And Graeme bought plumbing fixtures!

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Some may come to Jaipur and be entranced by the sumptuously embroidered textiles, some may marvel at the camel hair carpets, some have been known to be seduced by the intricate jewellery and even others to covet the blue glazed pottery, but Graeme, my beloved builder, spots a bazaar shop selling plumbing fixtures.
‘Yes, I understand the majority of tourists have not chosen this as part of their purchasing expedition.’ I tried to explain to Bablu, our affable tuk-tuk driver, he shook his head and laughed, his shiny white teeth betraying signs of a paan habit. Beaming from ear to ear Graeme emerged, clutching two, thankfully light, white boxes with the precious toilet fittings inside. ‘Fantastic; just like your bidets,’ Graeme explained to the French couple we were having dinner with, ‘a simple, inexpensive device.....’ Their eyes glazed with incomprehension wondering what strange tourists their friendly tuk-tuk driver had now taken under his wing. We finished dinner, unceremoniously hustled out of our seats by imperious staff kowtowing to well-heeled Indian clientele impatiently waiting their turn to dine in a restaurant called Niro’s with a rather undeserved reputation. Pushing through the clutching hands, sweeping aside the ‘traditional puppets, sir’, we exchanged email addresses and exhorted to meet in Paris, Sydney or Bridport. Choices abound.
Plumbing and friendship aside, I was more than thankful to have eaten normally, my first ‘real’ meal in four days having suffered ‘Delhi belly’ in Agra, which had dogged b y usual sanguine temperament. The mist of despair at the human condition, poverty and pollution, somewhat lifted by the relatively clean streets of Jaipur and the improvement in my dietary situation.
Glee at the acquisition of his plumbing contrivances uppermost in his mind, Graeme let down his defences and we were chaperoned into a textile factory. ‘There is no pressure to buy, sir, just look at process, have chai and look.’ No pressure was the greatest pressure. Probably gloriously overcharged, our pile grew higher and higher. What with me trying to rescue my reputation from always saying ‘No’ and Graeme wanting me to be happy we came away with more than twice we needed and an agonising wait for the same chosen ones to arrive. We took small comfort in noticing that a certain Karen Turner from Islington is also awaiting a matching carpet and runner!
Having spent all my allowance in one place I shall be very circumspect in locating any further bargains en route to Gujarat and back again through Rajasthan!

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Photos

Mirror work
At the fabulous Sheesh Mahal at Amber Fort

Shila Devi temple
Fine silverwork

Silver door detail
Adorning the temple door

Pietra dura
Marble flowers for insertion into marble

Fine marble flooring
Balustrade carved from one piece of red sandstone

Finely painted temple ceiling
Gaitor - Maharajah's tombs

Close work
Glasses anyone?

Beautiful marble carving
At the Amber Fort

Ceiling Sheesh Mahal
Can be lit up with a single candle!

Comments

[Jess]

Delhi Belly
ooooh carpet for me? Sorry to hear about the Delhi belly but glad it has cleared up a bit. Can't believe Graeme bought plumbing parts?! hilarious xxx

[simon]

Your amazing journey
As with the e-mail I sent, again sorry for not replying sooner and needing a prompt, but in weak defence you know I dont think of looking at facebook/bloggs unless promted. What an incredible journey you're having although I dont know if I could be as hardy as you, being rather nesh I'd want me 4* comfort and en suite. Your travels with Prem and her childhood memories were so descriptive and emotional it made it feel as if I was seeing it with you. By the way I'm assuming from your last blogg Prem has left you and G to your travels and is now home happy with her memories re awaken. Cant wait to see your next blogg and promise to be more diligent in looking it up, You and G carry on enjoying your amazing adventure, you'll be pleased to know I'm suitable envious, take care of yourselves Love Simon