Namaste

We've been far away from any connection with the outside world for over two weeks, no Internet, papers or television.  It was quite refreshing.

The journey started in Bhuj, Kutch, staying out of town in a Safari Camp, waking up in the morning to bird song.   A trip into town to see our friend Mr. Jethi, who knows everything you need to know about the area.   After chai and a chat a jeep was arranged for the next day.

On our to do list was to arrange tickets for our onward train journey to Palanpur.  So, the form has to be filled in, you queue for your tickets.   With one person in front of you the ticket office is closed for lunch.  Ah, India, it's good to be back! 

an afternoon trip out to the village of Nirona 

the village bell maker

playing 

and watching

Rogan work

quite an amazing process   originally from Persia  oil is made from the castor oil 

plant and mineral dye added  this forms a really gloppy mixture, picked up with a 'stylus'

and drawn pulled onto fabric rather like icing sugar  when the design is complete the

 cloth is folded to produce a mirror image

all very clever and fascinating although I have to say the end result of the design

feels rather like rubber!   So many pieces to look at and admire the craftsmanship

the lac man and dolls

I could watch this process for ever   the turning of the wood for

a spoon or perhaps a roti roller and then the application of the colour

from sticks of lac    again this is sort of like cake decoration

the colours are pulled through each other to produce the pattern

the dolls

I have quite a collection of these scary dolls, and every time I have visited

the village I end up buying more  - apparently they are made by the children

and in small village communities  every rupee helps

On the road again

The flags are out, I'm off to India for a whole month.   I received an invite I could not refuse - to a Mela (festival) in Kutch, western Gujarat.  An exhibition of stitching, with camel cart rides, and hands on workshops to mention but a few items on the agenda.  It is going to be wonderful, 

can't wait.    Check out www.kala-raksha.org for more details.

And so to the blog - well it seems a good idea!   I can share my photos and give you a glimpse

 of village life in a remote corner of India.  All this is dependent upon finding an internet connection. Yes, they do have them, but it is so slow - makes you realise how lucky we are.   Then, quite often the connection just goes down - probably camels.   I will post as and when 

I can - keep checking!