Two more very short stories

 Mental health 

B and C moved into the rental downstairs in September.  They had moved back from Europe to be close to large extended families in Canada.  C dropped and picked B up from work while he worked from home.  Good looking, young, bonded and dutiful they cooked every evening and visited family on weekends. C always had a warm smile for her but A was bland faced.  They turned down her invitations for tea and dinner.  She left for UK not getting to know them.  At noon one day she got a call from B’s mother who said C had walked in front of a moving train. Could B cancel her rental?  

Two short short stories!

 The not so humble moth! 

Tara never thought of moths, let alone fear them.  However, she was soon to enter their world! She was on a camping trip in Lithuania.  There was a nip in the air and she had packed her favourite and expensive light cashmere sweaters.  After an exhausting day of hikes and kayaking in her gorgeous surroundings she woke up well rested ready for another day in the gorgeous outdoors.  As she donned her folded cashmere sweater she discovered holes in them.  Who knew moths loved them as much as she did.  But while she wore them they ate them.  She let out a screech that echoed in the wilderness waking up all the living.  Google revealed the havoc had been wreaked by an unusual suspect - the moth.  Tara was unceremoniously thrust into a whole new world of moth protection bags, dehumidifiers and moth balls of course! So much for her earlier beliefs about the not so humble moths!  

The Rolex whisperer

I learn something from every Uber driver I ride with.  I usually query them about the food staples of their countries of origin.  I also ask after their families and whether they visited the old country.  This day my driver was a handsome young Bangladeshi born and raised in UK, male.  Switching gears I asked him about his hobbies.  He proudly declared he loved watches and was the proud owner of a Rolex.  Well did he wear it, I asked, thinking he might be risking his life wearing one in some parts of London.  Only for occasions with close family around, he said. Did he keep it home?  I asked.  No, safely, in a locker at 30 BP per month he said.  Then he told me something I did not know.  You cannot walk into a store and buy a Rolex, you are waitlisted.  They can also refuse to sell one to you if they think your reputation will sully their brand!  I wondered how a human rights complaint against the Rolex store which will not sell you one will hold up before the tribunal.  Who knew an Uber ride would deliver such “rich” information!

A spicy start to my Boston visit!

My sister was visiting Boston, all the way from Dubai for her son’s graduation with an MBA from MIT.  Of course I had to visit her. Since my trip was a last minute decision, I had to get me a burner phone, to appease my daiughter, and complete a number of tasks ahead of my trip, since I was London bound after I returned.   

Finally on Saturday, May 17, 2025, I boarded my flight to Boston.  I had woken up at 4:30 am and showered, made myself coffee in a takeaway cup and driven to the airport.  I used Park n fly instead of Ubering.  My flight was at 8:15 and I thought I had checked in a comfortable 2 hours before my flight.  However, the lines were long both at security and US immigration - which happens in Toronto- and so it was touch and go.  I made it to the gate just 10 minutes before takeoff.  Being the Canadian long weekend, lots of people were travelling to all destinations and, it appeared, a good chunk to the US.  I had miscalculated the rush to the US since road border crossings have greatly reduced due to the tariff feud between the two countries.  Also they may not have planned for this surge on this particular day?  

I landed in Boston at 9:55 AM.  I followed the signs for the Ride App.  I requested an Uber.  I was not surprised to find Ride Apps being championed with designated spots for drivers to wait for their fares.  After all, this was Boston! The app first indicated #22 as the spot where I could find my driver.  On the phone the Uber App said my driver was on their way initially and then that they had arrived . So I looked around and not seeing the car texted to ask them where they were.  They said #22.  I turned to see #22 and a shiny white car packed there.  Did I check the make and model?  Did I check the license plate? No to both! I just asssumed the driver had indicated she had arrived and was already parked there.  I was soon to learn that Uber drivers in Boston are mostly Hispanic, with no English.  When I headed towards the car the driver immediately opened the boot as if they were expecting me.  I put my bag in and settled down comfortably in the car.  It occurred to me the driver looked less “pretty” than in the picture on the Apo.  In fact he was an average looking middle aged man! I immediately wondered if he was the driver associated with the car or if he was subbing for his pretty wife.  Goes to show how the mind will go to absurd places to justify its decision to get into the wrong car!  About 5 minutes, he perhaps realized I was not as young or as pretty as the picture of the fare that popped up on his phone?! What can I say, he was smarter than me?!  He somehow dredged up enough English to point to his phone and ask me if I was “Ravneet”.  In that moment I too realized he had picked up the wrong fare.  I am sure he uttered a few choice curses and called me choice names under his breath!  I immediately texted my driver who was still waiting at the designated #22 spot.  I was dinged with an USD 8 waiting fee!  At least not twice the fare! She was indeed a beautiful Latin American woman whose picture had been on the app.  So my trip to Boston started with some drama adding spice to my trip! 

