CASTLES MADE OF SAND, PART II

The palace comes to life at sundown. From the village below, a couple and their young boy come up to sing traditional Rajasthani folk songs and dance. Its like nothing I've ever seen and again, I'm laughing out loud at this crazy amazing place. After a couple of glasses of French wine I took to dancing with the boy and we were quickly their favorite members of the small audience.











The next day while wandering the coutryside, we were befriended by a young Rajasthani woman dressed in a brightly colored sari. Her name was Santos. She walked with us while we explored a nearby step well that descended seven stories into the earth. On our way back, she insisted that we visit her home, which was a beautiful shanty tent. We sat on a handcrafted bed while she showed us photos of family members and travelers she had met. Then low and behold, who should appear but the young performer from the previous night dressed in shorts and a dirty shirt. He seemed excited to see us. No sooner did he adorn his brigh red robe and turban than festive music came from a rusty radio and he began performing for us right there in the tent. The opportunity to be with these people in their home in the Rajasthani country side was quite an experience indeed and to this point has been the highlight of my adventure.