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We arrived in Jaipur from Agra around 11pm Monday evening having took the lowest class sleeper train - an experience best summarized as filthy and slightly humbling. We woke early - maybe 630am - Tuesday and spent the entire day sightseeing, with the peaks being Amber Fort and monkey temple (over 5000 monkeys live in and around this temple). A theme seems to be developing here in India - many stray dogs, pigs, cows, goats, chickens, monkeys, even camels and abject poverty nearly everywhere. The nature of our trip is in stark contrast to the trip to Europe we took nearly two years ago - it seems old age has tamed us a bit. We haven't been up past midnight once and haven't slept past 830. There is a vast difference between backpacking Europe and backpacking India, that's for sure. The heat here isn't so bad because there isn't any humidity, but it is still very hot. On Tuesday, between seeing palaces, forts, temples, and observatories - our wonderful guide Raffik took us to a textiles factory where we got to see first hand how many of India's finest clothing is made (they use plants to make their colors, such as
carrots for orange, to insure that the colors last) - during this visit to this textile factory, Brian and I had clothing tailor made for us. Brian got three typical Indian shirts made for him, and I had three pairs of pants made from the finest Italian wool tailor-made for me and shipped to America via Korea by boat. And I'm not kidding. (Casey, your name is on the package so please look for these on June 6th). After this, we met with a famous astrologer who gave us advice based off of our readings and offered guidance to us in many different facets of our lives. We also visited some very sacred and old temples that did not allow photography and we were blessed by many holymen. Brian is somewhat of a celebrity, with several people (perhaps 5 already) approaching him and asking to take photographs with him (I'm always asked at the last minute to join in on the pictures, but I can tell it's out of courtesy). People think Brian wrestles in the WWF.
We have spent most of Wednesday relaxing. So far we have eluded any sickness, but still felt today would be a good day
to rest as we leave around 11pm tonight for Udaipur via an 8 hour train ride. We'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking....
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Megan
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Escher
Your photos of the observatory remind me of Escher's stairs. Looks like you're enjoying yourselves. Keep your spirits high and always wonder while wandering.