A close encounter of a “cool” kind!

 Yesterday, I had an interesting meeting with a young man. In the past, I would’ve blogged about it right away. However, I was too busy to do that. As I was driving to work, I decided to dictate my thoughts so I would have them stored somewhere.

When I was driving two days ago, I noticed a red sign pop up on my dashboard.  I wasn't sure if I could connect it to something specific, as I didn’t know what the alert truly meant. Obviously, I should have checked the car manual, but I didn't. Instead, I parked the car and decided to use my other vehicle, avoiding the risk of figuring it out on my own. Too lazy to look up the owner’s manual, I called CAA. They promptly informed me that they did not have mechanics on call and that if there was an issue with my car, it would have to be towed to the nearest service location or to a preferred mechanic.

My neighbor, who owns an auto repair shop, has always been very kind and accommodating. He has driven my car to his shop, checked it out, and handled any fixes needed. Since I have appreciated the “Cadillac” service he has offered me, I told CAA to tow my car to my neighbor’s shop and not to their service centre.  

About 15 minutes later, young man called from an unknown number that appeared to be long-distance, so I didn't pick up. Soon after, CAA called to inform me that the tow truck was waiting outside. 

When I went out, I met the young tow truck driver, who seemed to be a mix of Chinese and Central Asian.  His long distance phone number had popped up with a Muslim name. He was very handsome, tall, and friendly. He asked if I needed the car towed. I said I didn't think I have a problem driving it, but I just needed something checked out. I asked if he would please oblige, and so he opened the hood of the car as I gave instructions. I did not think I had a problem driving the car. I just needed something checked out, and I asked if he would please oblige. He opened the front of the car, and lo and behold the lip of the coolant chamber had the same sign that had popped up. rd.

He proceeded to open the with some difficulty since it was a screw top. We noticed the liquid was, in fact, low. I rushed to pour some coolant I had on my shelf, but he stopped me. He observed, "You notice the car's coolant is orange, and what you have in this bottle is green. There’s no indication that it’s suitable for this car. I would advise you to ensure it is the right one. You'll need to buy it at a store or online on Amazon."

He googled the correct liquid for my car's make and told me what to look for. Afterward, he gave me a tutorial on how washer fluid should be replenished and even provided an advanced tutorial on changing the oil and filter in the car, tasks I obviously won’t undertake myself. Nonetheless, I was very grateful for the lessons, which alleviated some of my anxiety about basic car maintenance.

By the end of this, I was exceedingly grateful to CAA for their service, where someone actually comes to your home for a very small annual fee. I was also grateful that the people they recruit or have as subcontractors are of such high caliber, committed to providing amazing service. Just two weeks prior, I had a flat tire. The technician not only removed the nail but also patched the gaping hole it left.

Lastly, I realized there is a time for everything.  If I had just opened up the hood and proceeded to pour the coolant I had, upon checking the manual, I may have caused some harm.  I appreciated the lessons this young man gave me to boost my confidence in car ownership.

Memories of Jodhpur

 Memories of Jodhpur 

We took the early morning flight from Jaipur  to Jodhpur.  Our driver, who had driven there overnight, met us at the airport.  Also present was a representative from Travelscope as was the case with each new city that we arrived in. On our drive to the hotel, they regaled us with the history of and stories about their city.  Their pride and passion for their home was not lost on us.  Having somebody from the city introduce us to it was a really nice touch.  Jodhpur exceeded our wildest expectations and our stay there was our happiest.  Dubbed, the blue city, Jodhpur’s history is unique in that even the houses of the caste segregated quarters were in the past, painted in different colours so the rulers could tell them apart.  The Brahmin blue houses are still visible from a perch atop the magnificent Mehrangarh (“M”) Fort.  But I am getting ahead of myself!  Our accommodation was at the heart of the city in a magical hotel called Raas Jodhpur.  Our room had large French doors which opened into a little private enclosed patio facing the magnificent M Fort.  This boutique hotel at the base of the fort was luxurious with warm staff, a pool and charming restaurant with indoor/outdoor dining.  

