We've been in a small town called Dundlod now for about 10 days, and we plan to stay here another 5 days - a rough total of 2 weeks. It's been another successful "workaway" adventure!
In short, it's a 250 year old fort, ruled by Maharajas (kings), inherited by their bloodline. The fort is big enough to support at least 30 people living here, comfortably. About half a dozen or so people live here permanently. The fort sponsored the opening of a school about 20 years ago, which has now grown to include k-12. It seems to be doing very well. The family who owns the fort also owns a great deal of land of which a large area has been converted to a stable and horse paddocks. The family now owns about 60 horses, which they use for breeding and safari tours. The breed of horse in indigenous to India and is called the Marwari (a.k.a curly ears).
Although Kristen and I had very little experience with horses (ie none), we are now able to clean, feed, walk, and bareback ride (about 2-minutes at a time) a number of horses. Mostly females (mares). The males (stallions) are bigger (much), and kick and scream dangerously, so we stay away.
We've been tasked with looking after the babies (females = foals, males = colts). They're only thrice our weight, easily taller than us, and could kill us easily, but they don't know this. Its all about pretending to be bigger. Really. Simple formula. Scary to try :)
Kristen and I were asked to help the Maharaja out today with some PR (public relations), and Kristen is now typing up a press release (what ever that is), and sponsorship packet (that too, i dont quite get). But all is well. We get "afternoon tea" and I get to play with kites while she works. I'm the "executive consultant", in case anyone asks.
Off to bed. I've got a long day of "executive consulting" tomorrow... yummy!
In short, it's a 250 year old fort, ruled by Maharajas (kings), inherited by their bloodline. The fort is big enough to support at least 30 people living here, comfortably. About half a dozen or so people live here permanently. The fort sponsored the opening of a school about 20 years ago, which has now grown to include k-12. It seems to be doing very well. The family who owns the fort also owns a great deal of land of which a large area has been converted to a stable and horse paddocks. The family now owns about 60 horses, which they use for breeding and safari tours. The breed of horse in indigenous to India and is called the Marwari (a.k.a curly ears).
ps. photo not taken with my camera (stolen off another website)
Although Kristen and I had very little experience with horses (ie none), we are now able to clean, feed, walk, and bareback ride (about 2-minutes at a time) a number of horses. Mostly females (mares). The males (stallions) are bigger (much), and kick and scream dangerously, so we stay away.
We've been tasked with looking after the babies (females = foals, males = colts). They're only thrice our weight, easily taller than us, and could kill us easily, but they don't know this. Its all about pretending to be bigger. Really. Simple formula. Scary to try :)
Kristen and I were asked to help the Maharaja out today with some PR (public relations), and Kristen is now typing up a press release (what ever that is), and sponsorship packet (that too, i dont quite get). But all is well. We get "afternoon tea" and I get to play with kites while she works. I'm the "executive consultant", in case anyone asks.
Off to bed. I've got a long day of "executive consulting" tomorrow... yummy!
Interesting looking horses and I can't believe that you guys are able to hook up with the Maharaja, that is so cool.
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