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Published: March 23rd 2011
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Colonel Hathi and the Dawn Patrol
(For people who don't mind a bit of jungle book) Being picked up from the station at 6AM was a luxury. What still surprised me though was the streets were choc-a-block. The traffic to get out of the station was unbelieivable. It was easy to see that Jaipur was a 24/7 city.
Putting my head down until late afternoon seemed like a waste of valuable touring time but I have discovered sleep is the key to a happy camper. I only ventured out with my driver to eat at a local Indian restaurant. My evening was spent watching England beat the West Indies in an absolute classic. England are nothing without Swanny! (Apologies to anybody who doesn't understand or care!)
With only one day to see Jaipur I felt I would be completely rushed off my feet. I ventured to the old fortified city of Amber (a few miles outside of Jaipur). When we arrived, it was a "Wow" moment. Looking from afar, I could see the outlines of hundreds of elephants making their way up the steep slopes to the fort entrance, carrying money wielding tourists. As I got closer, I saw the elephants were beautifully decorated on their faces and trunk. I had never been so close to
these beasts. An impressive sight but I could not stay too long around them. My photos will not show this but the elephants sent out a right pong. All the way up was fresh elephant dung.
Becoming experienced in the viewing of forts, this one ranked a comfortable third, behind Mehrangarh and Jaisalmer. One thing that didn't work to its advantage were the low, dark doorways. I probably banged my head five or six times. Clumsy, some my say, but when you cannot see it coming I was lucky I am not taller.
To complete my trip I was due to go to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar (an observatory). Sick of abandoned palaces I went for the latter. At first, the area seemed full of surreal sculptures but on closer inspection, these were instruments to observe the Sun, solar system and space. The grounds even featured, supposedly, the tallest sun dial in the world, at 27m tall. A very nice place to sit around watching the day and people go by.
My time in Jaipur was to be concluded with an early morning trip to the Monkey Temple, the following day. Even though I had
developed Delhi-Belly, this temple was the best sight of the city. Within a small rocky outcrop, on the outskirts of Jaipur, was a temple in the morning light. From a distance it looked nice and quiet but on closer inspection, it was teeming with monkeys. At the gate I bought some monkey nuts. Instantly these little fellas knew what was in my bag. They were not afraid to touch me, trying to get at the nuts. Afraid it could get nasty, I gave up the bag, like the big coward I am. The higher I climbed in the temple the more monkeys there were. They are incredibly photogenic but I was always wary they were going to pinch something. One guy, who was bathing in the temples baths had his flip-flop nicked. I couldn't help sniggering to myself. The man was seething although he must have known he was playing with fire by leaving his footwear on the side.
In conclusion, Jaipur was a little disappointing although my standards have been heightened after Udaipur. Taj Mahal here I come. Impossible to be disappointed here, surely...
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James Lilley
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Love it!
Hawes, how are you mate? I have just spent an hour reading through your journey so far, I must say great idea! I have subscribed so I will follow you all the way from now onwards. Keep enjoying it - are you going to kiss and tell with the Caroline situation? haha All the best buddy, speak soon Lils p.s impressed at how well you write ;)