LONG OVERNIGHT TRAIN TRIP TO JODPHUR AND THE BLUE FORT CITY

The last overnight train trip was a breeze. This time we had the usual sleeping area designed to accommodate 8, in 2 triple decker bunks and a double decker. At times we had up to 16 people trying to sleep in this very confined area. Just add all the luggage and you have a pretty cramped space. Trying to chat to the locals was fun but difficult. They all wanted to talk about cricket and the world cup. This was to go on in every place we visited.

Jodphur was a very beautiful city (photos to come). The audio guided fort tour was exceptional.

The current Maharaja (now an honorary title only) stated that he always loved to come home to his palace in the fort. Gazing out from the top of the fort we could understand why. (Although the plumbing is somewhat antequated.)

Chris and Shelley in the outdoor section of the Zenana (womens area occupied by Maharaja's wives, concubines etc) protected by armed guards (sometimes eunechs) at Jodhpur fort.

The jeep tour from Jodhpur included a visit to the local opium den. Almost tasteless (so I'm told)
The local potters wre amazing and hardly tried to sell us anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The rug and carpet weavers were a friendly bunch and surprisingly the business had been in the family for several generations. No problems with choosing a career path here.