The village of Osian is an oasis in the Thar Desert, an ancient town which is home to an 8th century temple. Our drive through the countryside is always a treat. The fields and roadways are busy with day to day life, women working in the fields and men tending to their flocks of sheep, goats and cattle. Life seems to be a little more organized out here. The farms even have stone walls to keep their animals in. Of course they still walk them along the roadway to move from pasture to pasture. Our bus drive constantly dodges water buffalo, cows, goats and sheep. The little village of Osian is colorful and charming. The locals are used to seeing tourists as many come here to see the ancient Sachiva Mata Jain temple. We have to walk through the town past shops, homes and even the local barber shop to get to the temple.
The temple is stunning and very busy with tourists coming to view this incredible structure and many are here to receive blessings from the priest. The priest sits at the head of the temple in front of the idol, as you approach he says a blessing, puts a red dot on your forehead and ties a red string around your arm. The string stays on your arm for good luck and must wear off naturally over time.
We continue through the countryside with a brief stop to wait for the local train to pass by. Behind our bus is a truck load of students returning home from school. Their transportation is a far cry from our school buses. Our next adventure is a ride on camel back to explore the sand dunes of the desert. Some ladies are little apprehensive and choose to stay at the lodge, the rest of us climb onto our camel's back and head out to view the sun set over the dunes. It's quiet and peaceful out here and the view is magnificent. The town of Osian and the Jain temple can be seen off in the distance. Our ride ends at the gates of the gates of the Indian Safari Club, a magnificent 5 star tented hotel set on the highest sand dunes of the desert. As we arrive the fire is burning in the central courtyard, there is live music and a traditional dancer performs. There are comfy seats around the courtyard and it's cocktail time. |Nanette strikes up a conversation with a couple sitting near us and it turns out to be the owner. He offers to take us on a tour of his retreat and invites all of the ladies to join him in the the lounge for an after dinner drink. Tonight we dine outdoors under a tent , the ambiance is amazing and the food is fabulous. We move from the patio to the lounge to join owner Reggie Singh for a drink. He has the brandy glasses adn filled with Indian rum for a toast. The music is playing and the sound system amazing. Reggie is a gracious host and knows exactly what music to play. The ladies begin to dance. Before we know it everyone is up dancing and enjoying the camraderie of this amazing group of women. A fun night is had by all but it's time to leave as we have an early morning departure from Jodhpur to the town of Narlia. The jeeps are lined up and waiting to drive us from the lodge to our bus. Our jeep ride was as much fun as the camel rides. The women are happy, laughing and hooting all the way. The desert sky is clear and the stars are bright and magnificent. This has been a truly memorable day and evening.
The temple is stunning and very busy with tourists coming to view this incredible structure and many are here to receive blessings from the priest. The priest sits at the head of the temple in front of the idol, as you approach he says a blessing, puts a red dot on your forehead and ties a red string around your arm. The string stays on your arm for good luck and must wear off naturally over time.
We continue through the countryside with a brief stop to wait for the local train to pass by. Behind our bus is a truck load of students returning home from school. Their transportation is a far cry from our school buses. Our next adventure is a ride on camel back to explore the sand dunes of the desert. Some ladies are little apprehensive and choose to stay at the lodge, the rest of us climb onto our camel's back and head out to view the sun set over the dunes. It's quiet and peaceful out here and the view is magnificent. The town of Osian and the Jain temple can be seen off in the distance. Our ride ends at the gates of the gates of the Indian Safari Club, a magnificent 5 star tented hotel set on the highest sand dunes of the desert. As we arrive the fire is burning in the central courtyard, there is live music and a traditional dancer performs. There are comfy seats around the courtyard and it's cocktail time. |Nanette strikes up a conversation with a couple sitting near us and it turns out to be the owner. He offers to take us on a tour of his retreat and invites all of the ladies to join him in the the lounge for an after dinner drink. Tonight we dine outdoors under a tent , the ambiance is amazing and the food is fabulous. We move from the patio to the lounge to join owner Reggie Singh for a drink. He has the brandy glasses adn filled with Indian rum for a toast. The music is playing and the sound system amazing. Reggie is a gracious host and knows exactly what music to play. The ladies begin to dance. Before we know it everyone is up dancing and enjoying the camraderie of this amazing group of women. A fun night is had by all but it's time to leave as we have an early morning departure from Jodhpur to the town of Narlia. The jeeps are lined up and waiting to drive us from the lodge to our bus. Our jeep ride was as much fun as the camel rides. The women are happy, laughing and hooting all the way. The desert sky is clear and the stars are bright and magnificent. This has been a truly memorable day and evening.
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