That first evening, our city guide took us for a walk through the streets and markets.  Just across from the hotel we stopped at a magnificent step-well, a unique feature of this desert state.  These step-wells built several centuries ago are square or rectangular and the size of swimming pools.  They are at least 100 feet deep and have steps.  In the past, women would descend those steps to fetch water from them.  They could rest in the landings before ascending to the top.  There are several of these throughout the state and they are architectural marvels.  At this step well, a musician dressed in traditional attire and sporting a bright red turban, sat playing the archaic but melodic ravanahatha, providing the perfect ambience.  We  passed by little shops marvelling at the amount of inventory crammed into them, an atmosphere of commerce and cheer, a perfect example of order in chaos.  As we walked through arches and crumbling architecture from a glorious past of city squares and grand homes, we came upon clusters of shops selling similar wares and commercial activity of all forms catering to every income level.  The Tamil saying “you can buy everything other than your parents” came to mind there.  Having enjoyed a sampling of this shoppers’ heaven, but quiet-seekers’ hell, we returned to our rooms to gear up for our Christmas Eve dinner.  

We made our way up narrow winding, steep, stone stairs to the terrace bar around 6:30 p.m. I had worn sensible shoes, thank god!  We were the first to arrive and were treated to complimentary glasses of our liquor of choice and a glass of champagne.  Lots of o’devours made their rounds and we foolishly ate them leaving little room for dinner.  I felt uncomfortable that the waiters had to balance heavy trays several times up those stairs and made a mental note to tip them well at the end of our stay.  Dinner was a choice between 2 set menus one Indian and another Western.  This paled in comparison with the celebratory Christmas Eve dinner two years ago in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, where we were tempted with  stations upon stations of food and desserts reminiscent of a colonial past where no expense was spared to hail the birthday of Christ.  Here at Raas Jodhpur, the celebrations were elegant, muted,  somewhat underwhelming, but, maybe, better for our soul?  We both had the soup and salad but did not do justice to the main and dessert and let’s just say there were a couple of happy dogs around the step-well outside, who got to enjoy some of our Christmas delights!   We were the first to leave the party, eager for sleep in our comfortable beds.  

At 8:30 the next morning, we left for the M Fort.  Our plan was to beat the crowd.  This Fort is magnificent having been built over several centuries and has remained reasonably well preserved.  The highlights were the miniature art paintings, the palanquins, and the exquisite decor in the private and public chambers of royalty.  So much thought had been put into securing these palace forts from enemies and marauders.  With lots of photographs clicked to admire this marvellous fort’s unique attributes at leisure, we left for our next stop, a memorial for the Rajput King Jaisingh II built by his loving wife.  He was and still is revered as a saintly person.  He was also ahead of his time in that he did not want his wife to self emolate upon his death, as was custom then.  After his death, she ordered her son to build him a monument to immortalize her love for and devotion of him.  This memorial in marble is breathtaking.  After paying our respects to the late king, we paid homage to a shoppers’ haven.  This shop with its antique warehouse as a front, sold everything imaginable!  It burnt a hole in our pockets, as I indulged in designer jackets, shawls, blankets and even a saree.   All were made from natural fibres and mostly hand made.  Some purchases were definitely impulsive buys, but we left the store quite happy with our loot:). We then stopped at the most famous samosa shop in the city and were treated by our guide  to samosas, kachoris and, at its most decadent, lassi which was creamy, saffron scented and sweet.  We returned to rest and get over our food coma.  

Our guide took us in the evening to a section of town with narrow alleys where centuries’ old homes maintained the charm of yesteryear!  And we were in the “blue” quarter where Brahmin families continue to live.  A throwback to an ancient era, time stood still here except for the sound of the TV in some homes.  A number of homes were locked - but most had a sign in Hindi outside that translated to “so and so family welcomes you..”.  We walked back through narrow alleys of shops selling wedding clothes, turbans and all kinds of paraphernalia.  No wonder cities of Rajasthan are the most popular for big fat Indian destination weddings.  These folks have everything to pull off a grand and flashy affair!  Smart move by this state to ensure revenue from tourism and events!  We had a lovely breakfast at the Raas, freshly made chillas (like dosa but made with daal), yummy poha and filter coffee.  I stopped at the kachori shop for some samosas, kachoris and lassi for the road before heading to Narlai, enroute a handmade cotton rug store where I picked one up from an incredible array of designs.  Yes, indulgence was my middle name!  Alas we did no more shopping after this! 

