Sabu's village of Dagre/ day 1 jaisalmer

Passed lots of camels on their way to Pushkar for the camel festival. As we passed ( in the typical Indian fashion by honking the horn), I yelled to each one: " See you in Pushkar," as we will in a few days...

We picked Icon Travel for our India trip and are so glad we did! All has been great and Sabu, the owner, invited us to spend the night at his parent' s house on the way to Jaisalmer Once again, we were warmly greeted as the pictures attest. His sisters, sister- in- law, and mother made us lahangas. They have full skirts unlike the sari and are favored here in Rajasthan.

Cannot emphasize enough the warmth and hospitality of the people. Because of Sabu, We have been fortunate to see and experience many sides and levels of the country.

Sabu's family is vegetarian. On a wood fire, the women cooked pula, a frIed bread. We sat on a rug around a small table and with right hand only, broke off small pieces and dipped it into a small bowl of vegetables, consisting mostly of chili peppers! Did you know salt cuts the heat! Needless to say, George ate a lot of plain puli!

Sabu said lately all the labor and costs of taking the small farm's goods to market has not been worth it

Village schools are of very poor quality. The teachers ignore the students. You must go to a private school to get anywhere. Sabu will take one of his nieces to live with him in Jaipur when his house is complete to send her to school as she is bright.

The children are beautiful and endearing. We visited the village square where the children vied for camera time with Sandy and me while George and Buddy " chatted" up the older guys. Only 1 woman at the square.

Caste still a big part of Indian life. If the caste is high, you will soon be told of it. And most marriages are still arranged, although now the groom is allowed a peak at the bride before the wedding day.

The shoes sandy is looking at are at the side of the road, left there last month by pilgrims walking barefoot to a very holy Hindu shrine. Some of the pilgrims roll on the road to the shrine; some slide their bodies in a hands in prayer position.

Tomorrow after seeing the magnificent golden fort, we take a camel ride overnight into the desert where we will be just 50 km from Pakistan. We passed a whole battalion of army trucks on the road and a huge barracks. 60% of Jaisalmer ' s pop is army!

Had a great birthday-- the hotel even brought a cake to the table. This haveli is over 300 years old. We were upgraded to the rooftop suite.

George showing Indian river method of washing clothes and self!

Hope all is well.