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Published: January 12th 2015
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So today we have a full day to explore around the city of Jaipur. It is billed as one of the best places in India to see and experience. Just from what I saw last night I am sure it is.
We all met for breakfast around 8 and then had the bus ready for us at 9 to take us out and about town for some extraordinary site seeing. We started with a trip to see the Hawa Mahal. It is the second most photographed building in India (guess what the first is). It was built in 1799 to enable the women of the court to watch the processions. Very generous of the local rulers since women were usually not allowed near the celebrations at all. It has hundreds of windows where they used to sit behind and watch things pass. Amazing building.
After that it was a drive just out of the city to the Amber Fort. It sits up on a hill overlooking the town of Amber. It looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie up on the hill. We walked up to the fort weaving our way in between elephant processions and other
tourists. The elephants all had seats one op for ther people to ride up the hill but we walked as the view is quite majestic and hoestly it seemed cruel what they were doing to the elephants in thsee conditions.
Once up to the fort, we got to see some beautiful architecture and imagine what life would have been like back in the day. There were rooms for Royal viewing sessions, rooms for the concubines of the Mugul and rooms that seemed to have no reason but were spectacular none the less. We had a guide but I could sooo see getting lost in here or running around as child in the hayday of the complex and exploring. Great place as a kid to get into trouble and explore.
On the way back to the city we stopped to see the Water Palace. Quite a spectacular building set out ins he middle of a man made lake for the relaxation and summer enjoyment of the moguls. Wow. Every state and city seem to have something that stands out and makes it amazing in its own right.
Then we hit the textile market and saw the handprinting of
fabric with wooden blocks and vegtables ink and onto the gem polishing businesses. This region is known for its fabrics and gems. I could have gotten a ruby ring for just under $200 which at home would have cost me a lot more...but I don't wear jewels. A lot off the jewels the British used in their regal adornments were from this region.
Then we had dinner at an old Heritage Hotel...Hotel Naran Niwas Palace. The Heritage Hotel system here was started after the country gained independence from the British to help preserve the old Mogul homes and estates. The families were given a choice...pay taxes on the properties from now on or hand them over to the national government. Many families chose to make them into hotels to keep them in the family and make money at the same time. They are beautiful structures with amazing history and beautiful designs. They have a very royal feel to them. At this one we had dinner under a tent out on the lawn while they had musicians play and dancers perform. We also got to see a Rajisthani puppet show. Very cool!!
In all it was a great day!!!
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Uncle R
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Just tuned in
Hi Ian, thought I'd see what you are up to. Looks like you're having an amazing trip. It was good to see you at Sarica's and Mukul's wedding. You are a lot more adventurous in eating in places on the street. Come to think of it, I was too, when I visited Moroco in the 70's. But I do think you should stop playing with Cobras. I look forward to future updates. Take care, UR