Jodphur
Most of yesterday we travelled over the hills to come to Jodphur. We started the trip in good spirits because we heard that Prince Charles is making a big donation to Wells for India. I think the HRH has been reading my blog and has been inspired.
What a beautiful journey up and over the Aravali hills. From the top we looked down the valley and saw the geat Jain temple which we later visited; in the woods around it we saw long haired silky monkeys and the odd peacock. As I had been promised herds of peacocks I was a little disappointed.
The Jain temple was peaceful and intricate and when I get home I will post a picture of it on my blog!
The bus journey was long but not remotely boring. There is a constant activity on the roadside; if things become too tame you can look ahead at the road and mainline on fear to perk yourself up.
We are so in to water harvesting that the whole group sighs with pleasure at the sight of a dam; we almost went into outer space with delight when we saw oxen circling a well to irrigate the fields. You can see very easily how the prosperity of these areas is tied to the irrigation systems
THis afternoon we move to Kalron Field Centre and we meet the Wells for India partner Gravis who are a group of Ghandian activists leading a number of porjects in the Thar desert. One of the pleasures of the trip has been meeting with passionate Indian activists who are absolutely dedicated to improving the lot of the tribal people of India.
So tomorrow the Thar desert. Apparently we head off in a jeep on a track, but then we just take off over the dunes. At least we won’t be swerving our way between lorries, rickshaws and pigs and cows.
I learn all the time. The projects are dedicated to supporting the people to develop self sustaining lifestyles. Women do approximately 70% of the farming tasks and the heavy lifting of fuel and animal fodder – as well as carrying the water – is their job. Everywhere we see the women, graceful and balanced, carrying these heavy loads on their heads. When their lot is improved they tend to become the agents for change because they want better things for their families and all the projects with which Wells for India is involved include ‘gender sensitisation’ and support for equality for women.
I have not been here for a week yet – it feels like a month! Next three nights in the desert and then Jaipur when I will blog once more. (DV) Thanks for comments – I am actually enjoying this!
Hey Isobel
Am ejoying sharing this adventure with you and happy that Helen sent me the link. Have passed it on to Emily too.
I well remember a lengthy bus journey from Delhi to Kashmir – as you say, not boring!
Take care and enjoy the rest of the trip.
Irene
xx
I can’t wait to see the photos although as another comment said,you do paint a vivid picture. Looking forward to hearing about the desertX
Again a very interesting insight into a very different world to our own – interesting too to hear of a Ghandian group and its involvment. I hope you enjoy your desert experience -certainly well out of the comfort zone I would think! Looking forward to photos. Well done Bonnie Prince Charlie too!
Hi Isobel
Interesting times when you are disappointed to only see long haired silky monkeys and “the odd peacock” All sounds amazing. I want to know what all the men are doing??
Look after yourself in the desert!
Margaretx
Feel as if I’m travelling with you(& very jealous!) – the mood of amazement comes through your blog.Thank you. So many impressions bombarding you. take care.
Hi Isobel,
Have finally managed to work out how to post a comment! Never was much good at sophisticated technology. I certainly don’t understand ‘twitters’.
I love reading your blogs. Such a different world. I was turned away from the golf course this morning; small matter of an inch of snow on the fairways! From the sound of things I am surprised the Indian men are not expecting their poor women to carry enough water to lay out 18 lush holes!
There was a recent photo in the papers of a peacock wandering off the street into a shop in Dunfermline but your encounters sound much more exotic. Are you sure ‘herd’ is the collective noun for peacocks? ‘Pod’ sounds much better.
I look forward to further blogs and seeing the photos on your return.
Keep taking the Imodium.
Love John
Dear Isobel – this is my third attempt at submitting this so am highly impressed by your mastery of the blog.
Even more impressed at your being able to select and write about such an experience when everything is so vastly different. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your descriptions – you make it all very real; am looking forward to hearing about it in person.
Robert sends his love and me too – Franny
fascinated to read all this; it makes the stuff I have read about Wells over the years come alive. You show really clearly how quickly one comes to appreciate water and the effort that goes into harvesting even tiny amounts. Sounds like an intense experience. Keep well and safe and treasure it all
I am so enjoying feeling connected to you and your journey via your blog – you don’t seem quite so far away. Hope you are getting on well just now. I am reading regularly and keeping up with the trip.
Sarah.