Jaipur and wandering in the Aravali Hills!

From  Ranthambore our next stop was Jaipur.  We arrived at the Samodhe Haveli after lunch.  We fell in love with the beautiful heritage property.  Our room was on the ground floor opening into the courtyard with beautiful trees and tiny lily ponds.  The lights and decorations brought in the holiday cheer.  This property had belonged to a wealthy merchant and has now been upgraded to a high end hotel with pool, luxurious rooms overlooking courtyards with spectacular outdoor/indoor dining.  Of course there was only one restaurant cum bar, which served food at the pool or practically anywhere you wanted it.  The upstairs terrace offered bar service every evening from 5-7 pm, and lured guests to it with complimentary coffee, tea and snacks.  Located in old Jaipur the property offers spectacular views of the Amer Fort and the bustling city, all from a comfortable vantage point.  Jaipur and all of Rajasthan are about commerce, trading and various forms of fine art.  On the first day we asked the driver to take us to the market streets, especially Babu Bazaar, which I had visited on a previous trip.  The crowds were oppressive and we negotiated our way as though through an obstacle course, clutching tightly to our bags and watching our step on the uneven path.  We bought a couple of shawls and, somewhat overwhelmed, beat a hasty retreat to the car.  We settled for a light dinner at our hotel, with tomato soup and starters, and went to bed.  The next morning we met the guide who took us to Amer Fort.  It is also known as Amber Fort and has been built over several centuries.  It was part of the old city, before the official city by the name Jaipur came into being.  We progressed through the centuries, remembering scenes from popular Bollywood movies shot there and marvelling over  th intricacy of the architecture and art created by the artisans of yesteryear.

After this, we visited the Dera elephant retreat where a family has taken on the very expensive but noble cause of rescuing elephants who are otherwise overworked and subject to abuse as temple mascots or in wedding processions.  They are forced to travel long distances on paved roads to wherever they are needed.  We met Rang Mala a naughty 44 year old who consumes 250 kg of food and 200 litres of water everyday!   She posed for us and allowed us to stroke her in anticipation of the bananas, jaggery and sugarcane we would feed her.  We took a 20 minute walk with her and then proceeded to have a nice lunch of simple vegetable dishes, bread and rice and a coconut barfi for dessert.  After a refreshing cup of Masala Chai we left.  In the evening we showered, dressed and went to up to the terrace for evening views from our perch atop the city, over tea and snacks.  We then proceeded downstairs for a pre dinner drink at the bar beside the open courtyard.  Giggling and lightheaded  after just one rose martini I tripped and banged the top of my head against a wall. Hearing the reverberation as my skull made contact with the concrete wall a hotel staff member came running with ice cubes wrapped in a towel. He offered to arrange for a visit to the hospital.  Thankfully, I experienced no blackout and no ringing in my ears.  I had a dull pain in the general area and I tried to will it away as we proceeded to the restaurant for dinner.  I had a beetroot salad which went down gently and Uttara had pasta.  The next morning we were bound for an early morning hike.  I hoped, as I lay in bed that night, that I would be pain free and able.  I somehow knew I would.  I attribute my ability to recover quickly to my regular yoga practice.  The head bang was quite intense and bothered the side of my neck but was perhaps not hard enough to crack my thick (lol) skull!  I survived without pills.  

Early the next morning our tour company had arranged a hike.  We met our guide and his assistant.  We were given yoga mats to carry.  I had worn my yoga t shirt and white pants and my Barbour jacket to ward off the nip.  Our guide, a young and deeply spiritual man who offiated as a priest in their family’s Shiva temple, when he was not guiding hikers, spoke eloquently about the ancient Aravali mountains and the Amagarh fort portion, which we were scaling, and its history.  It had been built by the Meena tribe who continued to live in a settlement in the valley, which we spotted on our aerial view from the summit.  Our first stop was a Hanuman temple.  We met the priest who lived in a room beside the temple, surrounded by moringa, guava and other fruit trees and herbs.  He told us that he survived off the largesse of people living in the foothills.  We learnt that leopards who freely roamed those  hills are his friends! After offering prayers and listening to mantras chanted by our guide for our well being, we proceeded to the top.  Shera, our guide’s dog was our companion.  We did yoga at the summit, blew the conch and had a picnic.  Right there, the assistant laid out an impressive spread of poha, fruits, biscuits, peanut candy, milk sweet, coffee and tea, all of which he had carried up.  We felt guilty to turn down their generous offering but could only partake of the tasty poha, which really hit a spot.  We meandered down via a dry ravine, ended up at Sagar lake where we visited a Durga temple before bidding farewell to our guide.   

