We travelled west and as we did so the surroundings kept getting drier and sandier. We entered desert land. As we drove I couldn't help but think of the Iraqi and Afghan war pictures, but India hasn't been in a recent war. As we headed east to Jaisalmer I felt like the land became more desolate and despairing. Empty. Hopeless. Every once in a while a small population would spring up but I still can't understand how they survive. It greatly reminded me of when I visited the Arawak Indians in Columbia last year. It is almost like they are forgotten communities yet I wonder if they're okay with being forgotten. It was a ride full of wonder and awe.
As we travelled we were headed to Jaisalmer which is the western most Indian city. About 2 km east of Jaisalmer we turned left and drove 40 km to a super small town called Khuri. At this point we are only 90 km from the Pakistani border. Crazy right? Sidebar: We asked our driver if we could take a detour and head over there. He asked if we knew the Pakistani police? And if not, we didn't want to. I guess that's a no.
We arrived in the desert town of Khuri to a settlement of small mud and straw huts each with electricity and indoor plumbing. And we arrived to three saddled up camels. We were heading on a desert camel safari! (The free promotional one). Although we were happy with this free gift we were disappointed as we were told wed take the camels and sleep in the desert. But when we arrived we were told it was much too windy to sleep in the desert that night. Anyhow, were going on camels nonetheless. i was friggin stoked!!!
(Moved temporarily to present tense) The camels are kneeling and waiting for us to load. Given my lovely tall Dutch genes I stepped right over and on to the camel: completely convenient. For those of you who haven't had the joy of riding these creatures, getting the beast up and down is a party. It happens in three stages as they steady their upper and lower legs. It's a rocky ride!
I looked at my camel longingly and named her Tante Alice, named after a dear colleague but originally inspired by a lyrically rich children's song. Tante Alice did me well as we travelled across the Great Thar desert. She was determined and steady like a rock...and when I was allowed to run with her: she performed with ease. Thanks tante Alice!
We walked towards the sand dunes. As we did all I could think about was the Bible and Aladdin. Wait for it...ill explain. To the right was a well with many colourfully clad women gathered with their camels and other animals. I reminded me of Rebecca at the well in Genesis 24. Colourfully and fully clad women. No men around. Desert like environment. Camels, goats and sheep surrounding the women. The well situated just outside the settlement. I envisioned bible times. And I did so as I was riding a camel. Is this real life?
We headed up to the dunes to where we watched the sun set. It was simply gorgeous and reminded me of how incredibly awesome God our creator is. This is a type/part of the world I hadn't experienced. I've seen mountains, oceans and rain forests but this is yet another layer of beauty. Indescribable. I sat silently for a long while watching the sun, watching the sand listening and pondering. Awesome. I left fuller ;) of awe than when I came.
There's no great way to Segway into this, but this camel experience, and much of india in general, 400% reminds me of Aladdin. Watch the movie again and you'll know what I mean.
As glorious as this experience was you should all know that riding a camel without stirrups for ones legs is not an overly comfortable experience. It made me appreciate the three magi that much more. It was quite the journey to Bethlehem I'm sure.
Sidebar: Michelle and I were chilling on the dunes. Backtrack...before said chilling Michelle was sliding down the dunes in her butt like a slide. Sounds fun right? It would be if it was possible to actually slide. Instead she generally stopped dead in her tracks. So we're back to chilling in the dunes and a middle aged couple is beside us talking away. After quite a whole I looked at Michelle and asked if by were speaking Dutch. Clearly they understand English as well as they looked at me with a funny face. I said, "I thought so. It was softer so I knew it couldn't be German" I assured them I had no idea what they were talking about as the only 'Dutch' I know are bad words and insults in Frisian. Every time I travel I am reminded of how small the world is despite its vastness.
We headed back to our huts/camp. There were two Swiss siblings and a young Belgian couple at the same camp that night. It is always wonderful to talk to Europeans when travelling. It is enriching and refreshing. In my experience they are quite educated in world affairs and they all know at least three but usually four languages. The Belgians and Swiss were talking in German and French at times because they wanted to brush up on those languages. Super fun.
We were all treated to a lovely Indian meal of chippata bread, lentil sauce, potatoes, desert beans and rice. Delish. Then we had our beds set up and we slept outside under a star-filled, moon-lit Indian sky. It was warm but quite windy at times and with the wind came sand. Teresa was the wise one of the three of us as she figured out how to cover herself from head to toe to avoid getting sand everywhere. I just kept it simple and ended up taking some desert back with me.
The night sure was interesting. At times it was beyond silent. At other times it was like 400 dogs were all in one dogfight. The dog shenanigans happened at least three times throughout the night. Then at 5am we awoke to a dude on a megaphone and then Indian music being blared through some sort of sound system. It went for a good half hour. I have my suspicions on what this was but I dont want to speculate further until I do at least a bit more reading. But I am sure it was religion-related. An interesting 'sleeping' adventure nonetheless!https://m.facebook.com/rachael.weening?__user=500893022
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