The process began with a mode of transportation that I had never tried before, sleeper bus. Travelled overnight from Amdavad to Bhuj shacked up in a berth over the seats and freaking out from time to time for fear that the bus would topple over as it felt so top heavy where I was! However, DH(dear husband) and I made it safely to Bhuj early in the morning, checked into a hotel, slept some more and spent the day exploring this quaint old city.
The narrow streets, tall buildings and plentiful remains of ancient walls and forts gives it an intriguing look, as though the modern veneer might fall off any moment and you might find yourself once more in the walled city of ancient Bhuj.
The dilapidated grandeur of the Pragmahal, a gorgeous palace central to the city is a heartbreaking sight and makes you wonder at the lethargic authorities responsible for its upkeep.
Spent the afternoon scouting for handicrafts in a little village outside the city and had a hardtime controlling my urge to shop ourselves into bankruptcy. Among other things, we happened upon one of the artisans supplying FabIndia stores and he even gave us a tour of the looms where the weavers were in the process of making lovely shawls with merino wool brought in from Australia. After splurging on stoles, shawl, fabrics and other odds and ends, we caught a tempo, huddled inside with tribal women, squalling babies, cute kids and made our way back to the city.
Spent the evening exploring the city, walking in a garden and then dragged DH off to the bazaar because I had a strong urge to buy a Kutch Bandhej saree...after trying in vain to convince DH that a pink or lavender silk bandhej would be an awesome buy, I finally had to give up the idea as he seems to hate Bandhej with a vengeance. But hey! I found an outfit that happily for me DH liked as well, so my trip to the bazaar was not a waste after all!
Good dinner and I am ready to slumber away...tomorrow is a long day...a trip to Mandvi beach, hopefully on a motorcycle and an evening of cultural splendour in Bhuj...as it is the beginning of the Kutch Mahotsav.
The narrow streets, tall buildings and plentiful remains of ancient walls and forts gives it an intriguing look, as though the modern veneer might fall off any moment and you might find yourself once more in the walled city of ancient Bhuj.
The dilapidated grandeur of the Pragmahal, a gorgeous palace central to the city is a heartbreaking sight and makes you wonder at the lethargic authorities responsible for its upkeep.
Spent the afternoon scouting for handicrafts in a little village outside the city and had a hardtime controlling my urge to shop ourselves into bankruptcy. Among other things, we happened upon one of the artisans supplying FabIndia stores and he even gave us a tour of the looms where the weavers were in the process of making lovely shawls with merino wool brought in from Australia. After splurging on stoles, shawl, fabrics and other odds and ends, we caught a tempo, huddled inside with tribal women, squalling babies, cute kids and made our way back to the city.
Spent the evening exploring the city, walking in a garden and then dragged DH off to the bazaar because I had a strong urge to buy a Kutch Bandhej saree...after trying in vain to convince DH that a pink or lavender silk bandhej would be an awesome buy, I finally had to give up the idea as he seems to hate Bandhej with a vengeance. But hey! I found an outfit that happily for me DH liked as well, so my trip to the bazaar was not a waste after all!
Good dinner and I am ready to slumber away...tomorrow is a long day...a trip to Mandvi beach, hopefully on a motorcycle and an evening of cultural splendour in Bhuj...as it is the beginning of the Kutch Mahotsav.
Nice! Enjoy yourselves....
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