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Our morning started at a leisurely 830, which was a nice change from the previous early departures the past few days. We met our Jaipur guide Hammit, found our driver Rennu and were off for a day in the Pink City.
We drove into the walled city, where all of the buildings are rust in color, so not really pink. One of the Maharajah's had the buildings painted terracotta pink to welcome Prince Edward of Wales in 1876 and they building has stayed that color ever since. We stopped for pictures in front of one of the more ornate buildings and saw a cranky monkey standing guard. I got a picture of him, and you can see he looks very grumpy.
We headed out of town and on the way saw many elephants and camels. While elephants are native to India, they are not from this part, and are mainly used for tourists. We had an option of riding an elephant up to the Amber Fort , but all agreed it wasn't healthy for the elephants. So, Rennu drove us up the steep, narrow road to the Fort. On our way up, we stopped to take pictures at the lake and a snake charmer was on the sidewalk. This was one of the photo's we all wanted, as you can't do India without a snake charmer! The guy opened the basked and out popped the cobra, who immediately began looking around. Katelyn, Paige and I were not getting anywhere near that snake, but Ashley plopped down and got a close up view.
As with the Agra Fort, this too was a palace. But instead of for the Moghuls, this palace was for the Maharajahs, which ruled Rajasthan, one of the India provinces. This Fort, was at the top of a very large hill and was surrounded by mountains, which was very different from the areas we had previously seen. While the other Forts had been opulent, this one took it to a new level. The color, ornate structures and vastness was quite beautiful. One could really imagine living in this palace, surrounded by lakes, gardens and mountains. The Agra Fort looked out on the Taj Mahal, which is not bad...but this took it to a new level.
We learned about the life in the Fort, wandered through various passageways and decided this was our favorite site so far (except for the Taj...at least for me). We headed back towards town, stopping at a handicraft store, where while the items were beautiful, none of us did any buying (I don't need a large, hand carved elephant). We took a quick photo stop at the Water Palace out in the middle of the lake. It isn't occupied, so only can see from the road.
We then stopped at the Textile factory. We had been waiting to buy any clothing or textiles until we arrived in Jaipur, which is what it is known for. We had a quick demonstration of the block printing on the fabric, then went into a large showroom of material, table cloths and clothing. We could have any type of clothing made and delivered to our room that evening.
So, of course we had to do that!! Two hours, a lot of effort and thought later...we all had found a pattern, chosen our fabric and been measured for our garments. We all chose dresses, but different styles and fabrics. We also picked up other items that were on our lists for purchasing. Our guide and driver were patiently waiting, until we came out with bags and less money to our name.
After our shopping adventure, we had to get back to seriousness and what better way to visit to the Royal Astrological Observatory. Ok, gotta admit...this did not sound like a riveting stop. But, as with most of this trip, it was quite interesting and much different than expected. One of the Maharajah's who was quite brilliant was fascinated by astrology. So, in 1736 he built a park with many structures that enabled him, and others, to read the stars. When you first arrive, it looks like a children's playground from a different planet. But, our guide walked us through the different structures, like different types of sundials (including the largest in the world), instruments that allowed them to determine the astrological movements without the use of telescope and dials that represent the 12 astrological signs. We each found our sign for the requisite picture! It was amazing to see what they figured out back in the 1700's!
Our last stop of the day was to the City Palace, where the current Maharajah lives. He is only 16 years old and is currently in school in the UK, but his parents and grandmother are all still living there. Since you can't be in line for the throne as a girl, it skipped a generation and while there was controversy, he took over the throne when his grandfather died in 2012. Hammit, our guide walked us through the museum of clothing artifacts, thrones and other memorabilia from all of the Maharajahs. Not as fancy as the Forts, but not a bad place to live!
While we are at the Observatory, the skies got dark and by the time we were heading into the Palace, it was pouring rain. It was still sprinkling when we exited the Palace,so, it was a great time to head back to the hotel. We were scheduled to stop at one more shop to see jewelry, but we were all shopped out and frankly none of us needed (or could afford) it anyway!
Our evening was low key, with more free beverages and snacks in the the beautiful hotel bar. Paige and I went to the cafe for a light dinner and everyone hit the bed early again in preparation for our early morning flight to Varanasi.
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maria mcclung wow.... what a trip... now I understand why some of my friends are convinced that this is it......another sunny hot day here, no rain in sight {from your friendly forecaster ). tito has been here since about 8 a.m. I guess he is finding out it is a lot easier than than 4 in the afternoon. he has spent a lot of time at your yard and I hope this is working out.... jim is waiting for me to get off the computer, so I will... and you will be heading back..... thanks..... maria