Blue City

Jodhpur the Blue City

Could also be called the friendly city, the city with a sense of humour, the city of mazes.  I stayed in a very old haveli  in a quiet neighbourhood at the base of the fort.  I am still on Varanasi time, rising with the sun.  I have to discover the right rhythm here.  

Arrived late in the afternoon.  Climbed a couple of flights of stairs that take you to the roof.  There is a definate rooftop culture here.  From here my vantage point is wide.  I can see the great fort above, rooftops below,  and winding streets in all directions.  Framing this picture with my camera, I am reminded of many of Klee's paintings.  Fascited, stacked, juxtaposing colour with blue dominating the frame.  Cool blue, Krishna blue, in beautiful contrast to the surrounding desert.  They say it is a colour that keeps the mosquitoes away...not sure I believe that theory...my ankles can attest.  

I go for a little walk through the neighbourhood but don't get very far.  Children appear from doorways and down narrow streets.  They introduce themselves first with the slapping of sandles on the stone, then a hello, namaste, from which country?  They all want to know my name and they are all very interested in sharing their names with me.  Their smiles are contagious!

A deep voice in prayer rises up and over the city.  The sun is setting on another day in India.  I take a light meal and then retire to my colourful room in this very old haveli.  I like it here.

With each day I come to recognize familiar faces in the area.  The old man who sits with his two canaries, the small vegetable vender with the enormous ears,  the retired men that play cards outside the temple that keep me well fed with biscuits,  the sweet smelling flower venders and the turbaned man who is very proud of the silver pendant that hangs from his neck.  I think I will stay a while.