The Last Days in Jaisalmer and My Birthday

    Although touring on the 30th did help cheer me up sadly it wouldn't last. After returning to my room I called my husband to share about my day. That's when he told me his grandfather had just passed away. It's such an ugly feeling to be so far from home when something like this happens. I honestly always assumed it was my sister's funeral I might miss by traveling, not Grandads. While I felt awful that I couldn't be there to support my husband, I wasn't actually sad. Grandad was an amazing man who lived a full life to the age of 99. Most people never get that lucky. Yes, I would definitely miss him and all his worldly wisdom, but I was ok with him moving on to a place where he's get to be with family again and discover all the answers to life's mysteries. I'm really awkward when it comes to death. I didn't cry at my father's funeral. I didn't cry at my grandmother's funeral either, yet if I'm really angry or you hurt my feelings......I cry like a child. 

After my first trip to India, Grandad wanted to hear about everything and see pictures. This time when I returned I would not be able to do that. Instead of feeling sad, I felt like he was able to be there with me. Like he could finally see everything he wanted to through his own eyes. That part mad me feel better. Also, the funeral would not take place till after I got home so I was able to attend. Which is a good thing.

My original plan for January 31st, which was my last full day in Jaisalmer, I had intended to stay in my room and do nothing. I was still upset about my friend not being there with me and I just didn't feel like being around people. Two things motivated me to get out that day. The first was going to a temple to have a prayer said for grandad. The other was my sister Heid's voice in my head telling me to "get over myself already." I was here in India, on a trip I worked hard to pay for and I was going to sit in my room and mope? No way. So the first thing I did was contact my driver. I asked him to take me to the temple we went to the day before so a priest could say a prayer/ blessing or whatever for Grandad. Then I asked him if we could go silver shopping. I try to buy something that represents each city I visit. Jaisalmer is know for it's silver jewelry. So off we went. 

That day I just threw on whatever clothes and no makeup. I wasn't in the mood to care. Now as I look back at the temple video I wish I had chosen a better shirt now than Hello Kitty, but it is what it is. Here is the video of the prayer being said to wish Grandad a safe and happy journey to whatever is next. I have no idea what he is actually saying. I had to shorten it, but you get the idea.

Being in the temple made me feel calm which was good. Something about being in India just always makes me feel happy. Now it was time for shopping. When you travel through India with a tour company you learn very quickly that your driver is the person to consult about shopping. They usually know the local artisans, but more importantly they will take you to shops that charge a fair price. Other shops on the route may look super cute and fun, but the upcharge is ridiculous. 

Near the fort my driver called a man to meet us. The shop is located in his family home so he needed to lead us there. In any other country this would sound totally sketchy, but in India you just roll with it. After walking down so really crazy streets that looked like we might be on a dug run, we arrived. The home was three stories. I took off my shoes on the bottom floor and we went upstairs. The bottom floor is where they create the jewelry, but upstairs is where you buy. Just passed his sleeping area, like I literally walked through his bedroom, was a well lit room full of items. 

On our way to buy jewelry.

One of the owners displaying his handiwork.

While I saw so many things that I wanted to buy, my money was starting to get tight. So I finally settled on a quartz and silver bracelet for myself and a pair of moonstone and silver earrings for my mother-in-law. 

It's hard to see but my bracelet sparkles with hues of purple and green.

After shopping I was ready to head back. The next day was my birthday which meant I'd be flying out of Jaisalmer and back to Delhi. When I booked this trip I had not intended to fly on my birthday. No one wants to be in an airport on their birthday. I did that last year when I was flying back to America and it sucked.  I think I ordered chocolate cake and ice cream for dinner this night. I honestly can't remember, but that sounds like me.

February 1st

Yay I'm 47! The night before did not turn out to be the relaxing evening I planned. Since my driver would be returning to Delhi by car, I asked him if I could leave my luggage with him and carry on only what I needed for the night. He discussed it with the company and they said it was fine. Somehow the night before there was all this confusion and stress about it. If there wouldn't be a huge fee to take all my bags with me then I would have. However, flying domestic, with the baggage of an international traveler gets pricey. After many tears and frustration, my driver and I got it settled finally. 

This morning as I was waiting for my driver, my hotel surprised me with a birthday cake! It was 9am and I was very surprised. They even sang me happy birthday. I have no idea how everyone knew, but they did. I took it up to my room and I had it for lunch before I left,lol.

The next mission for my birthday was returning back to the market to pick up a few last minute gifts I had forgotten. A teacher friend asked for a scarf and a small box. My niece wanted a set of puppets, I wanted a couple Rajasthan t-shirts, and I hope to find this camel toy I saw the day before. We arrived earlier than most of the vendors. I guess typical vending time starts around 10 am. We were there at 9am. Luckily other shop vendors we awesome and helped us contact who we needed. I was able to find everything including the elusive camel toy. It was the only one I had ever seen and I knew I'd regret not buying it.

These t-shirts are so touristy but they make me laugh.

The elusive rocking camel.

At noon my driver picked me up for our trek to the airport. Jaisalmer only has a military airport. They allow Indigo and Air India to fly out of it as well. It's a super tiny place. After I was checked in and made it through security I was finally able to grab the only food I recognized and some water. I think it was an over=sized cucumber sandwich. It was alright. my flight which originally was supposed to leave at noon, had been rescheduled to leave at 2:50. This meant I wouldn't even reach Delhi till 5pm. I wasn't too thrilled about that.

The original birthday plan was supposed to be Jain and I going out to dinner somewhere while I wore my new sari. Since that wasn't going to happen I had a new plan. My wonderful tattoo artist Ankit, offered to take me out that night. He is a very busy person so I felt honored he would make time for me. He said I was a guest in his country and I should not be left alone on my birthday. He truly is the best man. So this was the new plan, but even that would get screwed up.

I finally arrived in Delhi around 6pm. To make matters worse it took 1 1/2 hours to drive to my hotel the Suryaa from the airport! Last year my final night was in a hotel close to the airport. Why they didn't do that this year I have no idea. If you are guessing I was frustrated then you'd be correct. I FINALLY made it into my room by 7pm. It seems two giant bus loads of tourists were checking in the same time I was. What a nightmare! By this point I texted Ankit a few times and told him he didn't need to come. I was too exhausted to go out and I don't party anymore. I'm old and I know it. Nevertheless, he would not let me cancel out. While I waited for him to arrive I had dinner. My favorite chicken dish cooked by the Suryaa chef.

Around 9pm Ankit arrived. He brought me a small chocolate cake and a small gift. Both were unnecessary, but I loved it. We chatted about life for a few hours then he went home. I was actually very happy he had come by. To have someone who barely knows me go out of their way to make my day special… there just aren’t words for that type of kindness. Money, material things are great, but they don’t compare to meeting a genuinely great person. After Ankit left I passed out. It was an exhausting day and I had to get ready to start an even bigger journey tomorrow night; home.