At the start of the planning of this wonderful adventure Twila and I sat down separately did research and then each came up separately with places we wanted to see. As I was researching India I came across a picture that captured my heart and soul. It was Jaisalmer.
The first thing I thought when I saw the picture of this magnificent city was I was going to Dune - meet Paul Atriedes and ride a worm.
Twila was not as enamoured with Jaisalmer as I was, it just this little city in the Thar desert why would I want to go there? The next thing I know she is besides herself because she thinks I want to go there to go on a camel safari. That did not enter my mind once. I have never had any desire to ride a camel for ten minutes let alone two days. My response was non committal, umm let me check it out.
Well I went on line and read about the safari. They talked about camping in the desert, they showed pictures of tents and cots, but no bathrooms. No bathroom, that is a problem. I am a middle aged woman, I do not squat. I called her and said umm I don't know, I don't think they have bathrooms, I think we will have to go in the sand.
Oh think of the adventure she crooned, so much fun. When will you ever be able to go on such an adventure. We will never be able to do it again. Plus I am sure they will have bathrooms, this is a very popular activity for westerners, can you see a bunch of wealthy old people squatting around in the sand. It will be fine, relax.
I thought she was wrong. I thought no I am going to end up with a bladder infection. But I relented, I actually compromised because I really really wanted to see Jaisalmer.
As our travels ensued we encountered more and more people who had gone to Jaisalmer and done the Camel Safari. They complained that they were taken to permanent camps with bathroom and showers and how commercial it was. Every time someone told us that Twila would turn to me and say see no worries.
But I was worried. I had this sinking feeling that that was not the Camel Safari we were on. I continued to dread the Camel Safari, and worried worried worried.
The night before the Safari we ran into a threesome from Boulder who had just done the Safari and they had said it was wonderful, blah blah blah, but they would have preferred something more authenticate. I still did not believe this was the safari we were doing so Twila and I had a bet. It is the first time in my life I was hoping and praying that I would lose this particular bet.
Finally the day came, we got up had breakfast and made our way to our host for the next two days. I was actually beginning to feel a bit more hopeful about the accomodations, and decided that I was at least going to enjoy what I could.
As Twila had told you the camels were not where they were suppose to be and it was the first time that I saw the driver with his hands on his hips looking around. That was the first inkling that I got that this was not going to be a luxury trip into the desert.
End of Part One
MS 2
The first thing I thought when I saw the picture of this magnificent city was I was going to Dune - meet Paul Atriedes and ride a worm.
Twila was not as enamoured with Jaisalmer as I was, it just this little city in the Thar desert why would I want to go there? The next thing I know she is besides herself because she thinks I want to go there to go on a camel safari. That did not enter my mind once. I have never had any desire to ride a camel for ten minutes let alone two days. My response was non committal, umm let me check it out.
Well I went on line and read about the safari. They talked about camping in the desert, they showed pictures of tents and cots, but no bathrooms. No bathroom, that is a problem. I am a middle aged woman, I do not squat. I called her and said umm I don't know, I don't think they have bathrooms, I think we will have to go in the sand.
Oh think of the adventure she crooned, so much fun. When will you ever be able to go on such an adventure. We will never be able to do it again. Plus I am sure they will have bathrooms, this is a very popular activity for westerners, can you see a bunch of wealthy old people squatting around in the sand. It will be fine, relax.
I thought she was wrong. I thought no I am going to end up with a bladder infection. But I relented, I actually compromised because I really really wanted to see Jaisalmer.
As our travels ensued we encountered more and more people who had gone to Jaisalmer and done the Camel Safari. They complained that they were taken to permanent camps with bathroom and showers and how commercial it was. Every time someone told us that Twila would turn to me and say see no worries.
But I was worried. I had this sinking feeling that that was not the Camel Safari we were on. I continued to dread the Camel Safari, and worried worried worried.
The night before the Safari we ran into a threesome from Boulder who had just done the Safari and they had said it was wonderful, blah blah blah, but they would have preferred something more authenticate. I still did not believe this was the safari we were doing so Twila and I had a bet. It is the first time in my life I was hoping and praying that I would lose this particular bet.
Finally the day came, we got up had breakfast and made our way to our host for the next two days. I was actually beginning to feel a bit more hopeful about the accomodations, and decided that I was at least going to enjoy what I could.
As Twila had told you the camels were not where they were suppose to be and it was the first time that I saw the driver with his hands on his hips looking around. That was the first inkling that I got that this was not going to be a luxury trip into the desert.
End of Part One
MS 2
maybe there's an upside- an uncomfortable adventure might be more memorable than a comfortable one!
ReplyDeleteAh Tash, ever the optimist! I love those half-full glasses (particularly if they contain Blantons or Bookers bourbon).
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting narrative by T3/MS2 - I knew she loved Dune but hadn't thought of her wanting a worm ride (she doesn't like regular worms by the way) - I am sure this will be a very memorable trip & we have the photos of your socks and tent to prove it. Maybe the Gage Taylor desert paintings will sing even more when you get home.
Kaiser is available should there be a bladder infection!