Jaisalmer, crown of Thar desert

After many hours of driving through mustard colored, flat scenery of sands and villages, with the occasional Khejri tree and many more camels than cars, we arrived at the fort city of Jaisalmer. The city rises proud and high, elevated on top of a yellow sandstone hill, enclosed by old walls.

Lior: Jaisalmer reminds me a lot of Jerusalem- an ancient stone city, with markets, and warm weather. I really just loved walking through the old city, since it’s so easy to get lost.

Looking at beautiful Jaisalmer from outside the city walls

A stroll in the complex, winding, narrow streets within the old city, that contains many Jain temples and others, tiny stores, restaurants that lead to rooftops, people wearing colorful outfits, cows and camels, and most of all, beautiful stone carvings embedded in the buildings, made me feel like it’s all part of an Aladdin movie set. We took a local guide to show us around, which was OK, but I wish I had more time to just sit and view street scenes. Next time, perhaps.

The view towards the main gate of the Golden City

Hats vendor, adding splash of colors

collage of texture, color, and shape

Lady in window

One of the best views we had, was from our hotel’s room window. We woke up early, just to watch and be in the moment of the sunrise at the desert horizon.

The Helsinki House sits on the very edge of Jaisalmer; beyond that is strictly desert for as far as the eye can see. It was amazing to wake up, watch the sunrise, then walk into the desert, not knowing what we would see or find. (We did end up seeing many stray dogs, an ox, and some sort of shrine). 

a window to the desert

And after spending some “urban” time in Jaisalmer, we wanted to taste some solitude and desert life.

Not much solitude. People and camels as far as the eye can see

So it wasn’t as empty as we wished for, but hey, we got a taste of the desert. We slept in a tent, had a big party with food and dances, and sand.

Our night in the desert tent camp was also fun. Although we came for solitude, of which there was none, we did enjoy a great feast and party in the camp. This ‘desert resort’ is apparently a popular venue for many Indian tourists! 

a desert friend

you can see more photos in instagram, or FB

Holy Pushkar Lake

I am so grateful to be able to travel with my family, collect memories, experience moments with them, share laughter, overcome hardships. It fills  and lifts me up. I am so happy that Lior, is sharing her thoughts in this blog. May we have many more travels and stories to share.

smiles and love

The town of Pushkar, is situated around Lake Pushkar, one of the holiest pilgrim sites for Hindus. The lake is surrounded by 52 ghats, and around it are many temples (some say over 400 temples, divided among different sects: Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, etc’). Pushkar is also a mecca to the many tourists who wanna feel spiritual, rest (and eat) at one of the many roof-top guest houses, play or listen to music, and shop shop shop.

After leaving Shekhawati, it was a bit hard for me to get used to the pushy, noisy, nosy, people, who want to always sell or market something, be it food, tours, or even a spiritual puja (which we finally did, read on).

What I did like about Pushkar:

*Getting up at 5:30 am to climb up the steep hill to Savitri Temple, to see the beautiful sunrise over the city of Pushkar. Indeed, the steps were decent at first, but then they started to be rocky, twisted and steep. Nevertheless, an hour later our award was well worth it. We got amazing views of the sunrise, had warm, sweet chai at the top, saw our first monkeys in India, and had a nice workout. Oh, and just so you know, Savitri was the first wife of Lord Brahma.

View from Savitri Temple early morning,  semi dark, but beautiful

morning has broken

*Walking barefoot around the lake, climbing down and up the ghats, sitting from afar and watching groups of pilgrims bathing in the holy water.

Walking barefoot around the lake

Ghats, stone steps descending to the lake edge, used for sacred bathing and ceremonies

*Sitting in Sunset Cafe, sipping chai, watching the sunset, and watching and listening to the music players of the drums at Jaipur Ghat, on the eastern side of Lake Pushkar. Click photo to hear some of it.

View from Sunset Cafe. Drums and jugglers start their act. click photo for added sounds.

