Bikaner

I arrived in Bikaner after a 330Km (200 mi), 6-hour drive from Jaislamer. I'm staying at the Lallgarh Palace - construction began in 1896 & was completed in 1902 when the maharaja & his family moved here from their fortress palace 2 miles away. The royal family still lives here. Like many Heritage Hotels - it's a little run down & has dated furnishings/fixtures, but it is interesting & comfortable - see www.Lallgarhpalace.com..
Top pic is of Junagarh Fortress - built in 1589. A small fortress most of which is in process of being renovated.
Also this afternoon I visited India's National Research Center for Camel - interesting but no worthwhile photo ops.

Camel Caravan & Desert Dunes Sunset in Jaislamer

Did a major touristy thing this evening - riding a camel 2 miles into desert to huge dunes to watch the sunset in Pakistan (28 miles to the west). Top pic is of me & my steed. Bottom pic is of my camel snoozing - he assumed this position immediately after I dismounted!? He is NOT dead!
I was surprised at the # of people (& camels) on the dunes - I would estimate close to 100 <- most were Indians who believe it is good luck to watch sunset in the desert.
FYI - camels aren't very friendly, the ride was smooth, & staying seated while camel is getting up & down takes some skillful balancing.

Golden Fort - Jaisalmer

the Golden Fort, built in 1159, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the only fortress in India still inhabited by people - 4,000+ owners of shops/restaurants/small hotels. UNESCO has restored/maintained the fortress walls & offered to reimburse relocation of inhabitants - but they have refused. Because they have refused, tourists are discouraged from buying anything within the fortress walls.
Middle pic is the fort's main gate - which defenders would leave open when invaders approached. Bottom pic is 2nd fortress gate. They would close both the main & 2nd gates trapping invaders between gates where they would be "dispatched". Note stone cannon balls on walls in front of 2nd gate. There are 2 more gates beyond the 2nd gate - total = 4 gates!

Karma

Top pic is of me & my "karma" friend Kojraj - who help me avoid bodily harm. We discussed karma for a very long time & he had a "professional" do my horoscope. He owns a well-known shop in an old, well-preserved Haveli specializing in antique Indian art - many architectural. If you are ever in Jaislamer, I recommend that you visit his shop/Haveli - Jaislamer Art Palace.
Many have asked about India's infamous "sacred cows". There are many roaming every city street. They are considered sacred because Hindus are vegetarians & believe in reincarnation. They scavange food & are fed by locals. To ensure good karma, I say "hello" & pet many of them as you see in bottom pic. Beware - some aren't very friendly!

Fort Rajwada Hotel - Jaisalmer

After a 6-hour drive, I arrived in Jaisalmer - located next to a desert. Many have asked what my hotel rooms are like. At this hotel which was built just 10 years ago - the room is very large and nice - see above 2 pics. For better pics of entire hotel see www.FortRajwada.com