Jodhpur (the place, not the keks)

 Yesterday, we headed out for Jodhpur, a short hop of 5 hours.

Perhaps sensing the faint stirring of mutiny over the long journeys, our guide surprised us with a bonus stop midway.

And what a treat it was blogmates.  We had stopped outside one of the largest cow hospitals in the region (seemingly it's called a gowsala).

Yes indeed, you read that correctly. Our bonus treat was a visit to a sanctuary for old and /or poorly cows . Witness exhibit A:

Who could fail to be moved by this image?

Or this one?

A thorough search of the premises revealed no evidence of pie or sausage manufacture, so I guess it's legit.....

Then it was back on the coach, several of our party visibly moved by the things they'd seen.(indeed the 3 legged cow hopping pluckily along will stay with me for a long time)

On reaching Jodhpur, it was straight on to more sightseeing. Another fort was waiting to be photographed.

This one, Merangah Fort is actually spectacular. 

From the outside it bears a strong resemblance to Carcassonne.  (Regular readers may remember our visit there last year)

Inside however, it's a different tale. Every possible surface has been decorated with intricately carved stone. Think of a crazed stonemason let loose with a chisel.

Remarkable. 

There's a throne room and various treasures to ogle at as well. Here's a few of them.....

After an action packed day like this, all thoughts turned to our hotel and perhaps a reviving beverage. Or two.

But our trusty guide had other plans. Pushing aside our requests to check in, unpack and hit the bar, he directed us instead toward a fleet of no fewer than 17 tuk-tuks which were to take us into the old town.

We set off into the rush hour traffic at a fair old pace, mostly on the wrong side of the road. 

Thr drivers jostled for position between themselves and indeed anyone or anything foolish enough to get in our way. Our tuk-tuk was rear-ended which was a first for both me and JB. 

* Incidentally, a couple of readers have been in touch expressing concern over yesterday's lack of curry at breakfast time.  I'm pleased to report that it was back on this morning.