Rohet and the Road West

This hidden cluster of tents in the middle of the Rajasthan desert is where Madonna chose to spend New Years 2007. It was certainly away from the crowds. When we were there the only people occupying three of the other half dozen tents were interesting couples. The only concession that was made to the celebrity was that instead of having hot water for just 2 hours a day her party could take a hot shower at any time.
This is the only mark they left; besides the smiles and memories among the staff.

Around the tents there was nothing but scrub desert and the occasional peacock. The thatched hut in the center is the community room where guests can sit in the cool of the evening and enjoy the company of the other residents and the good food provided. A waterhole was being created behind the tents to attract more wildlife which visitors would be able to watch from comfortable lounge chairs.

At night without any ambient light at night the stars were bright and stretched deep into the universe.
The road heading east was bare, but always there were women dressed in colorful sari. They cover their faces for protection from the sun more than in modesty.

There is a distinct shortage of transportation vehicles. It seemed that everyone would climb onto anything heading their way. This is a little Jeep.

If there were no longer seats inside a bus or train passengers just climbed on top. We wondered if they got a discounted fare.

In fact almost every vehicle was overloaded

The landscape was becoming more and more baron as we drove into the Great Indian Desert.

Camels were everywhere; wondering freely and nibbling the vegetation when not carrying or pulling enormous loads. It was interesting to know that a camel can carry a greater load than an ox. It was only the tourists we saw riding them but they pulled carts and carried whatever was piled upon them.

We were heading for the fortress of Jaisalmer where we were going to stay the night.