Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

India

February 27, 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

India is blessed with ancient stone -- deep deposits of granite and marble and sandstone. For centuries, for millennia, masons, architects, artisans and artists have quarried and designed and cut and carved their local stone to build a dramatic and eternal heritage.

The glossy white marble of Agra, the sparkling pink sandstone of Jaipur, the rich red sandstone of Bikaner -- the geological riches are the pride of India and a prize for her visitors.

And now, Jaisalmer -- a golden city! Jaisalmer, the golden-yellow sandstone walls rise up from the hills to dominate and defy the golden gauntlet of the Thar Desert.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

India
February 28, 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

Jodhpur is blue. Yes, blue.

I am sitting astride the barrel of the cannon, ten feet long, perched on the muscular ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort. From here, 125m (410 ft) above the desert, the roofs of Brahmapuri village are a "washed blue." ^[*]

Udaipur, Rajasthan

India

March 4, 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

Here I am at the Amet Haveli, another one of those recommended Special Places to Stay. ^[*] The broad terrace of the Ambrai Restaurant overlooks a very inviting Lake Pichola. (12 sq km. 7.5 sq mi.)

I am sitting with Yasmine (an Israeli beauty) and her mother Mali, and Madam Fee, a German ex-pat who has lived here for many years, and John from England. Hair, face, arms and shirt, John and I are totally covered with a rainbow of pastel chalk -- mostly reds and purples. Happy Holi.