Our driver told us that on our way to Jodhpur he wanted to take us one extra, special place called Ranakpur. It took about two hours on a windy road, that seemed to have major construction everywhere. I was starting to wonder if the drive was worth it, and it really, really was. More on that in a separate entry.
We had lunch a few miles down the road from the temple. There was a “Phoebe Bouffet” that looked a little sketchy, but was quite good. The owner/waiter was hovering a bit behind us at one point and he let’s out a huge BUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPPPPPP. We all just looked up at each other and tried not to laugh. So discreet with the bodily functions in this neck of the woods, I must say.
The drive was scenic again. We drove past so many cows today! One big black bull was looking right in the window at me as we were stopped and he winked at me – I swear! So cute. I love cows now. Not just for eating, I mean.
Arrived in the early evening at Jodhpur and Newton’s Manor. Oh my. Mr. Newton is a fan of the knick-knack. Every surface in the house is covered in little doilies and crap. There is a huge stuffed tiger in the living room, with a singing Christmas tree right next to it. A stuffed cat head graces the dining room. Another stuffed cat lies curled up and “sleeping” on the couch. Also lots of Christian religious bits – posters, etc. everywhere. It’s like every little do-hicky Mr. Newton (or Fig, as we call him) has ever received has been placed in his home. It’s quite the site.
Our room were…meh. Not too bad, really, except my bathroom reeked of poo. Break out the potpourri Fig!
Newton’s Manor is actually a house where they rent out about five rooms. They serve you breakfast or dinner in their little dining room, but we decided to go exploring a bit and headed down the road until we found Shree Ram. Very, very good (vegetarian) dinner, including a SUNDAE. YUMMY.
Walked back to Fig’s, dodging cows. So weird, they kinda freak me. But I say that with love.
