What’s that in the air? Delhi feels a bit brisk in the morning (heavy emphasis on the bit)! Hello, Fall and 75 degree days!
I am happily situated back into my lovely homestay after the 18 hour train ride back from Jaisalmer, a quaint desert town in the heart of the state of Rajasthan. Five other students and I were treated to a week-long workshop focusing on Rajasthani folk music and dance, led by the Ustad Arba Music Institute. Besides spending about 6 hours a day with the musicians we explored the picturesque Jaisalmer fort and the chhatri complex located about 15 km outside of the town. Chhatris are open air, sandstone monuments generally containing a hero stone. They were generally constructed by royalty, in this case, the Rajput rulers, over the place in which a person was cremated. The complex was stunning, perched atop a sandy, bare knoll, the images of the intricate chhatris were juxtaposed against a nearby wind farm, with hundreds upon hundreds of white wind turbines dotting the sparse desert environment.
As you might have guessed from the camel picture, I was lucky enough to be able to ride on a camel…in the desert…IN INDIA (a lot of times I pinch myself to make absolutely sure that I really am here). Unt (camel) sort of resemble enlarged dinosaur horses and make what I would imagine to be similar noises. Our ride into the desert culminated in a concert by the members of the Ustad Arba as the sun set into a glorious pink behind the sand dunes. Overall, an evening, and trip which will not soon be forgotten.
I’m looking forward to my first Halloween in India and the conversations I’ve had attempting to explain the holiday to my host mother have been hysterical and endearing (“The vampires and the sweets, I just don’t know beti, how they go together?”). We’re planning a party at school, so I will be sure to post photos, as Indian inspired Halloween costumes are sure to be great. Thinking of you all and sending the scariest of Halloween wishes! Please eat American candy for me!
All my pyaar (love),
Anna
