Jaipur

---

The 7 hour bus ride from Agra (although we were told it was only 5 hours) was fantastic as I spent most of the time on the roof enjoying a wonderful breeze and fantastic views. The scenery changes dramatically as you leave Uttar Pradesh region and enter Rajasthan where the landscape becomes greener and peppered with small mountains.

Rajasthan is the "Land of Kings" and Jaipur is its capital. Here I met up with many other travelers and took in information for many of my upcoming travels (SE Asia, Africa, etc.).

The intense heat during the day made for some uncomfortable sightseeing, but I ventured out into the busy streets to take in the feel of the city. Late in the day we hired an autorickshaw for the 10km ride to Nahargarh, the "tiger" fort which overlooks the city. The views were outstanding including that of the "pink city" of Jaipur.

A group of travelers was formed at the hotel and the eight of us took in a night of traditional Indian dance and food at the Indiana restaurant.

Ollie and I even spent one morning playing golf at the local course.

Off to Pushkar tomorrow.

---

Photos

Motorcycle gang at bus stop
After boarding the bus to Jaipur, we stopped 10 minutes into the trip at another bus station. I proceeded to befriend a guy with a motorcycle and he let me ride it for a moment. Then I snapped this photo of him and his friends.

Top of bus with Indians
Just 15 minutes into the 7 hour bus trip, I climbed out the window of the moving bus and up onto the roof. Soon I was joined by these two guys. I spent 6.5 of the 7 hours of the ride on the roof. Better views, better breeze than inside the bus.

Sand workers
From the top of the bus, I snapped this photo of workers outside of Jaipur.

Fatehpur Sikrit
This fortified ghost city was the capital of the Mughal empire between 1571 and 1585.

Women on parade
Not sure what the parade was for. When they saw me onto of the bus, the crowd began waving frantically.

Lunch break
Ollie and I pose in front of our bus after 4 hours on the road. Another 3 hours ahead of us, we wonder how we could have misunderstood the ticket salesman when he promised a quick 5 hour ride.

Rajasthan scenery
The beautiful landscape of Rajasthan from the top of the speeding bus.

Approaching Jaipur
the sun shines through the dark clouds as we close in on Jaipur

Rainbow from the Roof
From the roof of the Pearl Palace hotel, the cool weather and humid conditions provided a spectacular effect.

Dinner gang at Indiana
Our truly international group consisted of Patricia (Spanish in blue top), myself, Daniella (Brazilian), David (England), Ollie (Jersey Island of UK) and Julio & Kim (Spain).

Dance performance
Our group took in a traditional Indian dance performance at the Indiana restaurant.

Indian dance continues
Dance showcases her agility and flexibility.

Water Palace
On our way to the Nahargarh "tiger" Fort, we past the Water Palace. The bottom three floors are flooded.

Hear, See, Speak no evil
On the hill climb road up to the fort, these three monkeys sat and took in the view.