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Exploring Gujarat
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  • Peter Craig

Exploring Gujarat

An Indian experience with Viv, DK & Anita Read more
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    Peter CraigExploring GujaratTraveler

    Day 5

    April 5, 2023 in India ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Breakfasted 7.15 with Rahul and staff and finally left after 8.00. It had been a great stop at Rann Riders but had eaten for too much.

    It was a morning of diving through flat countryside which slowly changed from farms and villages to huge areas of villagers making salt.Then increasing industrial activity., wind turbines heavy trucks and traffic.

    Our route tok us from Disada, through Patrick,
    Dhrangadhpur,  Halved,, Malia and finally to our first destination of the day.

    We visited the Living & Learning Design Centre (LLDC, a huge museum and workshop) near Bhuj. Fascinting displays and guided tour. Arrived about1.00 and departed at 5.00 pm.

    Met guide PD and taken into a local village, and specifically to a local dyer who uses natural indigo, ,alum , etc. Watched weavers at their looms and then showed the indigo dying process with the vats of indigo (cake made from the leaves), crushed dates and Jagger (sugar cane) and water.

    Viv bought a shawl while I sat outside and chatted to PD and the local family as they went about their evening chose of milking the Brahmin cattle, feeding the calves, etc. Given a shawl, most unexpectedly by the grandfather. The family had won the all-India weaving competition four times in the past.

    A cricket game going on in the street at 8.30 as we left. Drove through crowded streets into Bhuj  a huge city substantially rebuilt after a devastating earthquake of 2001 when thousands died. Found Bhuj House hotel, a traditional home turned into a small hotel. As we arrived,  a mosque opened up with an evening call to prayer,  part of Ramadan. Shower and late meal with DK and Anita. Chatted to the owner (Johan?) before heading for bed at 10.00. It had been a busy day    Read more

  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratTraveler

    Day 4 The Asiatic Wild Asses plus

    April 4, 2023 in India ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Our alarm went off at 5.15 am and we got ourselves ready for a game drive in the Little Rann of Kutch. Lead by Hator, we climbed into a Gypsy at 6.00 am and drove through the village of Desada and onwards with the ground becoming increasingly salty and the bushes more and more thorn scrub.

    Once we had reached the Wild Ass Reserve we followed crispy, salty tyre tracks across the flat landscape (reminiscent of the Nai Pans or Maghadighadii in Botswana) looking for wildlife.

    Eventually we found 3 photographers (the only other people we saw all morning) parked near a fox's den, waiting for the mother to return to the pups hiding in a hole in a bank. Shortly afterwards we spotted the mother and moved closer to her, watching her digging for grubs. Back at the hide, we were able to watch a pup emerge on the bank.

    Later we moved on, searching for wild ass. Came across a herd of young males but they were skittish and moved off. When a larger herd appeared we approached fairly closer, stopped and watched them, and then had breakfast at the same time. Eventually we walked towards the herd and they allowed us to get really close before breaking into a run. Ir was great!

    Then it was on to visit the salt workers and watched them operating at their pans, skimming the salt crystals off the top of the salt beds by hand and tractor..    Read more

  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratTraveler

    Day 3 Ahmedabad to Desada

    April 3, 2023 in India ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We met DK and Anita downstairs at breakfast at 7.30 as life stirred around us Reasonable choice. On the road by 8.30 heading through the city traffic northwards to Modhera and its famous Sun Temple. Delegates from a G20 meeting were scheduled to visit later in the day but we were able to see the entire siteand benefit from a dance rehearsal for later important visitors.

    We shown around the Hindu Temple by guide Vipal who explained the intricacies of the design - from cleansing pool, to the first temple and then finally the inner sanctuary in the second building. All clearly aligned with the fising sun at the equinox shining through the doors of both buildings to strike the holiest part. Numbers of columns, panels,etc.,etc all conforming to Hindu beliefs. Fantastic cravings.

    On our way out we watched the very impressive dance routines being practiced for later.

