July 21

July 21:

Today we’re headed out to the dessert museum of rajistan. There are 2 things going, the first is that we get a chance to see the museum. And the sedcond is that Sarah, one of the Duke interns is putting on a performance as her internship project. She will be combining classical ballet with traditional Rajasthani dances; hip hop with tribal dances.

The museum was founded by Kothari is maintained by his son and foundation. At the museum there are over 150 different brooms that are used in different areas of Rajasthan and in different manners. Why so many, well they are made from local plants and bushes, so whatever is local is what is used. Of course, there are also the modern plastic versions on display as well.

After the tour and the performances, we all sat down to a traditional Rajastahni meal and then headed for home.

The cacti here are huge!

Sunset from the hilltop the museum sits on.

Sarah garbed in traditional Rajasthani wear.

Dead cactus.  Not sure how long these cactus live, but when dead they can be used as kindling.

View from the top of the hill into the canyon below.  The water reservoir is man made.

The founder and a description of the museum.  

Brooms for all occasions!

Look mom, I'm sweeping!

Sarah and all of the Rajasthani performers.  The show was incredible!