The best feature of our hotel was definitely the antique car collection, and not the rooms. For our day around Jodhpur, we obtained a guide and an antique Chevrolet warm beige convertible that we toured the city in, with the top down. Not only did the two 6 foot plus white guys draw attention for just their clothing, height, pale skin, and light eyes, we dared onlookers to stare at us in such a fantastic and unique automobile. People in the city seemed genuinely pleased to see the car, and us for that matter. Thumbs up, salutes, pointed fingers, and wide smiles greeted us around corners and bends in the road. Jonathan, ever ready to reference Lauren Bacall, filled his role dramatically and accurately.
Our guide, whose name I cannot remember now, was especially friendly, informative, and genial. The Jodhpurs he wore did seem strange until he explained his association with the local polo club. Funny, but I never thought Jodhpurs would look good, let alone attractive, on anyone, but he wore them well, giving him a rather smart look.
The city is really painted blue in most places. Apparently it used to be a tradition of the local Brahmin families, but today it’s a recognized tourist draw. It was nice to look over a sea of cool blue painted houses laid along the gentle valley below the fort. We also discovered that Jodhpur has a very happening nightclub and hangout from which locals from a wide swath of the countryside flocked to nightly. Unfortunately for us, being Republic Day, alcohol sales were banned and thus the nightlife subdued.