Chhatra Sagar Day 4

It was hard to leave Mihi Garh, but knowing Reet, we knew that what ever he had planned next would be good. And yup! He was right. About a 2 hour drive west in to greener country we arrive to the base of Chhatra Sagar in Nimaj.
Up the slate steps we go and bam I felt as if I were in Kenya. A massive lake with antelopes crossing as the ducks move out out of the way. Thousands of demoiselle cranes flying above us migrating to their next feeding ground. This old hunting lodge has now been turned into a seasonal 13 tent Nature lovers paradise. Only open October thru March to make sure the crisp air is at its best. Being mid November the owner Harsh comments how in deed winter has not arrived yet as the sun is still beating down quite a bit. 

We sit to have lunch on their terrace overlooking said lake. Served hand and foot by their very well trained staff from the past 12 years they have been open. Reet is good friends with these pair good looking brothers and has his favorite dish of spicy lamb made just for him. I'm seeing big smiles and big portions yet again! Along this trip my friend Hashim has been a faithful virtual companion sharing and exchanging thoughts on this adventure. One of his suggestions among the many is to try Bhang and Paan. So as we enjoy more shrubs and lamb I ask to try this dish called Bhang. Well, let's just say Reet had a hard time keeping his food down. So Bhang means to "get high". Thanks Doc :/  Joke is on me.

After the laughs we go on our Indian Safari to see the local village. First stop is their farm where crops of cumin, barley, chilies and annis are well taken care of.

 The working farmer who is in charge of each crop will charge 20% of the crop so that is their incentive as well. The old man turbined in white looked so peaceful there squatting under his nitrous tree looking as his crop grows.

We continued on to see the village where city planning was thought out like Manhattan. All based on how the wind blows and who needs to be closest. Leather and textiles on one side, pottery and silver on the other and beautiful children running around with the local goat who acts like a dog jumping around. In this town no one "sells" anything. Its done the old way of bartering. You give me a clay pot, I'll fix your door. 2000 ppl live together very happy.

After a good night sleep we wake up to coffee and cookies africa style and watch the sunrise over the mountains at 7am. Our activity was writing postcards to you guys but now it seems we can't find them. Sorry!