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"The value of a man should be seen in what he gives, not in what he is able to receive"...Albert Einstein
My faith in India's rail network is restored. After a pleasant evening with Bennett, Helen and Meuri the Irish trio, I said my goodbyes and thanked all at Mereugaw Palace for their fine hospitality. My total bill for 4 nights accommodation and all food and drinks - £29! Earlier in the day I wondered around the side of the hotel to find the many children that I had spoken to from the rooftop and gave them all handfuls of the stationary I had purchased previously, with big beaming smiles they started putting stickers on each others faces. It was nice to see how such simple things gave them such joy. Their parents watched warily through their windows no bigger than a serving hatch, they soon smiled and gave me a typically Indian head wobble of acknowledgement. This Churchill dog style head movement seems to be a universal body language used by all Indians.
I boarded my train in plenty of time with a sense of dread born of my previous experience. There was no need. I soon struck up conversation with my cabin neighbour about our destination Jaipur. I was informed we would arrive about 6am so I set my alarm and settled down into my bunk. I napped throughout the journey as did everybody else.
I was extremely relieved that sleeperclass proved to be a more than acceptable level of travel, I had contemplated upgrading all my booked trains to 2AC but the cost would have quadrupled.
We arrived at Jaipur shortly after 6am and I met my driver for the free transfer to the Hotel Moon Light Palace. Immediately upon reaching the guesthouse I was offered the option of an upgrade. Initially 1000 rupees a night I negotiated to 700, it was comparative luxury! A king size bed with en-suite, balcony and a powerful fan. Even a flat screen TV so I could catch up on all my favourite Indian TV shows, maybe not!
I starfish on the bed and get another few hours sleep. inexcusably sapped of energy I dragged myself into the shower and researched a place for an evening meal. Pearl Palace turned out to be a good choice, if not for the ridiculous amount of French that swamped the place! I'm quite partial to a baguette but the French are hardly renowned for their welcoming ways.
I sat solemnly watching the sunset, and awaited my Afghani chicken with cashew and mango paste, enjoying the solitude of a lonesome traveller! I wasn't in the mood to mingle so tucked into my chicken, wondering if I had been a tad optimistic with my already temperamental stomach. I guess I will soon find out. An eagle soared above and a small lizard scaled the wall right next to me, I ignored it and finished my food. India kind of makes you immune to minor inconveniences and you learn to just ignore things you might find uncomfortable elsewhere.
My rickshaw driver, an extremely pleasant and reasonable young guy showed me a book full of previously happy customers who he had given a chauffeured tour of the city. On the return to the hotel I agreed a fee of £5 for a full days tour of Jaipurs major palaces and attractions, pickup at 10:30 in the morning. With my short time here, the efficiency and knowledge of a local is sure to prove a good move. He suggested I can have a drive of his rickshaw too, I hope the travel insurance I booked is adequate!
I'm currently settling down for a chilled night, stomach curdling a little, think it's time to pop a few of these tablets from my medical supplies that mom kindly compiled. Left to care for myself I would undoubtedly be hugging the toilet with my insides dropping out!
I'm looking forward to my guided tour tomorrow, it will hopefully give me the opportunity to relax and get some photos. Let's hope I don't oversleep.
- comments
Maria Sounds like a decent room for once, good idea to have a guided tour with a local. Keep taking the tablets xxx
perryinindia Will do mother! Feel better now, I'd put myself at 80% which is better than I feel on as Saturday morning after a night on the beers! You'll be happy to know I've all but given up the beer, the few I've had I have instantly regretted so sticking to water now!