Indian-Rajasthan Christmas holidays

Once again, we are slowly progressing into our sabbatical.

We now have our boat driving license (although we haven’t received the physical copy yet). However, we still lack our VHF permit, which is essential for navigating international waters.
Unfortunately, Nico made an error while booking the exam. As a result, we won’t be taking the exam until next year in southern France (Toulouse).

Any tips for the VHF permit?

For those registering for the ANFR CRR permit, remember that registering and receiving a confirmation email is just the beginning.
Booking the actual date and location of the exam is a separate task!
After registering, make sure to follow up online or by phone to secure your exam invitation.

That said, we’ve left France to spend our Christmas holidays in India, exploring Rajasthan and visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Our son joined us for this adventure!

Here is the Rajasthan itinerary on Polarsteps.

We rented a car and driver for this journey. While India is quite polluted, the experience was still enriching. Overall, we loved our time there; the people are incredibly nice and welcoming. They genuinely engage with you, always smiling, and in shops, they remain courteous even if you don’t make a purchase.

The food was delicious, and we managed to avoid any sickness despite indulging in local food stalls now and then.

• Tips for Visiting Rajasthan/India:

  • Winter Visit: Traveling in winter is ideal; temperatures are much more manageable, ranging from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius, rather than the sweltering 50 degrees in summer.
    
    
  • Pollution Awareness: We expected winter to be less polluted, but there was still a persistent haze throughout the day—especially in the mornings.
    This haze, however, created a beautiful, mystical look for the Taj Mahal.
    
    
  • Timing Your Visit: Avoid the Taj Mahal during bank holidays or weekends to escape the crowds.
    Arriving at opening time (at sunrise) is crucial to experiencing it without the throngs of visitors—it’s like a rock concert!
                      
    
    
  • Photography Tips: When you arrive at the Taj, taking pictures at the entrance can be underwhelming. (Tiny Taj Mahal background)
    Instead, head closer right away to spots like the platform where Lady Di sat or the quieter side alleys for better photos.
    
    
  • Guided Tours: I usually prefer exploring monuments independently, but for the Taj Mahal, having a guide was beneficial. He shared fascinating stories, captured photos of us, and helped navigate the crowds.
    
    
  • Local Artisan Visits: Our guide also took us to meet artisans responsible for renovating the marble decorations inside the Taj Mahal.
    This 14th generation of sculptors continues to use traditional methods, which I would never have discovered on my own. It was enlightening to learn about the semi-precious stones used in the marble ornaments.
    
    
  • Hiring a Driver: While we typically drive ourselves in other countries, driving in India can be quite chaotic with constant honking and swerving.
    A driver not only provides safety but also knows the best places to stop for food.
    Tipping them around 500 rupees a day is reasonable, making it an affordable option for more flexibility.