Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort is a sandcastle fort where Cool Rahule the rickshaw walla and his family have lived  all their lives.  His real name is Sauroop Singh Janga, but like most Indian youth he has abandoned tradition embrasing all that is Western.  The blonde scruffy dog that hangs around him he endearingly  refers to as Justin Beiber.

The fort rises out of the desert and was once probably quite magnificent.  It now is home to many many (it seems that that word can't be used in the singular here in India) shops, restaurants and tourist hotels.  Touts selling everything from postcards  (which have not changed in 19 years), to brass statues of Ganesh to hippy dippy cloths (that have not changed in 19 years).  The foundation is sadly crumbling.  

Sauroop makes pretty good money with his rickshaw and has grown up under the influence of international tourists.  He likes his beer and opium on occasion.  His favourite God is of coarse Laxshmi.  

With his expertise in hospitality and tourism, Cool Rahule shows me his little city in the desert.  Eating in local digs and climbing hidden staircases for "non touristic" views, Cool Rahule keeps me company and very amused.  

Jaisalmer is beautiful but it's foundation is crumbling.