Nawalgarh

Took a local bus to the rural town of Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region, known for its intricately painted havelis. The bus was surprisingly hassle free; the guy next to me kept his hands to himself so I didn't have to slap anyone (I haven't had to slap anyone yet! My death glare is working wonders!) I didn't see another foreigner the entire journey!

Got to Nawalgarh and the rickshaw driver decided to try and take me to a closer hotel rather than the hotel I'd requested, luckily I went inside to find out which hotel it was BEFORE I paid the driver. Turns out he'd taken me to an eco-resort owned by Ramesh, the father of Rajesh who ran the hotel I wanted to go to. The eco-resort looked lovely but out of my price range, and Ramesh was lovely too, suggesting that if I had been looking for Rajesh's hotel, I should insist on going there.

Was greeted at the front door by Rajesh, who owns/runs Rajesh Jangid Tourist Pension. His whole family is just so friendly and welcoming. The rooms are very beautiful and there's a big common room, as well as an incredibly peaceful shady courtyard where I spent most of my time reading. They grow their own organic vegetables and Rajesh's wife cooks delicious meals with them. They even make their own yoghurt, which I had for breakfast one morning. It was such an oasis of peace and it was great to not be hassled for a couple of days! Rajesh is incredibly helpful and kind, and I would highly recommend his place to everyone.
I spent the days wandering around the town and exploring the havelis - a town without touts!!. It was haveli heaven! There's over 200 in the town and several are open to the public to wander around. It was fantastic. I would have just stayed a week and chilled out if I had the time but I had to keep on going. There were two French cousins who were the only others staying at Rajesh's home. They had hired a private car and driver for their time in Rajasthan and I was able to catch a free lift for the 9hr drive to Jaisalmer! Luck!


Speaking of luck, every single day someone tells me I'm lucky, and each time for a different reason. The mention of 'luck' first started when a 'guide' at Fatehpur Sikri tried to sell me string to tie onto the lattice in the temple so that I could make a wish. They were asking something like $4 for a piece of string and some flowers to offer, and I told them that I didn't need it. He insisted that it was very important I tied that string on for luck. "I make my own luck," I retorted as a I walked away. The next day it started. The first day it was the Jaipur hotel owner; the gap in my front teeth means I'm lucky. Then the next day I'm told I'm lucky because the lines on my forehead are straight and go all the way from one side to the other. The next day I stepped in cow shit, and was told that I'm lucky. And then yesterday a glass broke next to me, and apparently that means I'm lucky too. Every day, and a different person each day, tells me that I'm lucky!