Feeling the groove, enjoying the sunset, talking to people. Ahhh

*Sitting at the Tibetan rooftop, eating momos and yak cheese.

We always have time for momo, chai, and relaxing Tibetean music

• Lior: If you find this place, make sure to taste their chocolate momos!

*Riding a took-took with my son, and seeing happiness and excitement on his face.

The simple things in life are so much fun. Tuk-tuks

*Performing a family Puja ceremony, hearing the Brahmin priest bless us in hindi, and feeling blessed either way.

Puja is a multi-sensory experience. Chanting sacred words that we didnt understand, tasted blessed food, offered rose petals to the gods, got our bindi and red string.

*Staying at the Orchard, our lush, green sanctuary, with peacocks dotting the gardens, and our, ahem, maharaja tents, where we slept.

Lior: It’s a little weird that such a small place like Pushkar can feel so big once you are on the inside. If you take the main road, which is actually a bazaar, you will have to walk among cows, their poop, market vendors, carts, and potholes.If you go down to the ghats, you have the option of walking barefoot around the lake, and seeing several bathing ceremonies. Our first night there was Christmas, and we ate at a restaurant right on the lake, opposite the sunset. Music from street performers played in the background, and we were seated in a row to face the sun. It really seems perfect, but the only issue (or maybe not in your case) was that they catered to tourists, so that the menu was mostly comprised of Italian food. If you want better food, go into the bazaar, in one of the cheap rooftop restaurants. 

If you want to shop, do so here! Because there are a good amount of travelers in the area, and a big bazaar, there is competition between the shops, and it is easy to bargain with them. During your stay here, make sure to go to the ghat for a religious ceremony. Our family ceremony, led by a Brahman was very beautiful, we scattered rose petals in the water, and got a red dot on our foreheads. Many people may tell you to go the Brahma Temple, but there are several other beautiful temples. Try going to the quiet Jain temple, or the big Sikh temple~ both less touristic than the Brahman one.

One of the temples, also a place for yoga

The grandeur of Nawalgarh and its Havelis

Nawalgarh is one of small villages located in the heart of Shekhawati, off the beaten path for most travelers to Rajasthan. Visiting Nawalgarh gave us the chance to share some of the narrow lanes of the village with the rest of its inhabitants, aka, cows, sheep, motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and people, and feel the real, vibrant life of a village, right before tourism will change it forever.

However, the bigger attraction of visiting this village, is the amazingly colorful old mansions, Havelis, usually built between 18th and 20th centuries, decorated with wondergul intricate, detailed frescos. The more decorated, colorful the Haveli was, the more wealthy, and important the landlord was. The murals depict anything from the Hindu mythical stories, to animals, scenes from the British colonization, to the (then) new inventions, like cars or trains. Most of the Havelis are empty nowadays or are maintained by a watchman (typically an old man), while some turned into museums. Some, sadly, are slowly deteriorating.

I want a window like that

Even the ceiling is beautifully decorated

Lior: Nawalgarh was my first glimpse of the India my parents had told me about, from twenty years ago. Everywhere we went, eyes followed; occasionally, a whistle followed too. I learned the most about Indian history and culture here, thanks to Krishna, our guide for the day. We learned how merchants used to live, and how to identify a water well from afar. Usually learning about those kinds of things can be a little boring (mainly for kids), but I really enjoyed this because it was a ‘real life’ setting, as oppose to behind a piece of glass in a museum. 

