Today, the plan is to drive out 50 km to Bairat, a Buddhist Holy Site in Rajasthan. We have hired a minibus for six of us. It will be good to have a day together at a significant place without having to do any more events/programmes.
Inevitably, in India, our 6 seater minibus is overloaded. We have picked up four more friends who are coming for the day with us. We have 10 packed into a 6-seater. I asked the driver if anyone else was going to ride on the roof and everyone laughed.
Indians don't seem to mind being packed in like sardines. The atmosphere is holiday-like.
After three hours we got to the house of the site custodian. He is a Buddhist and kindly gave us lunch and escorted us around the site. It was a tough climb to walk up the mountain walkway to the ancient monk's temple complex from 1500 years ago. I was feeling weak and dizzy from dehydration, as I had not drunk enough in the morning (I rectified this).
What we found was like an Indian Stonehenge. It is the oldest religious shrine site in India and was built by Ashoka. Quite an amazing place and well worth the trip.
We also saw the site of Ashoka's ancient Buddhist Rock Edicts. Sadly, they have been completely demolished by Hindu hard-liners. They chizelled the edicts from the rock.
We are now on the long trail home. Pradeep the driver is playing Indian film music. Rajasthani scenery is pretty amazing.
As it was dark, we got home so much faster, and were in Alwar for 6.30pm. We are now at a local supporter's upmarket flat with his family for a final meal of the tour.
What a succesful tour it has been! We did what we set out to do, and with harmony, on budget and with no major mishaps or illnesses.
I have been delighted to see the good effects that the money I raised are being put to.
Before bedtime, we had a little programme around the shrine to say thanks to the family, which they appreciated.
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