Where to Stay and What to do in Jaisalmer, India

January 23, 2020

Have you ever seen a photo and thought to yourself, I would love to go there!?! A few years ago I saw a photo from a café with a lit up fort in the background and I instantly felt like I wanted to experience that view for myself.

Here is the image I saw.

This photo was taken in the small desert town of Jaislmer in the state of Rajastan, India. When we planned our trip to India this year, I included a three night stay in Rajasthan . We spent one night in Jodhpur and two nights in Jaislmer. After a one night stay at Ajit Bhawan in Jodhpur, we made the six hour drive through the Thar desert to Jaisalmer where we stayed at a beautiful hotel called Suryagarh. Usually car rides make me sleepy, but this drive was so unique that I was wide awake the WHOLE TIME. We stopped along the way for tea and selfies with cows and camels ( I couldn’t resist) until we finally reached our destination.

Where to Stay

In Jaisalmer we stayed at Suryagarh. This seven star resort in in the heart of the desert is literally the stuff dreams are made of. For my fellow Bollywood fans, think Sanjay Leela Bansali perfect. With backdrops and structures worthy of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam or Ram Leela this haveli had everything. Most recently Housefull 4 was filmed here.

What To Do

The weather in Rajasthan is great during the month of December with highs hitting about 70-73 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and the nights getting down to a cool 45 degrees. Known for its location in the Thar Desert, excursions into the desert are popular among tourists. I, for one, could not wait for a desert jeep safari and camel ride into the dunes. I have always felt a connection with the desert which is why Sedona, Arizona is also one of my favorite places in the US (see my post about my favorite drive of 2019 here).

We ventured into the desert, walked through the only remaining living fort in India, and visited Gadisar Lake. Jaisalmer was everything I could have expected and more from this little town. From the local experiences all the way up to the seven star hotel experience, Jaisalmer is a must see. I love seeing places a little bit off the beaten path and this is one of those places not overrun by tourists. In my opinion, two nights in Jaisalmer is just right for a Rajasthan itinerary (note: they have a great airport).

Travel is one of those things that you spend money on and it truly makes you richer. My visit to India was wonderful, but the visit to Jaislmer was truly the cherry on top.

Having visited Mumbai, Kerala, and now Rajasthan, next on my list is Leh. If you know anyone who has been there who has recommendations please let me know.

Thanks for checking out my post.

Your Chick,

Rina

Jodhpur Hotel Recommendation

Known as the little brother of the much more luxurious and expensive (3x more expensive) Umaid Bhawan (where Priyanka Chopra got married), Ajit Bhwan offers a royal and regal experience right in the heart of the city. It’s amazing to me how places like this are built with so much creativity and effort. The hotel is designed like a village where you are escorted to your mini villa. It was also the best shower I had in the two weeks I was in India. See my pictures from Ajit Bhawan below.

Events, Lifestyle, Travel

Experience VOLTA in Atlanta Now!

November 13, 2019

In the spirit of #DatingYourSpouse , Anil and I set out for a VIP experience with Cirque Du Soliel’s VOLTA in Atlanta until January 2020.

VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery. It’s about finding yourself, and unveiling your personal powers. Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, the show weaves acrobatics in a visually striking world driven by a stirring melodic score.

VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others.

Freedom is the ultimate achievement.

VOLTA’s stage has a pulse and a life its own. In a heartbeat, it can turn from a dark, stone-dead quarry into a cathedral of light. Be sure to check it out before it is gone!

Your Chick,

Rina

Travel

Best Drive of 2019!

November 6, 2019

I have shared before that I live in a small town. Living far from places I like to visit has turned me into quite the driver. Give me a destination and I am there!

I have really grown to cherish my time on the road, I love being alone with my thoughts and of course my music! When I travel, I always make sure to rent a car to get around. Some of my most memorable drives have been around Hawaii and most recently on my trip to the Grand Canyon.

