Today's trip was a doozey. A local transportation union went on strike over unfulfilled job promises. They commandeered a railway and the interstate... so we had to go the long way around. Unfortunately this route became an even longer was because our particular road's condition was no where near the level we were previously travelling on. In the end our trip took about 12 hours and it was a rough, slow, bumpy ride.
We stopped along the way to eat at a local out door eatery. This is a scary proposition for any international traveler, but especially for those touring developing nations. As our driver pulled over, Vicky and I exchanged fearful looks while we surveyed what was essentially and open air kitchen surrounded by drunken men and a few fly littered plastic tables. The food was surprisingly tasty and the sweaty cook was very friendly. We spent about 40 minutes chowing down and swatting flies. But we were happy to do so, because in rural India, we knew that this was just about the last eatery we'd see for the next 50-100 miles. And our stomachs were settled after we down a couple of Pepto-Bismal tablets. Those little pink beauties are a truly a traveler's best friend.
We were exhausted and night and long fallen by the time we arrived in Jaipur. We cruised through the busy town while our driver gave us some interesting facts about the town and then it was onto our hotel. The Dera Rawastar was lovely (by far Vicky's favorite hotel). It had a walled off complex, boutique style and a nice pool. Plus, free wifi!
Namaste!
No comments:
Post a Comment