DAY SEVEN
Thank God Diwali seems to be over, but now, its “wedding season”, two large white horses, fully decorated and with obviously inexperienced riders amidst the traffic today, attest to this. This means that although one set of bangs has finished, another will begin. And there will be very loud music.
We made our way up to the fort today, dating back to 500AD, on the way passing some absolutely massive statues of Jain saints, carved into the rock (70m high). Many had had their genitals and faces mutilated by invading Mughals.
The fort itself, was extensive and built by prisoners, who were later rewarded for their efforts by being allowed to weave a giant carpet (funny reward).
We are staying in a very luxurious old Haveli. Our reception was far from welcoming. Did we not look smart enough for this place? We were ordered to pay in full for our stay before being even shown our rooms. Usually, one would expect to settle the bill AFTER the stay? When I asked for water, the surly staff replied “tomorrow”. What?!?! Anyhow they seem to have warmed up to us now and are telling us all about their families, which I take as an encouraging sign.
7.30pm. We are eating outside tonight in the Haveli courtyard, which is very atmospheric, despite being insect ridden. Madame, the Rani (Queen) has just presented each of us with a big box of local sweets. They weigh a ton, and it is really not my sort of thing, but we will have to carry them. Tim is very hopeful that they will be “really nice”!
