Jodhpur is the "blue city", named for the indigo dyed limestone walls of the homes and buildings here. It is also home to the mighty Meherangarh Fort, an impressive sandstone structure that appears to grow right out of the cliffs overlooking the city. One of its most interesting design features, and one I hope to employ in my own home someday, is an inclined ramp leading up to the main door which takes a sharp 90 degree turn and is covered in massive spikes. Reason: to keep out charging enemy elephants. This was state of the art security at the time and could still come in handy in your own home in today's unpredictable world. Perhaps installing elephant proof door systems in homes worldwide would make a good post-traveling business when I decide to settle down someday??? I’m going to hire an Indian consulting firm to do a feasibility study.

Visiting many of India’s landmarks requires not only an entry ticket but a camera fee as well. So obviously, the camera that takes the best photos is the one that should get the job. In my case, my little Canon Digital Elph has been replaced by a far superior Nikon that belongs to Nora, an Austrian girl I met in Delhi and my current travel partner. Many of the photos seen here were done with her camera and I have to give her the credit. Nora is somewhat of a tourist attraction on her own, at least for Indian tourists. With her hair colored bright orange, bright blue eyes, and white European skin, she gets stopped at least 25 times a day by the locals requesting to take her photo. One with dad, one with mom and the kids, and one more holding the baby if there is one, and finally a group shot. Meanwhile, dozens of passersby are photographing the photo session with their cell phone cameras or getting in line to be next. It all becomes quite a spectacle and once in a while, I’m asked to step into the photo as well but she is certainly the star attraction. Occasionally, random women and children will just stop to touch her arm or face to see what the white girl feels like. It’s all rather entertaining. Nora, however, wants to start charging a service fee so she can at least get a free lunch each day.

Jodhpur is worth about two days of exploring and no more. Time to move on…