We got up at five once again, and took jitneys down to breakfast. As it would be a hassle to go back to our rooms - one disadvantage of staying in the Palace, as opposed to the stables - we immediately climbed into our bus which took us a few miles and pulled off the highway. There were three open air jeeps waiting for us, into which we divided up and set off into the cool morning air - brrrr! We drove through the city, into the country on smaller roads, but never really on rough dirt that would require a four-wheel drive. I think the jeeps used to be necessary when the roads were in much worse shape, and the tradition has continued as part of the tourist show. Anyway, we arrived at a small village of the Bishnoi people whose beliefs go back to the 15th century - based on 29 principals of vegetarianism, refusal to injure any living animal or tree, no alcohol, but with the occasional use of opium.
An old man demonstrated how a small bit of opium was crushed in a mortar, mixed with water, strained through a cloth pouch and drunk to heal injuries, give strength or energy. The compound was surrounded by smooth pavement made from cow dung and straw - pretty impressive except it washes away in the monsoon rain which seems a little impractical.
We stopped at a lake to check it out for birds and then continued on to see a demo of a potter and a weaver. We had to dash back to our rooms as we had to pack up and leave our beautiful suites by noon. We had lunch and split into two groups - one to bird the lovely grounds and the other to go downtown to see the market. Bob stayed and got a new bird, I joined six others to take tuk-tuks down to the bustling, chaotic Clock Tower Market. We wandered past booths selling various lentils, ten kinds of rice, vividly-colored spices, bangles and everything else one could want.
We also walked by a step well - a large well in the middle of town with slanting sides with set-in steps so one can descend to the water level depending on whether it is monsoon season and the water is high, or dry season and the level is low. There were also some doorways that led to secret passageways that were used by the concubines or wives so they could come to bathe.
We ended up at a manufacturer of fine woven goods and watched a demo on how they are designed. We got back to the Bal Samand at five, drank some beer and prepared to go down to the train station for our night train to Delhi. We have all been somewhat apprehensive about this trip, not knowing what our sleeping arrangements will be, if we'll get any sleep, or not.
We arrived in the dark at the station and our local guide got porters to carry our big bags up stairs, over the tracks, and down to our platform. The porters each carried two big bags on top of their heads and walked faster than I could walk just carrying my daypack!!
Our train pulled in: third, second, then first class and we climbed aboard. Bob and I found ourselves alone in a two bunk roomette!! The others were in twos and fours, and we got all of our luggage delivered. Our porter brought in sheets, blankets and pillows. I went down to see Hilary with her three companions and stayed partying, all of us wishing that we had brought a bottle along as it is a dry train! We ate a delicious box dinner from our hotel, and I am typing this right now as the train bounces along!
The Party Car
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