I’m beginning to discover the exquisite culture of Rajasthan, one far more vibrant than my imagination had figured. Something about the experience here is highly fulfilling. Back when I first envisioned this grand trip, Rajasthan occupied a prominent component, and deservedly so. Life here is obtrusive, but wildly elegant and colorful. And there’s a lot to learn. On turbans, for example: the variety of colors, most corresponding to an individual’s caste (caste is another fascinating subject); the style of application, which differs between Hindus and Sikhs; cotton versus silk, and the length of cloth; generational trends, and the absence of turbans among young men; creative uses (e.g. neck scarf or whipping a child). Time has been flying by, typically with local bus excursions, meandering through farms and villages, and exploring forgotten forts overrun with monkeys, overgrown with mango trees…