Gate keeper to one of the Havelis in Nawalgarh

Hello there!

one of the old, unmaintained Havelis, still holds its beauty

Back to street life:

Personal tailor, at your service

Tuk-tuks add colors of their own to the bustling collage

Best samosa we had, was in this tiny corner of Nawalgarh bazaar, Hot, spicy, and fresh

I would just like to point out that those samosas were hands down the best meal I had in India; they didn’t cater to our ‘American taste’, and gave it to us just like they would eat it. 

one is constantly surrounded by endless hues and colors

Our guesthouse in Nawalgarh was a little oasis after a long drive from Delhi. It also reminded us of our beloved Sinai.
Apani Dahni provided a comfortable, homey sensation of relaxation. Our youngest immediately found a friend in this family farm, and they spent time flying kites, the all time popular activity in India. We also learned how to tie-dye scarves in a traditional way, as well as try and cook a traditional Rajasthani dinner, which we later shared with this nice french couple that blog. We want to go back there. We will. Oh, and thank you Krishna, for your superb explanations and answers to our endless questions.

Charming little wall at Apani Dhani

Tie-dye scarves. First one has to tie everything. click photo for more

The painting part of the scarf. Click photo for more

And here are the final scarves. Aren’t they pretty?

After years of doing tie-dye experiments both at home and at camp over the summer, I finally learned the secret. The traditional Indian tie-and-dye method works so so well, and our scarves look like they were made by a professional! I also joined the cooking class, and the food was delicious! Our main course was Masala stuffed Aubergine Eggplants, and we also received a cookbook to take home. Apani Dhani is like a small slice of heaven, I would strongly recommend it to anyone. 

Meanwhile.. the boys are preparing dinner by first gathering the fresh ingredients from the organic garden

Bye Bye Apani Dhani, we already miss you

On the Roads of Rajasthan

For us, going to India was like moving a thick velvet curtain, and climbing into a magical wardrobe that revealed a whole new planet. Though I visited India 20 years ago, visiting again with my children, exposed yet another dimension of this dusty, colorful, noisy, yet wonderful chaotic country. No wonder the Beatles were inspired by the psychedelic life in India. Here’s what my daughter has to say.

Lior: After being on the road in India, I know I can survive anything here in America. Our driver joked to us on the first day: “There are four things you need in order to get from place to place in India- a good driver, good horns, good brakes, and good luck.” Indeed, luck is what you need when there are cows and people crossing the road, driving in the opposite lane (to bypass) is a common occurrence, and when the fog settles, you can only see a few meters ahead. Once you leave the ingested city streets, though, you can relax and enjoy the sights, colors, and clear skies.  

Beautiful faces

There’s a lot happening on the roads, sometimes just as much as in the different cities, marked as our destinations. Spending hours in the car, stopping for masala chai in small “hole in the wall” tea stalls, produced memorable moments. Here are some:

Tin man carrying his whole shop, selling utensils door to door

Holy cows are the norm moooo

Morning. Vendors open up their fruit stalls. Some catch a quick rest before the hassle starts

I’m missing those chai stops, in the middle of nowhere

Phenomenon to Western travelers. We’re being spotted. Then being approached. Finally: “Which country?”, “What’s your name?”, “Can I take a picture with you?”

Crossing the road were donkeys, and sheep. Not pictures: peacocks, dogs, camels, rickshaws, and what nots?

Always a reason to stop for some more food. Top: puri, Bottom: sweets

Beautiful people and beautiful colors everywhere

I wish you could hear all the street noises. Lots of it. 

Once again- folks looking back at us. We are strange…

Ending with today’s fashion

Ok, one last one- notice the woman to the left waiting for the milkman, to fill her bucket with milk

 

Gluten-free, coconut sweet potato latkes

I had no intentions of making any latkes this time around, didn’t feel like working too hard.  But, it’s that time of year, again. Cold outside, beautiful lights adorn the houses around us. Kids brought out the menorahs (we call them Hanukkiah) and fixed their asking eyes upon me: “Latkes…  Latkes…“. It took me just seconds to change my mind, especially having all the ingredients, and I set out to work. And guess what, it didn’t take that long. And kids got the feeling of a real Hanukkah.

