Mihi Garh, Day 3

TAJ Umaid Bhawan Palace

After our heavy Rajistahani dinner we opt for the mindful fresh fruit and lassi for breakfast for our roadtrip to the Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur. This still living palace of a grand a night (starting) had been just finished before parition of '48 so this baby is "new" for a palace. We took a peak  at  the 50's looking Maharani and Maharaja suite ($8k+/nt) where royalty like Bill Gates and the Brangelinas stay. Personally I liked the "standard" room with more modern facilities but history sells. After the walks through the gardens and inviting pool we have lunch on the terrace with a view of the Maharaja's old palace and town. Man was I happy we ate light bc we accidentally said yes to all their options not knowing what we were saying yes to!! So out came saffron chicken, the most amazing shrubs called kai sangri dahk, okra, poli rice something. We were bombarded left and right! Great for a 2hr ride to the dessert.

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> Now this place, is a lost for words. In the MIDDLE OF NO WHERE we arrive to a town called Rohet Garh, grab a lead car and drive into more no where and arrive to Mihi Garh- Fortress of the Sun. Let me just say Jaw Dropping. This is definitely not ur idea of busy India. Every detail and idea of this "fort" has been dreamed by Siddarth and his royal family then produced by all local carpenters and metal masters. I want to pick it up and re plant this in SD. We get a quick tour and take as many Architectural Digest pictures as possible before our afternoon tour.

> Time for our People Safari to visit the Bishna people. This small tribe are animal lovers whose purpose is to live from the land and protect its animals. We meet their 85yr old leader who gives us permission to enter his village where he lives with his 4 sons, their wives and 29 grandchildren. All have their duties and purpose and everything is worked out down to the "T". These Bishnas have been living like this for centuries and will continue to do so as they seem happy, healthy and stress free. Looks like a recipe for success to me. Later we continue to a larger farming community where their larger acreage has given them computers, tv's and full kitchens. "We have a surprise for you" our guide says. We walk into a Brahmen house and on the floor they are preparing a concoction of opium. Why the hell not. (Actually I'm freaking out on the inside since that last time I had any sort of illegal substance was over 10yrs ago. (Did I just date myself?)

Opium Drink

> After some formalities, its time to slurp the opium tea from this dirty mans hand, 3 times and  the louder the better! Here we go. I'm done. Gigi continues and here I am waiting for a reaction. "Cigarette?" Why not! Hell I just had some opium. Now I'm not sure if I feel a bit light headed bc of the poppy or the very natural looking stoggie. Nope- don't feel a thing. Ok let's go back to our sun fort.
> We arrive just as they are praying the "Arti" thanking krishna for their perfect day. We walk to the outdoor living room to have a G+T and watch how the day turns into pitch black. We meet Siddarth and this groovy old couple who seem like fancy hippies who had a bit too much of that natural ciggie (well the wife did for sure). Time for our rooftop dinner where more food poured out as the moon came up to light everything up as if it were day. Magical.
> Reet gives us the 411 on Brahmens, Saddhu's that threaten people with the curse of the snake for $$ and all the sad corruption among them. So sad but its everywhere.
> At 645am I gladly wake up to a breathtaking sunrise. After the billionth picture Gigi my yoga master leads us through chaturangas and crescent moons on our terrace with plunge pool may I add. Pack up our bags and opt for a "light" breakfast of fruit. Then they entice us with more quesadilla type looking things, croissants, muffins, bacon, hashbrowns...you get the point.

Master Yogi Gigi