Desert Dance

Jul6

Returning to Krishna Desert Camp from the dunes, we stayed only long enough for me to leave my hat and grab my pashmina. Since Prem and I were the only guests for the night, there was no entertainment arranged at Krishna. We were going to a nearby desert hotel to see a traditional music and dance performance.

The music had already started when we arrived. The place was very festive, with all the colored lights.

I was surprised to see that I was the only foreign visitor in the crowd. I thought there would be more foreign visitors than there were. Mostly Indian families were here.

The singer in the yellow turban had a pair of thin, flat pieces of wood in each hand that he clicked like castanets.

I was mesmerized by this dancer’s beautiful costume.

After the performance, they turned on some recorded music and audience members danced with the traditional dancers. What a great way to end a fantastic day!

Sunset at the Dunes

Jul4

Back at Krishna Desert Camp, Prem and the manager talked about the camel ride to see the sunset that was part of my tour. I was willing to pass. First of all, no camel deserves the punishment of having to carry my bulk on his back. Second, camel saddles are built for slender people. They were equally determined that I was going out in the desert to see the sunset. We agreed upon a camel cart.

When hitched to the camel, the cart slants at a steep angle, and there is absolutely nothing to hang onto. It wasn’t too bad except for when the camel driver urged the camel to trot. One wheel went over a big rock, and if Prem hadn’t quickly grabbed my arm, I would have fallen off the cart.

The view from the dunes was pretty nice.

A couple of musicians played and sang, hoping for tips.

A couple dozen tourists from nearby desert hotels, mostly Indian families, gathered here to watch the sunset.

The sunset wasn’t spectacular, but it was nice being out there all the same.

Khuri Village Traditional Houses, part 2

Jul1

Our unofficial village guide gestured me inside this lady’s home. It seemed really intrusive to me, especially when I got inside and saw she was breastfeeding her baby, but she didn’t seem to mind, especially when I handed her a ten rupee note after having taken a few photos.

I gave all the ladies a little money for the privilege of seeing their homes. I figured that was part of the reason the village development committee man invited me here.

I never gave any of the kids who followed us around any money, though. It would only encourage their begging, which they were already doing. Also, more kids would have quickly come running, and it would have caused a riot.