Buzzing About in the Thar Desert

This tiny bee was no bigger than my thumbnail

Juxtaposition

Crumbling cenotaphs with towering wind turbines in the background.

Snake Tracks

I'd like to see a snake making its tracks in the sand... As long as it didn't know I was there.

Touts or Terrorists?

We went to see the sand dunes in a village not far from Jaisalmer. Along the highway, we didn't pass very many other vehicles going in either direction.

On arriving at the sand dunes, three men spotted us and came racing towards us from their roadside lean-to. One got to my window and started to lean in, but I knew what was coming, so my window was already on its way up. The other two ended up at Tukesh's window and they both leaned in and grabbed the door of the car.

All three were screaming offers of camel rides, safaris, tent camps. Tukesh made the mistake of trying to argue with them until I shouted "Just drive!".

This guy here wasn't going to let go of the window until it was nearly high enough to take his fingers off. We were already in motion and he'd been holding on, running alongside.

After we took off back where we came from, they all got on motorbikes and chased after us, shouting pleas through our (now re-opened) car windows. Ten kilometres later, the last one finally gave up.

I may have to go back there some day, so I can get it all on video.

Climbing Gear

Rocky hills, high wind and a sari.  Perfect.

Dancing for Joy

On the drive from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, we went a few hours out of our way to see an amazing temple in Osian. 

It was so un-amazing that I was ready to leave after taking just one photo. 

And then I heard the singing...

Napkins, Salt, Pepper, Sugar... Birds

We were sitting at a rooftop restaurant in Jaisalmer, when these little birds suddenly popped up over the edge of the wall and went straight for the sugar.

Muppet Murder

Somebody skinned a Muppet and put its pelt on this bed in Jaisalmer.

Shawl Shopping at Teen Darwaza Market, Ahmadabad

This shawl seller was honest and fair with us, remaining calm and good-humoured thorughout the bargaining process. He didn't shout, throw anything, grab my arm or tell me I didn't understand... not even once.

We gave him a lot of business over the next few days.

Poor Planning

This is what happens when you widen the roads without proper planning regarding electricity poles. There are now several of these hazards in North Goa, most of which have had reflective paper or white paint put on them by the locals (and a few of which have had shards of glass and bits of metal scattered around them by unaware drivers).

Mapusa Market Madness

Every Friday, whether it's the tourist high season or the midst of Monsoon, Mapusa Market is filled with spices, produce, household goods, fish, flowers, clothes, decorations, baubles...  and people.  Lots and lots of people.  Some of 'em driving through the narrow, crowded pathways on motorbikes.  Not cool.

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