Returning to our half-day journey in the van, Linda and I finally realized we were getting close to our destination, as we turned onto a road that led us through literally hundreds if not thousands of cattle. It was difficult to determine, since it was pitch-dark outside, but we saw a sign with a large arrow, pointing us off the road and down a very dusty path and ending at an enclosure "gate" made of brightly colored fabric. This signaled us that we had, at last, arrived at the tent village where we would stay for the next two nights. Bani, who works for HiPoints, was there to greet us, as well as the owner of the tent company, who remembered us from the previous year.
Although the rest of the Dream Team had turned in for the night, our bags were taken to our respective tents and we were directed to the "dining" tent for a very late dinner. Bani had waited to eat with us which was most thoughtful. Although we ate very little, it felt good to finally reach the team, whom we were sure had some amazing tales to share with us the following morning.
When I arrived at my tent, I was pleased that the porters had placed a hot-water bottle inside my bed. Since we were tenting in the desert, it could get very chilly and sleeping in a warm cot was a bonus. Sleep being the operative word, it was an elusive one at best. There were lots of strange sounds, kind of like cattle lowing, but also off in the distance, piercing the quiet of the night, were the very strident sounds of a Rajasthany troubadour, wailing his story, not unlike some of the emotional "stories" told in our own country-western music. One or two songs would have done it for me, but this was not to be... The "singing" continued on, throughout the night, even until the dawning of a new day!
Both Linda and I wandered down to the dining tent and were greeted by other members of our team, who had lots of questions about our experiences from our Saturday.
Bani announced that we would be leaving for a walk-about at the Nagaur Fair, in a short while, and we should get ready for a 9:30 departure.
Although the rest of the Dream Team had turned in for the night, our bags were taken to our respective tents and we were directed to the "dining" tent for a very late dinner. Bani had waited to eat with us which was most thoughtful. Although we ate very little, it felt good to finally reach the team, whom we were sure had some amazing tales to share with us the following morning.
When I arrived at my tent, I was pleased that the porters had placed a hot-water bottle inside my bed. Since we were tenting in the desert, it could get very chilly and sleeping in a warm cot was a bonus. Sleep being the operative word, it was an elusive one at best. There were lots of strange sounds, kind of like cattle lowing, but also off in the distance, piercing the quiet of the night, were the very strident sounds of a Rajasthany troubadour, wailing his story, not unlike some of the emotional "stories" told in our own country-western music. One or two songs would have done it for me, but this was not to be... The "singing" continued on, throughout the night, even until the dawning of a new day!
Both Linda and I wandered down to the dining tent and were greeted by other members of our team, who had lots of questions about our experiences from our Saturday.
Bani announced that we would be leaving for a walk-about at the Nagaur Fair, in a short while, and we should get ready for a 9:30 departure.
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