Who: Carol Stark of Loveland, right, with Rau Rom Slo and his camel, Babu.
Where: Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer, Rajastan
Best meal: Jaisal Treat, near Hanuman Circle, Geeta Ashram Road, Jaisalmer. A clean, multi-cuisine restaurant with a rooftop eating area and a great sunset view. Found a good Indian wine label – Riviera.
Best deal: All of Rajastan was a good deal. Your dollar goes a long way, and the people are friendly. Buy a pashmina for a wrap for the cool evenings.
Best time to go: Winter, November, was about perfect, 75 to 85 degrees, sometimes a light breeze. Do wear sleeves for some of the temples.
Best travel tip: Skip the Pushkar Camel Fair, but do get out into the countryside, Thar Desert, and to a small village, if possible. The desert area is neat and clean compared to the cities. Stay in the good palace hotels – you’ll appreciate the break. You have to look for ATMs; they are not on every corner. Keep lots of small rupees for tips, photos and toilets. Lots of the children want “school pens,” preferably the click ones. They also want to see themselves in your digital picture.