Geologically the Aravalis are older than the Himalayas.  The atmosphere is spiritually charged and our conversation on metaphysics, consciousness and growing in awareness, was scintillating.  We saw a lot of Jeeva Samadhis of sages, who have passed, along the way.  There are 350 temples around a 2 km radius of this range.  No wonder.  All in all it was a deeply moving experience and I offered up gratitude for having been able to complete our undulating 3 hour hike up and around those sacred hills without any pain or discomfort.  

That afternoon we visited Janthar Manthar, the ancient site of stone astronomical structures/instruments that depict with astonishing precision the movement of the sun, moon and planets.  Next we visited the City Palace, more a museum of royalty clothes, artifacts, modes of transport, jewellery and so on.  Most impressive were the massive silver pots which, filled with Ganges water,  accompanied the king on his travels to England.   

That evening we bought silver jewelry, shawls and fabrics, things Jaipur is famous for, from shops within the vicinity of our hotel.   We then packed, ready to set out for Jodhpur, our next destination.  

Chasing a tiger in Ranthambore

Arriving in Chennai mid December, I found myself sitting in all my favourite spots in our house,  enjoying the familiar sounds.  I had entered this house after my marriage, 40 years ago.  I felt so lucky for its constant presence in my life and living through its different iterations.  So many people had breathed within its walls.  I felt engulfed in their spirit.  This is the best one of all the beautiful spaces I get to call my home.  The house beckons with a “you belong here”.  Among other places where I can lay my head to rest with a sense of home are my place in Toronto, my mother’s in Chennai, my daughter’s in London and those of my two sisters’ in Chennai and Dubai., respectively.  I am so grateful that my sphere of reference is so vast on God’s green earth, spanning 3 continents.  

Our trip to Chennai was fraught with emotions that ran deep and rocked my composure.  So many memories came flooding back of when I was someone’s wife.  I was careful not to wallow and stayed present o appreciate all that there is. After 4 days with close family we were Rajasthan bound really not knowing what to expect! 

On Tuesday, the 19th of December, we boarded the AI flight to Jaipur enroute Mumbai.  I realized I may have overpacked given the confusion around the weather at our destination!   Anyway it was going to be mostly linens, with a vest, shawl and jacket for reinforcement!  I also packed 4 pairs of shoes besides the one I was wearing!  Hiking, walking, running and house slippers.  We flew to Mumbai and had a short transfer to Jaipur.  The flights were both pleasant and all seemed to be going well.  Fast forward.  Uttara’s bag did not arrive.  It was in a hold in Mumbai and they could not tell us why they had held it and when or how it would come!  We had not been called to check the contents of the bag for anything suspicious given our short transfer.  Not a great way to start our holiday!  I was distraught over how this situation would resolve.  First her laptop’s damaged computer screen on the flight from London to Chennai, and now this! We took a detour to buy some clothes at the mall in Jaipur and I kept trying Air India for an update, with no response.  

Then I realized the benefit of engaging a company to manage our tour.  We were engulfed in a circle of comfort by Travelscope folks.  The driver was kind and reassuring as was the contact who picked us up at the Jaipur airport and our anchor(s) in Delhi. Despite that I carried on with a niggling unease  as to whether it bode well for our trip/adventure.  Then, we stopped for tea.  I went into the washroom and there, staring into the mirror offered up a prayer.  In an instant, I went from agitated to calm and curious.  My willingness to surrender and stay open, had an impact on the mood of everyone around me.  We pressed on chatting with our kind and reassuring driver, Devi Singh, who ended up becoming a good friend!  We were now happily bound for Hotel Khem Vilas, in the middle of the Ranthambore jungle.  I had poor reception in the middle of the jungle.  I relaxed into unknowing trusting in the folks who were following up on our behalf!  After all there was no point in not enjoying what was in front of us.  

