I first visited India in the 1980s. At the time, I was told of a mystical city in the desert that was so isolated you had to take a camel caravan to get there. While this may have been an exaggeration, Jaisalmer, the mystical city, was so remote that it seemed impossible at the time to get to. My dream was to one day get to the city, and in finally, a quarter century later, I made it.
Deep in the western part of Rajasthan, which is mostly desert, not far from the Pakistani border, Jaisalmer was once a booming merchant city on the trading route from India to Europe. Because of its strategic location, it was a walled city, more like a fort. Filled with twisting alleyways, Jain temples, palaces, small galleries, stalls of crafts, rooftop restaurants and old merchant mansions turned into wonderful hotels, the city retains its medieval allure and is a wonderful place to stroll, sit, stay and eat. Cars are not allowed in, but cows reign supreme. Alleyways are so small that when you see a cow coming down the alley, best move to the side and let it pass. This is a delightful, mystical wonderful place, and certainly worth the long ride to get here. I stayed in a 450 year old haveli or mansion, with five rooms, and still owned by the original family. It was all a wonderful experience…I even joined a camel caravan in the desert. Enjoy the photos.
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This remote ancient Kingdom in southern India had its beginnings nearly 1000 years ago when Mogul invaders ravaged the south of India and inspired Indians to unite in an effort to protect their culture and religion. The Kingdom flourished under four dynasties for over 200 years and left a fantastic architectural and spiritual legacy. It is so remote that it is not as well known as
other famous sites in this fascinating country. Beyond the amazing architectural remnants is the unusual geological phenomenon of its giant boulders. Please enjoy some of my photos from Hampi. Hi
I know this is a large email, but hope you will enjoy it. I was lucky enough to be invited to a cremation ceremony in Bali, held only once every 3 or 5 years. It was fascinating, and colorful…not grim at all. Just to give you an idea… Three villages gathered their dead from the last few years, brought them to the cemetery where they first prayed, and then transferred the remains to various vessels, some of them large lavishly decorated animals. Others are more simple. The most colorful part was the procession carrying the remains from the two neighboring villages, accompanied by local musicians. You can see the floats and the band in the pictures, as well as the long procession of women carrying offerings. After all have gathered and the remains have been placed in the vessels ( I am not sure what to call them!), wood and favored artifacts of the deceased are place around the vessels and finally lit. The following day, the ashes were taken to the sea, placed in green coconut shells and floated out to sea, as Balinese believe we come from water and go back to water when we die. The photos are not in order, but I have included descriptions. Rich Prior to going to Rangoon, I took an overnight cruise down Thailand’s Chao Phraya River, otherwise known as the River of the Kings.
The boat, called Mekhala, is an old rice barge that has been converted into an elegant sailing vessel with six cabins. You get on the boat in the old capital of Ayuthaya and sail down river to Bangkok, overnight. There is a crew of four, including the lively captain, who is also the tour guide and the cook. Along the way, you visit a couple of villages and a morning market. The trip is something like a voyage through time. You pass by villages and homes on the water where people live as they have for generations…but slowly, modern Thailand starts to appear…and when you round the bend and cross the border into greater Bangkok, the temples, palaces, and glittering skyscrapers brings you right into modern times. Meals are elegant and ample, served on deck with proper linens and beautiful Thai celadon. Cabins are cleverly designed, air-conditioned and comfortable…if you are 5’ 10 or shorter! |
About meAn inveterate traveler, I have spent a great deal of time searching for new arts and artisans, mostly in Asia. I am drawn to Asia thanks to my 25-year tenure living in Japan. During that period I traveled extensively and often in Southeast Asia. Upon returning to the US, I formed Arts of Asia in order to share the qualities I admire in Asia with my friends and customers in the US. To support this mission, I continue to spend 4 months a year abroad. The search is never ending! Archives
February 2023
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