Surprisingly the drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is less than 4 hours and the route goes straight through one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE cities of Sedona. I had good company (my kids) and good music to go along with the scenic views.

Check out our ride and some of the landscape in the video below.

Grand Canyon

At the Grand Canyon we signed up for a jeep tour with Grand Canyon Jeep Tours and Safaris. Although we enjoyed the tour, I recommend skipping the pricey jeep tours and heading straight for the Visitors Center where you can easily build an itinerary according to your time available and personal preferences. There are hikes and view points to accommodate all ages and interests. They also have a cute and FREE Junior Rangers program for the kids to keep them engaged! Two things to keep in mind when visiting the Grand Canyon: it’s COLD, you are between 7000 and 9000 feet high, bring layers, it was 41 degrees the day we went in October. Secondly be sure to catch the sunrises and sunsets, they are breathtaking. Whether you watch the canyon light up in the morning or turn down for the night, the overwhelming beauty that is the canyon is really captured at these hours.

Shop SHEIN for Christmas Gifts and Apparel

Sedona

On our way back we stopped for a while in Sedona. This incredibly beautiful and unique city has had my heart since I first visited ten years ago. Something about its isolation, desert landscape, and tall red rocks just captivates me. Unlike in the Grand Canyon, in Sedona I HIGHLY recommend a jeep tour. Getting up and around these rock structures is not easy, but with the Pink Jeep tours its fun and scenic! We had lunch at the tasty Oaxaca Restaurant that has the most beautiful view in the city. Be sure to swing by the Fine Arts and Crafts Square where there are interesting boutiques and art galleries, live music, cafes, and more!

This drive was truly one for the books and with the beautiful Arizona sun on our side. We enjoyed every minute we spent on the road. Now, I am off to plan my next #RoadTrip.

Your Chick,

Rina

Lifestyle, Travel

5 Free Things to Do in Lincoln Park

August 7, 2019

My husband and I have moved around quite a bit in our 12 years of marriage. We both grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and lived a few years in the city before having children and moving back to the suburbs. However, like many, we moved back to the city five years ago in search for a shorter commute to work for my husband. We now live in the Lincoln Park and absolutely love it’s neighborhood feel and access to fun free things to do. Here is how I am keeping things fun and budget friendly for my family.

Benjamin Franklin Park

Just south of Lincoln Park Zoo, near the Benjamin Franklin statue at 72 West LaSalle Drive is a large grassy area where the most robust Lincoln Park events take place. During the summer months, the Green City Market is the BEST farmers market in the city. We also had a great time at the Women’s World Cup viewing party this summer. Keep up with events in the area by joining these Facebook groups:

Lincoln Park Moms

Lincoln Park Cultural Center

The Lincoln Park Patch

Lincoln Park Zoo

Just off the lakefront is Lincoln Park Zoo. With no entry fee the Zoo is the perfect family outing and has amazing city views! They also have fun things to do in the winter, Follow them on Facebook for events and animal births! Also, be sure to visit during the holidays, they have an amazing Christmas lights display.

OZ Park

The Wizard of Oz themed park is nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park on the corner of Lincoln and Webster. It has dog free picnic areas, baseball diamonds, basketball courts and of course a playground. This has fun for people of all ages and best of all, it doesn’t cost a dime!

Bike The Beach – Fullerton Beach

A quick walk or bike ride will take you to Fullerton beach. With sweeping views of the Chicago skyline this is a beautiful way to play in the sand, swim in the lake and create wonderful family memories to last a lifetime!

Adams Park

With a small splash pad for children under the ages of 12, Adams park makes for the perfect family day! Located near Armitage Avenue and Seminary Street, this park has a splash pad, sandbox, play set and plenty of swings! All free!

PAWS Chicago

As a dog owner and lover, I enjoy taking the kids to play at PAWS Chicago. At no cost you can go visit animals at the shelter who need homes at PAWS Chicago. There is no obligation to adopt and the dogs and cats could surely use the love!

I hope you discovered something new on this list!

Your Chick,

Sonia