The morning we were scheduled to leave was very relaxing and we met up with our friends, Toby and Barbara before we took off to Pushkar. It was fun to exchange experiences and to hear about parts of the north where they visited. We will definitely be back at some point to see the Himalayas and Nepal with better equipment to go trekking with.
The train was great! What a different experience than last time because we were able to book 3 AC.This provides a lovely berth with closed windows with a maximum of six people per berth. Ours only had us and one other man and it was extremely comfortable and relaxing. I would say its worth a few extra rupees and my opinion of the train has changed completely.
We arrived in Pushkar, a very small city that I was excited to visit. Everything you read describes a certain magnetism or pull towards the city and from what I can tell, this is very accurate. There is literally Hindi music in the air all over the city and the vibrations of prayers being said all the time because it is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Last night the music blared on until 2am and although it was beautiful, I wasn't inclined to think so when I was unable to sleep!
As soon as we left our hotel in the morning, I could tell this city was different. Firstly, we were able to walk, to stretch our legs and not be hassled by every auto rickshaw driver that passed by because the city simply isn't big enough. Secondly, everyone was so friendly! Not the, "hello, where are you from", how-much-money-can-I -make-off-you friendly, but we encountered genuinely warm and friendly people. Passing by anyone on the street will provide you with a thousand watt smile and a "namaste." I have been feeling like I have been missing this magical moment where I feel at peace with India and I swear in Pushkar, I have found it! I am so happy and wish we could stay longer.
There are certain similarities to other cities like garbage on the streets, cows walking around like they own the place (and they do), and an assortment of other animals to contend with. I saw two stray dogs chasing a wild boar trying to take a bite out of its butt (would they really win?) and in the next moment I saw a huge monkey pee off the roof of a building! Although you can get used to the shenanigans, it is somewhat bizarre when you think about it.
Pushkar is a very holy city for Hindus and it is one of the oldest cities in India. Legend has it that Lord Shiva's wife died and he was so distraught and cried so hard that he created the holy lake in Pushkar. In this lake there are 52 ghats where people bathe and receive blessings and it is really spectacular to see although you can't stay long lest a priest spot you and demand a donation. The city worships Lord Brahma the creator and there is a temple dedicated to him here which is rare. We did see the temple but chose not to go in to avoid the hassle.
Instead we ventured up to the temple Saraswati (Brahma's wife and Goddess of knowledge and arts) which was an hour long hike (or pilgrimage) from the city center. What a joy to be out hiking and enjoying the fresh air! The view was lovely of the holy lake and you could see all the farmland around (apparently making up 75% of Rajathan's industry) which was beautiful. Pushkar in particular thrives on growing roses which are used as offerings by Hindus. The friendliness of the city continued and we met a nice young man hiking up and he was excited to share his beliefs with us. He described the festival that is currently going on, Navrati festival, which entails nine days dedicated to worshipping the Goddesses and not only will he fast throughout only sitting for one meal a day, but he will make a pilgrimage to the temple Saraswati every day. When we arrived at the temple, he asked us to watch him pray in front of his idols and taught us how to ring the gong afterwards. The experience felt very real and I felt so blessed to have him share his faith with us.
As we returned from our hike we entered the spectacular market which was impossible to resist. This was really our first authentic bazaar/market experience because typically the bazaars are very frantic and hectic and we avoid them. This experience was so lovely! Not only were there minimal touts, but there was no pressure to buy and the prices were very fair. More than wanting to sell anything, the shopkeepers were so interested in us and genuinely want to know more. One shopkeeper was so intrigued by our clothing, wanting to know the details of where we bought it, when we bought it, and for how much. We had to explain to him the difference between buying brand name items and the clothes we were wearing because he was uncertain as to why our clothes were "cheap." In general, we had a fun time bargaining and making jokes with our new standard one to make them laugh: "where are you from?" "India! You?"... Works every time.
Believe it or not, we then found a cute cafe for happy hour and indulged in mojitos! The owner joined us for a chat and it was very interesting chatting with a local person. He described how he came to own such a nice cafe and the story is very touching. A woman from New Zealand came to his father's tea shop and as they formed a friendship, she asked him why he did not make it nicer? Without the resources he was unable to change anything and the day before she left, she gave him a generous donation to start the cafe he has now. Stories of philanthropy like that are inspiring and he seemed like a very warm, and happy person. We talked candidly about arranged marriages like his own and love matches like his sisters (which can sometimes cause grief for up to four years but they will be accepted eventually), and the concept of marrying outside of your caste or category within your caste (big no-no). It is always great to learn first hand from the people.
