NOV 19 / GANESH THE REMOVER OF OBSTACLES

 

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH

GANESH THE REMOVER OF OBSTACLES

Ganesh seemed to be a theme throughout our day today in Udaipur. A few of us decided to opt out of group activities and travel in a smaller pod. We took a taxi into town and walked along the main shopping drag near the City Palace in search bargains. I have a collection of small Buddha carvings from travels in Asia, so I decided to add a few Ganesh carvings as my India Hindu contributions. Ganesh is the “remover of obstacles” which has great meaning for me in my life right now. So Ganesh speaks to me in a very profound way. I did find a few items that are wonderful, as did others, and we all walked away happy. We also found many fun but completely chaotic shops selling textiles and clothing from the area. Everything is extremely inexpensive; shirts are about $4; a really expensive jacket with gold and silver thread might run $50.

After cruising the shops for a while were reunited with the Santa Fe Weaving Gallery group. They had just returned from visiting a designer from Kashmir and our guide made arrangements for us to visit him in the afternoon. At 3pm a car came from the shop to pick us up. It took us to a private home behind a tall gate that looked like a NY boutique hotel. The interior was modern and minimalist (a very un-India aesthetic) like a Chelsea art gallery.

The handsome designer greeted us and gave us an overview of his work (actually he works and designs with his twin brother who is currently in NY). His weavings are of the highest quality cashmere, woven in Kashmir. These things were out of this world beautiful. We left with bags and bags – his driver took us next to a lovely jewelry store (we had asked for recommendations about other places to visit) where the owner there showed us the most beautiful necklace I’ve ever seen, make up of probably 35 large cabochon sapphires, set in gold with very small diamonds. The setting was evocative of nature, like a vine or a tree; anyway it was stunning and belongs in a museum. Or around my neck (ha ha)! Alas it remains in Udaipur.

Then we were chauffeured back to the hotel in the grandest of style. We drove along the edge of the lake as the sun set and saw a spectacular view. A magical ending to a really fun day. (Except there was more packing to be done in the evening because we’re on the move again tomorrow!)