Oh Bikaner
Whoa, feels like it's been awhile. Nah, probably just because so much happens in one day here. Going back a bit...moving on from Mandawa we went to Bikaner, a decently large city further west in Rajasthan. Incidently, if I haven't said so before, Raja means king and than means land. So Rajasthan in itself if the land of kings and boasts many palaces, forts and the like.
In Bikaner we were treated to a classy hotel (they even supply toilet paper!!) as well as a romantic rooftop restaurant. We had our first tuk-tuk ride (auto-rickshaw) around town and forgot to negociate a price first so we ended up paying Rs.200. ahahaha...
We visited the Old City in Bikaner (most cities have "old" sections I've noticed) which is before the British moved in build their shitty architecture. The details are so amazing, the Maharajs (great kings) really had good taste. Plenty of courtyards and intricate windows, balconies and door. We've learnt to respond with "Very nice" as this seems to be the only expression the Indians know. Any attempt at beautiful or even wow seems to draw blank stares. Speaking of blank stares, it appears some Indians have selective hearing. "No thank you" or "I don't want it" seem to go completely unheard by roadside vendors selling you things like there's no tomorrow. Annoying at times but mostly amusing.
We visited a glorious Jain temple as well. Of course, every square inch was carved and painted. Logan got some good advice about offerings, and, of course, I was not addressed for I am a white woman. But I'm ok with that. Apparently Rajasthan is known for the fact that "women are not heard nor seen". Hum...they must have thought I did too much talking...
We also visited the crazy rat temple. (Mom you would HATE it!!!muahah) Not only were there rats everywhere, but they were dirty Indians rats eating bad milk and rotten food. Best of all, pilgrims the the devout were barefoot and steping in all sorts of rat/pidgeon nastiness, as well as kissing floors and feeding rats. I kept my socks on of course and was satisfied with taking pictures. The devout believe that the rats are incarnations of the lineage of a certain great individual (name is eluding me) whose chose to keep his soul as long as as his decendants lives' were rat and human alternatively. Logan got to see the highly auspicious White Rat (once again because he's white and male...and also very lucky) and managed to get a shot. Everyone told him "very good fortune" and "lucky man" when he finally persuaded them it was true.
Many other adventures were had in Bikaner, but not those to be put up on the internet...perhaps over a bottle of wine when I get home huh? (haha, no worries mom, we're VERY safe) And to enforce that, we haven't had any safety problems whatsoever. Keep belongings close and nothing goes wrong. Always watch the credit card and ensure passport is always in money belt. All good.
Onward...
In Bikaner we were treated to a classy hotel (they even supply toilet paper!!) as well as a romantic rooftop restaurant. We had our first tuk-tuk ride (auto-rickshaw) around town and forgot to negociate a price first so we ended up paying Rs.200. ahahaha...
We visited the Old City in Bikaner (most cities have "old" sections I've noticed) which is before the British moved in build their shitty architecture. The details are so amazing, the Maharajs (great kings) really had good taste. Plenty of courtyards and intricate windows, balconies and door. We've learnt to respond with "Very nice" as this seems to be the only expression the Indians know. Any attempt at beautiful or even wow seems to draw blank stares. Speaking of blank stares, it appears some Indians have selective hearing. "No thank you" or "I don't want it" seem to go completely unheard by roadside vendors selling you things like there's no tomorrow. Annoying at times but mostly amusing.
We visited a glorious Jain temple as well. Of course, every square inch was carved and painted. Logan got some good advice about offerings, and, of course, I was not addressed for I am a white woman. But I'm ok with that. Apparently Rajasthan is known for the fact that "women are not heard nor seen". Hum...they must have thought I did too much talking...
We also visited the crazy rat temple. (Mom you would HATE it!!!muahah) Not only were there rats everywhere, but they were dirty Indians rats eating bad milk and rotten food. Best of all, pilgrims the the devout were barefoot and steping in all sorts of rat/pidgeon nastiness, as well as kissing floors and feeding rats. I kept my socks on of course and was satisfied with taking pictures. The devout believe that the rats are incarnations of the lineage of a certain great individual (name is eluding me) whose chose to keep his soul as long as as his decendants lives' were rat and human alternatively. Logan got to see the highly auspicious White Rat (once again because he's white and male...and also very lucky) and managed to get a shot. Everyone told him "very good fortune" and "lucky man" when he finally persuaded them it was true.
Many other adventures were had in Bikaner, but not those to be put up on the internet...perhaps over a bottle of wine when I get home huh? (haha, no worries mom, we're VERY safe) And to enforce that, we haven't had any safety problems whatsoever. Keep belongings close and nothing goes wrong. Always watch the credit card and ensure passport is always in money belt. All good.
Onward...