As I lay in bed, reflecting on our day, I feel so relaxed and charmed. I had the most fun, interesting, laid-back day I have had in India so far and I have certainly fallen for Pushkar. Tomorrow we are hoping to meet some camels and I am excited for that adventure also!
The train was great! What a different experience than last time because we were able to book 3 AC.This provides a lovely berth with closed windows with a maximum of six people per berth. Ours only had us and one other man and it was extremely comfortable and relaxing. I would say its worth a few extra rupees and my opinion of the train has changed completely.
We arrived in Pushkar, a very small city that I was excited to visit. Everything you read describes a certain magnetism or pull towards the city and from what I can tell, this is very accurate. There is literally Hindi music in the air all over the city and the vibrations of prayers being said all the time because it is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Last night the music blared on until 2am and although it was beautiful, I wasn't inclined to think so when I was unable to sleep!
As soon as we left our hotel in the morning, I could tell this city was different. Firstly, we were able to walk, to stretch our legs and not be hassled by every auto rickshaw driver that passed by because the city simply isn't big enough. Secondly, everyone was so friendly! Not the, "hello, where are you from", how-much-money-can-I -make-off-you friendly, but we encountered genuinely warm and friendly people. Passing by anyone on the street will provide you with a thousand watt smile and a "namaste." I have been feeling like I have been missing this magical moment where I feel at peace with India and I swear in Pushkar, I have found it! I am so happy and wish we could stay longer.
There are certain similarities to other cities like garbage on the streets, cows walking around like they own the place (and they do), and an assortment of other animals to contend with. I saw two stray dogs chasing a wild boar trying to take a bite out of its butt (would they really win?) and in the next moment I saw a huge monkey pee off the roof of a building! Although you can get used to the shenanigans, it is somewhat bizarre when you think about it.
Pushkar is a very holy city for Hindus and it is one of the oldest cities in India. Legend has it that Lord Shiva's wife died and he was so distraught and cried so hard that he created the holy lake in Pushkar. In this lake there are 52 ghats where people bathe and receive blessings and it is really spectacular to see although you can't stay long lest a priest spot you and demand a donation. The city worships Lord Brahma the creator and there is a temple dedicated to him here which is rare. We did see the temple but chose not to go in to avoid the hassle.
Instead we ventured up to the temple Saraswati (Brahma's wife and Goddess of knowledge and arts) which was an hour long hike (or pilgrimage) from the city center. What a joy to be out hiking and enjoying the fresh air! The view was lovely of the holy lake and you could see all the farmland around (apparently making up 75% of Rajathan's industry) which was beautiful. Pushkar in particular thrives on growing roses which are used as offerings by Hindus. The friendliness of the city continued and we met a nice young man hiking up and he was excited to share his beliefs with us. He described the festival that is currently going on, Navrati festival, which entails nine days dedicated to worshipping the Goddesses and not only will he fast throughout only sitting for one meal a day, but he will make a pilgrimage to the temple Saraswati every day. When we arrived at the temple, he asked us to watch him pray in front of his idols and taught us how to ring the gong afterwards. The experience felt very real and I felt so blessed to have him share his faith with us.
As we returned from our hike we entered the spectacular market which was impossible to resist. This was really our first authentic bazaar/market experience because typically the bazaars are very frantic and hectic and we avoid them. This experience was so lovely! Not only were there minimal touts, but there was no pressure to buy and the prices were very fair. More than wanting to sell anything, the shopkeepers were so interested in us and genuinely want to know more. One shopkeeper was so intrigued by our clothing, wanting to know the details of where we bought it, when we bought it, and for how much. We had to explain to him the difference between buying brand name items and the clothes we were wearing because he was uncertain as to why our clothes were "cheap." In general, we had a fun time bargaining and making jokes with our new standard one to make them laugh: "where are you from?" "India! You?"... Works every time.
Believe it or not, we then found a cute cafe for happy hour and indulged in mojitos! The owner joined us for a chat and it was very interesting chatting with a local person. He described how he came to own such a nice cafe and the story is very touching. A woman from New Zealand came to his father's tea shop and as they formed a friendship, she asked him why he did not make it nicer? Without the resources he was unable to change anything and the day before she left, she gave him a generous donation to start the cafe he has now. Stories of philanthropy like that are inspiring and he seemed like a very warm, and happy person. We talked candidly about arranged marriages like his own and love matches like his sisters (which can sometimes cause grief for up to four years but they will be accepted eventually), and the concept of marrying outside of your caste or category within your caste (big no-no). It is always great to learn first hand from the people.
As I lay in bed, reflecting on our day, I feel so relaxed and charmed. I had the most fun, interesting, laid-back day I have had in India so far and I have certainly fallen for Pushkar. Tomorrow we are hoping to meet some camels and I am excited for that adventure also!
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