The Invincible Fort

Mehrangarh Fort stands high above the blue city of Jodhpur. Thursday, after a night in our luxurious room (recommended by Ashish, who we met on the train) we decided to check out the Lake in town followed by the fort.

Not far from the 500+ year old Sardar Market and clock tower is a large lake with fountains. We wandered around the lake taking photos and meeting a few of the locals. We've promised to send photos and I fear we may end up with a long list by the end. It is inevitable that when people find out we are from Australia the conversation turns to cricket. The locals know a lot more about Australian cricket than Kate (and probably John too).

We met a student during his interval (morning tea) and I think he appreciated the chance to practice his English and learns some new words. We helped a local feed some dough to the fish in the lake before wandering the streets some more.

Once our interest in the streets of the old city was sated we grabbed a rickshae The Fort is over 500 years old and has never been breached though at one time was subject to a 6 month seige. A great audio guide took us through the fort and its history. We roamed the many courts and enjoyed views across the city.

We had arrived in Jodhpur during their state hood celebrations and at the beginning of an international folk festival so there was plenty of cultural activity. Interestingly the locals choose major traffic roundabouts (circles in local lingo) around the city to set up bands and dancers to celebrate so the traffic would compete with the crowds watching on.

Kate: The locals also have no hesitation in striking up conversation with a white lady, and love getting photos with me! One man in particular (when watching the singers and dancers at the roundabout) pulled me into the middle of the circle of people watching so that I could get a photo with the singers and dancers!! They loved it!!! Can't imagine a tourist in Australia jumping up on stage with an artist so they could get a photo during the performance... :)