coconutty sweet latkes with tangy applesauce

The recipe is Paleo, and is inspired by Everyday Paleo’s recipe, I tweaked it to my liking. These latkes are on the sweet side. You’re gonna love them if you’re a coconut aficionada. You may also choose to make the savory latkes from a previous post.

you’ll need:

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• coconut oil
• 1 Tbs raw honey or pure maple syrup (optional)

Mr. coconut oil forgot to join the group photo

how-to:

1. Mix all of the ingredients above, without the coconut oil.
2. Heat 4 Tbs of coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Drop a small amount of latke mixture into pan. If the oil sizzles around the edges, it’s ready.
4. Working in batches and adding more coconut oil to the skillet as needed, drop large spoonfuls of mixture into pan, and fry 1.5 minutes per side, or until golden-brown on both sides.
5. Transfer latkes to paper towel-lined plate.
6. Serve warm latkes with fresh applesauce (see recipe).

grate grate grate

Fresh applesauce :

Slice coarsely 2 washed apples (any variety), no need to peel them, and drop Into a food processor (but without the core). Add a peeled clementine* (make sure no seeds), pinch of cinnamon powder, and a pinch of nutmeg powder. Puree. Serve right away, on the warm, sweet latke.

*may be substituted with a squeeze of fresh lemon (no seeds).

latke mountain

Life is good :)

An amateur’s journey to stained glass

I bumped into my stained glass instructor, of many years ago, Mrs. Rachel Bissette, at a garage sale.  Rachel is a talented stained glass artist, a good, dedicated teacher, and a beautiful human being. Not only has she been a good instructor, with loads of patience, good advice, and humor, but she would also make sure the class have plenty of glass scraps to work with, always an extra soldering iron or anything else that’s needed (and we always needed something), coffee and cookies, and… class trips to glass factories,  which is the equivalent of Disney World for a kid. Not less.

After we had our laughs, and brought up shared memories, I made up my mind to go back to her class next Fall. I got that stained glass itch again…

Meanwhile, here are some of my stained glass creations. Nothing grand, but certainly fun. I gave some as gifts, and did not have the sense to photograph beforehand.

Enjoy.

Bzzzz

Put on your dancing shoes

The very hungry caterpillar

Fall Leaf

Tiny Fairy

Coffee Jar covered with mosaic

and… a  lit Chanukia

Mr. Owl

Mosaic at my (then) kitchen window

Window Sea Scene- given as a gift to my neighbor

Curried-Cumined Zucchini Soup

Curried-Cumined Zucchini Soup

Our winter is too long and too white. There, I said it! To break all this whiteness, I made a warm green soup.

you’ll need:

• 2 Tbs fat (butter, ghee, coconut oil, tallow);
• 1 tsp cumin seeds;
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped;
• 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped;
• 1 tsp curry powder (if you like less spicy, use 1/2 tsp curry and 1/2 tsp turmeric);
• 3-4 zucchini, coarsely sliced (I also used one Dudhi, an Indian type of long zucchini);
• 3-4 cups liquids (bone broth, chicken broth, vegetable broth, water). Use less liquid (3 cups) for a thicker consistency;
• salt and pepper;
• lemon;

* optional: garnish (cilantro, parsley, sour cream)

ingredients assembly. not in the photo: lemon, broth, parsley, salt n’ pepper

how-to:

1. Melt fat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and allow them to heat just until they let out their wonderful aroma. They will start to splutter. Don’t allow them to burn or blacken.
   

   sizzling cumin opening it’s fragrance

2. Add the onion and garlic and saute for about 4 minutes until they start to soften.
   

   zuc·chi·ni. noun, plural zuc·chi·nis

3. Add liquid, zucchini, curry powder and salt (add more salt if using only water as your liquid). Bring soup to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook gently for 30 minutes, until veggies are tender.
4. Allow soup to cool, and blend (I use an immersion stick) until just smooth.
5. Before serving, reheat soup. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Ladle into bowls, squeeze some lemon, and add some garnish.