    From Modhera, joined by Vipal, we travelled north to Patan and its UNESCO World Heritage stepwell. On arrival there did not appear to be much there other than lawns shrubs, and a few monkeys. However, from the rim climbing slowly down through the 7 distinctive levels I became increasingly impressed
    It's an incredible building with more superb carvings. It was a huge surprise for me and definitely worth the visit.

    We returned to Modhera to drop off Vipal and then turned eastwards and eventually Disada. We kept phoning and delaying lunch at our next hotel. Rann Riders.and eventually sat down with the owner, Rahul, and some of his staff at 4.00. Rann Riders is an impressive quality retreat with high levels of performance.

    That evening we were taken to meet Mir tribal people near the village of Desada, buying bracelets and.entering their tents for an inspection. From the Mir we moved to nearby cattleherders, the ? and walked down their village streets. Engaged with the kids by taking photos and then showing them the results.

    Back to Rann Riders for a shower and a meal (which we thought was dinner) near the swimming pool & clay pigeon range. Talked to Rahul and others. Then at 10.00 it was back to the dining room for a large dinner. Rahul was definitely trying to impress DK! I have never eaten so much food, not want to upset our hosts.

    Bed at midnight, bloated and exhausted. But it had been a good day.    Read more

  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratTraveler

    Day 2 Sydney to Ahmedabad

    April 2, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    We were up reasonably early with the boys and Lara and Al around us. Checked to see how Piers and Trent were doing with their insurance race. Breakfasted and finished picking.  Picked up by Uber driver Hashim at 7.30 and a fast run through the rain to the airport. Traffic congestion around the international terminal but eventually we were inside and became involved in the check-in, customs and immigration  process.

    While buying Australian presents for DK,  Anita and their boys, news came through that Piers and Trent had won their pairs category in the 130 kms endurance race, after 20.5 hours of competition, the last 8 hours in steady rain.  Very proud of them both.

    Flew SQ232 for nearly 8 hours to reach Singapore. Vary full plane and we were in the back row,  next to a South African transferring to a new job in Singapore. Watched it couple of movies but dozed intermittently.

    Had a quick change at Changi (about 1 hour) before we were aboard SQ 502 for a 5 hour flight to Ahmedabad.  Much emptier so Viv grabbed one row and i another as we tried to get some sleep. Slow through the airport officials, particularly the e-visa section, and then on to a very slow money exchange booth (Sunday 10.00 pm)  before emerging to find DK and Anita waiting for us - a very welcome sight!

    Taken in a minibus with a driver through the streets of Ahmedabad to the House of MG, the converted home of a very wealthy merchant. Straight to bed after 23 hours of travel.  Exhaustive but happy to be back in India.    Read more

  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratTraveler

    Day 1 From Narrawallee to East Lindfield

    April 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    What a hectic day! A houseful of 3 nervous/excited athletic adventurers and a dog that was freaked out by suitcases being packed and strangers in his home. Piers had arrived the previous evening, followed soon after by his friend Trent and Matt. They were down in Ulladulla to take part in a 24 hour adventure race.

    So, it was an early start for all. Piers and friends had breakfasted, sorted out their gear and departed by 9.30. Beni watched us compete our packing very nervously and pulled items out when we weren't looking. Very frustrating and much bribery occurred. Last minute activities got in the way of dropping Beni off at the Ulladulla Pet Motel and we suddenly realised this 10 minutes after closing time. A mad panic followed with frantic unanswered phone calls and a fairly quick trip to south Ulladulla. Fortunately I was able to drop him off, and my anxiety levels could drop back to normal.
    Finally packed the car and went down to the Civic Centre to watch the start of Piers' race. Saw him off to Warden Headland and then come passed us on the Harbour beach before heading north in the car.

    Brief stop in Nowra (camer battery and Maccas for lunch)and we pushed through to East Lindfield by 5.00pm.

    Pizza supper with Niels and Reid, with Lara and Al going to a school function.

    Very tired and an early night in preparation for hours of flying tomorrow.    Read more

    Trip start
    April 1, 2023
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