Carpenters in Honduras: Neemrana

Last minute we decided to go on a road trip to get out of New Delhi and to take advantage of a three day weekend. Well, what an adventure!!! We booked the second to last room at the Neemrana Fort: a converted palace in Rajasthan that Delhi-ites commonly go for quick getaways. It is only 120km from our house (about a 2 hour drive). We packed the car, grabbed Desmond, and off we went.

Driving there took a little longer due to the lack of signs. We ended driving an extra 20 kms. Upon arriving we walked up many steep ramps to reception, which also didn’t have much signage. We checked into our room and found that there was no A/C. That was why the room was available on short notice! Oh, and might I add that the stairs going up were like a maze. Ok, no problem; it was one night and the evenings are cooler in the desert.

We dropped off our stuff and went to lunch. I quickly noticed how child un-friendly the place actually was. I mean, most of India is not child friendly and we have been able to make it work, but this place was full of steep and narrow stairs next to steep drops. Desmond did not have much freedom to roam! After an excellent lunch we looked for the pool, which is one of the draws for people. What we found was a green and murky basis of water…hmmm. It was full of people playing in it and lounging around, so we decided to a nap and then explore as the sun goes down.
The hotel was kind enough to find us an additional fan (after I initially asked them, they said they had none until I showed them 2 that were not being used-that made a huge difference). After Desmond and Daddy slept for an hour, we set off to explore the Fort. Since it was 115 degrees out, there was no wind or breeze at all, we had no A/C, and we saw people swimming and playing in the pool, we decided to let Daddy take Des to join them. Aunt Becca would have been shocked at the state of it. Given pregnancy, I decided to watch and sweat it out. After a short swim they showered and we explored more. We found a few patches of grass where Desmond ran around and he was as happy as a lark. He climbed stairs (holding hands) all over the place. We all exercised quite a bit that afternoon.

Before dinner, we watched some a group perform live Indian music and dancing and had a drink in the A/C room near the hidden reception. Dinner was very good (the meals were one of the highlights). I did ask if there were any cancelations because the temps were still high that evening, but they said no. Then, after I told them I was pregnant, they found a room. It was small and with only a single bed and it would not have been ready until well after Desmond’s bedtime. With an exhausted toddler, we decided that it was not the best option. In the end the evening was pleasant and the fans made the room cool enough to sleep. Of course Desmond took up most of the bed trying to stay cool!

The next morning we ate breakfast and explored more of the Fort. Daddy went zip lining, and Desmond and I played in the grass and shade. Originally we were going to spend the morning in the pool but we decided one time in the green water was enough. Desmond ended up playing in the shower for awhile and then took a nap. By time he woke up, Daddy was back and we headed home. While it will not go down in the books as favorite get away, we enjoyed the adventure.

Special note: Driving in India is unlike driving anywhere in the US. Probably in the world, for that matter. I am thankful that I was not driving and that I decided to sit in the back seat with Desmond because even then I am sure my blood pressure was elevated! It is like playing Frogger and chicken at the same time. Cars/trucks drive in the middle of 2 lanes, switch lanes without blinking, or drive on the WRONG side of the highway. Trucks would cross the highway without even looking to see if you were about to hit them. Thank goodness for good brakes! Of course let’s not forget to mention that you share the road with other cars, trucks, rickshaws, bicycles, walkers, and many cows. Our personal favorite was 2 cars who stopped on an 8 lane highway while cars swerved to avoid them in order to have a conversation!!! Poor Daddy was exhausted from the drive so we spent the rest of the afternoon at the clean embassy pool where he relaxed and took a short nap and Desmond and I played in the water.