very nice hotel and finally were allocated the presidential suite. We have been waiting since the beginning of the trip and finally have a nice room, with a nice view, a comfy bed and hot water to be confirmed.
Finally we are able to get some washing done as people are starting to look at us funny coz our clothes smell bad and have had no opportunity in the last week to get any washing done. Last pair of clean knickers used today, luckily they have all been washed today and are dry and ready for tomorrow. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief.
After washing was sorted we sat in our bay window and watched the sun set and (we would like to say with a G & T however we are out of T, must get some tomorrow). Then it was time for dinner. We headed to the old city for dinner and will explore that area again further tomorrow. After dinner back to the hotel, write to you fine folks then off to bed.
Love to all
Toot and Gordo Xx.
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