The air had a nip so we took out our shawls and vests and headed for dinner after a quick shower in our cottage where the heat had been set high giving it an ultra cozy vibe.  The cottage had an ornate outer door that led into a private courtyard.  You had to  turn left to climb a few stairs to a sit-out and the glass entrance doors to our room.   Civilizing in the heart of the jungle where leopards roamed!  The cement floors had cotton rugs on them for relief from the cold. There were 2 twin beds set close together. The glass windows on either side and at the entrance provided a wide view of the vegetation around.  The property abutted the forest reserve where tigers, leopards, hyenas, even sloth bears roam alongside, deer, sambal, monkeys, snakes and hundreds of species of birds.  This was our escape into the jungle.  Other unique features of this cottage were a large outdoor tub adjoining the bathroom, and on the far side of the cottage, a traditional fabric woven cot that served as a lounging seat reminiscent of a time when people sat around in their courtyards sharing the latest gossip of the day.  All very charming.  

The dining area was open and they had little chulas (coal stoves) on the floor by each table.  Dinner was a buffet.  You picked up your large copper plates and cups and served yourself the vegetarian delicacies, red beans in gravy, spinach with cottage cheese, potato cauliflower and yoghurt, pickles and pappad.  Hot breads were served at the table.  The simple vegetarian fare which tasted home-cooked, mild and wholesome, made our tongues sing.  Satisfied, we went to bed for a restful sleep before our wake up for an early morning sighting of wildlife within a small sliver of the 1400 sq km of forest in Ranthambore, Rajasthan, our reason for being there.  We were up at 6 a.m. then hurriedly dressed, drank coffee, picked up a bag of cheese sandwiches and water that the resort provided and were safari bound.  It was a bumpy jeep ride through Zone 4 of the Ranthambore forest.  We had a knowledgeable and passionate guide who wanted to be the first to spot a tiger from among all the jeeps that were allowed in that day.  We had had to book months in advance and there had been uncertainty around whether the safaris would be allowed on the days we had earmarked for our adventure into the jungle.  We also heard that tiger spottings were not common and it would take luck.  Our driver had said on the previous day, “luck by chance.  I will pray for you”.   There were just 80 tigers in that vast jungle.  The odds were indeed stacked against us.  No wonder.  Again a prayer and an intentional surrender to whatever was.  Within minutes the guide in the jeep ahead waved to us and there in front of us was the resplendent tiger #120.  Seeing him was life changing.  So gorgeous and strong he was as he lay there licking his wounds, resulting from his fight with his brother a few days prior.  He then rolled over and stood up and walked as though to mark his territory.  He did not seem to care about us human voyeurs, just 15 feet away, watching his every move, mesmerized by his magnificence.  There was something so childlike and pure, and yet princely and powerful about him.  It turned out that he is popularly known as Ganesh.  And in these parts it is auspicious to worship Ganesh on this day, a Wednesday!  We could not take our eyes off him, even worship him (!) till he got up and walked away.  Then we raced to where he was headed to catch another sight and then to another area to spot a female and her cubs.  No more sightings.  We had enjoyed our share of luck with Ganesh - so we returned happy.  In retrospect witnessing Ganesh in his habitat, at such proximity, for those brief minutes, was transformative and set the tone for our holiday.  We were humbled by this extraordinary beauty of nature that was so unselfconscious.  I felt so insignificant and my problems so minor! 

Just by the forest and hills surrounding it, the Ranthambore fort is 1000 years old and stands pretty sturdy and strong.  It has been classified a heritage property (Archealogical Survey of India) and hence has undergone some repairs and fortifications!  We hiked  up with considerable ease although we had to scale more than 200 steps that were spaced and wide.  After seeing the fort remains and the spectacular views of the forest, where our tiger friends roamed, in the hills around us, we went to the Ganesh temple on this hill.  We prayed to the only Trinetra (three eyed) Ganesh idol in the world.  One who grants all wishes.  Again who knew? I can only believe that Ganesh both the beast and the idol ensured an auspicious start to our holiday.  Hindus usually start an activity after praying to Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles and without any plan we had been brought before Him.  At the next altar, of Shiva and Devi, the priest tied a protective thread around each of our wrists, to ward off evil, (!) and we went along with his good intentions!   It was past 12 when we arrived at our hotel and settled till lunch was served at 1.  The bags were forgotten and our hearts were full.  We got to the hotel to receive news that the bag had arrived the previous night and had been picked up by our travel representative and sent to Samodhe Haveli, in Jaipur, our next stop.  The holiday had gotten off to a good start after all!