Now the bus is retracing its steps, down the mountainside, through the little one lane road where we almost got stuck on the way up to the cenotaphs and fortress, then following a horse led by 2 boys – the horse not cooperating at all with their commands until they both hopped on the back of the horse (sounds like a Mulla Naseruddin story!) and off they galloped.
We follow the horse for a while until they turn off at a cross roads, and we continue on to the Rambanka hotel. Inside the entrance gate is a lovely huge courtyard, all set up with white linen covered tables, and a walkway strewn with flower petals. It is lovely – and we are thinking it is set up for a wedding – but no – it is for us (and the other folks at the hotel who are dining there this evening). How wonderful!
It’s late by now (its been a full day for sure), and we all rush to our rooms, get cleaned up then meet down in the bar next to the courtyard. It has a real “royal” feel, set up with sultry deep cushioned red settees and dark wood furniture. A beer and wine here is just the ticket after our long day on the road and touring. Then dinner is called, and we grab our traditional 4 spots at one end of our long 19 spot table, watching the waiters as they throw kerosene (or something) onto the wood fire pits that will keep us warm. The food is excellent, as has all the food been on this trip. The entertainment, local dancing and music, is also very nice (and at the opposite end of our table, so no as annoying as it could have been).
After a thoroughly filling dinner, we go inside to the bar again, but first a turban wrapping demonstration! Two of the waiters show us how it is done – 9 meters of cloth, wrapped around their head every day! It looks so simple, but we bet it isn’t! After the demonstration, all the guys get to try one on for size, and we have great pictures (which hopefully will be posted here or elsewhere one day) of our own Maharajas!
On to the night cap, then on to the room for a snooze and tomorrow – onto Udaipur.
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