We left Bikaner in the early am for a six hour (almost direct) drive to Jaisalmere. It never ceases to amuse me when we have to honk and stop for a herd of cows or goats that are aimlessly wandering the highways eating from the side of the roads. By highways, I mean paved road in the middle of the desert. We have recently decided to skip lunches as we felt as though we were over eating. Restaurant eating is hard on the body, not to mention that we cannot eat any raw vegetables here so we have been overdoing the carbs. Joe and I have taken to eating potato chips and bananas for lunch instead, which is a healthy alternative! Unfortunately, we also feel nauseous a lot here which is not very appetizing. It could be the malaria tablets we are taking, or it could be the food or the constant smell of sewage wafting by at inopportune times.
We arrived at the five star Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer around 1pm. Upon arrival we are greeted by musicians at the front door, bindi dots placed on both of us between the eyes along with a floral wreath to drape around the chest (see picture of me in our room). I can’t say enough good things about this place. So beautiful and the hospitality is outstanding. The first room they took us to smelled like cigarette smoke, but with one comment from me and a sour face, we were moved instantly and problem free. Once settled in, we decided to rest poolside with a ginger ale and coke. We enjoyed a quick dip in the pool that cooled us right off and spent the hour relaxing on comfy lounge chairs. I kept expecting someone to forcibly remove us from the premises at any moment. Backpacking imposters posing as five star travelers! Free wi-fi and a view of the pool and terrace from our room, we have decided never to leave here!
Early evening, Nanu picked us up for evening sightseeing. Our first stop began at Bada Bagh, the crematorium for the royal family (King of Jaiselmere) which was commissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh in the early 16th century and completed by his son Lunakaran after his death. Secondly, we stopped at the Ramen priest crematorium for a walk and view of the fading sun. As you can see in the photos attached (one of me above and two in this paragraph), the crematoriums were outstanding. Ornately carved out of gold sandstone, they are a labour of love. We watched as the sun set over the city of Jaiselmer on top of the highest hill of the city. The sun beating a bright orange, gave its last look at the day before fading behind the mountain.
Once back at the hotel, we had a delicious dinner in the hotel dining room. I have to admit that we are a bit curried out and Joe chose a chicken burger, fries and strawberry shake while I opted for a goat and tomato fettuccine with garlic toast.
Part two of Jaisalmer tomorrow!
We arrived at the five star Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer around 1pm. Upon arrival we are greeted by musicians at the front door, bindi dots placed on both of us between the eyes along with a floral wreath to drape around the chest (see picture of me in our room). I can’t say enough good things about this place. So beautiful and the hospitality is outstanding. The first room they took us to smelled like cigarette smoke, but with one comment from me and a sour face, we were moved instantly and problem free. Once settled in, we decided to rest poolside with a ginger ale and coke. We enjoyed a quick dip in the pool that cooled us right off and spent the hour relaxing on comfy lounge chairs. I kept expecting someone to forcibly remove us from the premises at any moment. Backpacking imposters posing as five star travelers! Free wi-fi and a view of the pool and terrace from our room, we have decided never to leave here!
Early evening, Nanu picked us up for evening sightseeing. Our first stop began at Bada Bagh, the crematorium for the royal family (King of Jaiselmere) which was commissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh in the early 16th century and completed by his son Lunakaran after his death. Secondly, we stopped at the Ramen priest crematorium for a walk and view of the fading sun. As you can see in the photos attached (one of me above and two in this paragraph), the crematoriums were outstanding. Ornately carved out of gold sandstone, they are a labour of love. We watched as the sun set over the city of Jaiselmer on top of the highest hill of the city. The sun beating a bright orange, gave its last look at the day before fading behind the mountain.
Once back at the hotel, we had a delicious dinner in the hotel dining room. I have to admit that we are a bit curried out and Joe chose a chicken burger, fries and strawberry shake while I opted for a goat and tomato fettuccine with garlic toast.
Part two of Jaisalmer tomorrow!
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