The World is Definitely Flat

Today, we rode our bicycles about 30km (18 miles) thru the Rajasthan countryside. It is still HOT here. Passed thru what is called Bishnoi Land - area inhabited by the Bishnoi, a group practicing a religion devoted to environmental activism and wildlife protection.

Wound up the ride at a local family's small compound where they served us a traditional Thali lunch - all vegetarian. Ate under a large cloth roof on a patio, sitting on padded mats on the floor.







The man at the head of the family runs a cooperative that manufactures traditional dhurrie rugs. This time Caren, not Jordan, decided to buy two rugs. The owner, Roop Raj, was quite a character. Not a pushy salesman, but very entertaining. Showed us his "CV", a notebook with pictures of magazine articles about him that appeared in Vogue, Elle, India's version of Architectural Digest, and others. Also showed pictures of his former customers - Prince Charles, Richard Gere, U.S. ambassador, and Mick Jagger.

When we completed our transaction, he handed me his business card. He has a website and email! And solar electric panels on his house. Check him out at http://www.rooprajdurry.com.