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Today has brought the most anticipated event of the trip the elephant ride up to the Amber Fort in Jaipur!
After an early delicious breakfast at the hotel we went on our luxury coach to the foot of the fort, where we went to start our elephant ride to the top. Some members loved the experience whereas for others it was more like a white knuckle ride, especially for Sarah L, Lynne & Lyndsey #changeofknickers! Sarah B's & Michelle's elephant. Got distracted by two dogs fighting which caused it to take a sharp turn to the right, almost catapulting them down its trunk #whiteknuckleride! Arriving at the Amber Fort in procession, with Gaynor, the Queen of Sheba brining up the rear!
The fort was vast with several palaces, and our tour guide showed us round and was very informative about the history and background, even down to where the king kept his hareem of women behind closed screens and would sit above them from the balcony while they bathed!
The way down was just as entertaining, with snake charmers, hawkers and Beth being chased by a goat, it was more like an endurance race and dodgems! At times we wondered what was being most photographed, us or the fort and scenery as we definitely caused a stir!
On our way to the astrology centre and City Palace, we stopped to see how precious stones & jewels were made as Jaipur is the gem capital of India. We saw how the gems were processed and cut, and they were beautiful. Once in the shop we were dazzled by the choice and number of styles, a few members took the plunge and treated themselves!
From here we then moved on and approached the inner city, and there is a Krishna festival starting tonight for the next few days which virtually brought the city centre to a standstill, just like a Christmas Eve at home! It was so bad in the end the coach had to give up and we had to get off and walk the last part! We arrived at the astrology centre 'Jantar Mantar' the largest & most preserved observatory built by Jai Singh. It has the largest sundial in the world. We then all went and had our photographs taken by our starsigns.
After the observatory we walked across to the city palace home to the current King. He was at home as there were two flags flyng. We declined his visit for tea due to our very busy schedual. Within the palace we saw a variety of different royal clothing worn by previous royals. The friends of the royal city palace held a workshop to demonstrate their art work. Jess had a post card dedicated to her. The artists was called Rajesh. After we went into the public hall where the king greated his dignatoies.
Before we left we saw the largest solid silver jug in the world. It was taken to George the fifths corrination carryin holy water and came back to india full of whisky.
We finally got to lunch! we were STARVING! We stopped for a banquet meal. It was delicious. Lyndsey had chips!
After lunch we visited a textile factory where Claire, Michelle, Sarah B and Lyndsey demonstrated the art of printing. We were then taken to see MORE carpets which we declined and then fabrics. After this we headed back to the hotel.
Back at te hotel some members of the grous headed for the pool whilst others perfected ther art of haggling with the street traders outside the hotel. Michelle bought 96 bangles for £8 and the rangers haggled for elephants and peacocks. This a little daunting but a really good experience.
Off for dinner, will update fro Agra tomorrow.
The Sangam Team xx
- comments
Helen Boulton Hi girls, looks fab, the best Christie-anne and I could manage was a donkey up a hill!! Xx
Diane Foster nothing like a camel then !
Eileen Marsh sounds like you had a fab day, but rather you than me on an elephant
Marjorie Montrose Sounds fantastic glad you managed the elephant ride Lyndsey.