22 April Jaipur

Didn't have the best sleep last night. The were mozzies everywhere in our room. We spent a couple of hours on a killing spree but I still woke up this morning with nineteen new bites. Oh joy! We have decided that we want to get out of here and rather than finding a new hostel we're going to do our sightseeing early and then get moving to Pushkar.

Steff sent his uncle Momad to meet us and we paid for his driving for the day. We had been avoiding doing so all along but actually when you add the amount of transportation cost that you clock up daily it all adds up. Plus we get to see everything quite quickly hense not having to spend another night here.

First we asked Momad to take us to the bus station where we bought our ticket for Pushkar. Next we went to see Hawa Mahal. We got there early at around 9.30am so there were very few people there, allowing us to roam freely around the wind palace. Its names is so because there are hundereds different sized windows with no glass.The wind blows freely thoughout the pink sandstone palace, adding to its whimsical charm. The palace was built for the ladies of the royal household. It allowed them to spy on the outside world and watch the life of the city, without the unwanted gaze falling on them. Wouldn't mind a bloody transportable wind palace of my own!!

the perfect peep hole



view of the pink city from the top

I love the decorative doors

Afterwards we went to see the Amber Fort. The huge fort towers above the town and anytime you look to the horizon it can be seen in its gigantuian glory. It is the first thing I noticed when we arrived here and I have been waiting it anticipation to go and see it.

We travelled thirty minutes outside the town to reach the fort. We passed elephants and camels trekking up the long road on the way.

Epic does not explain what we were faced with! It really was like something from a big budget movie set, but this was real! The amber colour shone prodly in the sunlight rising high into the sky. Indian ladies walked around also observing the building, their saris glowing vibrantly against the amber stone. It was the perfect setting to sit down and people watch, imagining times gone by.

We enjoyed the sights Jaipur had to offer but after two days we had seen them all and did not want to hang around in another hectic city. We have heard Pushkar is supposed to be really nice and laid back so we are making a beeline for there and hoping for the best.

The bus we are sitting on currently is hilarious. We are sitting up in a space where the over head luggage is usually kept (given that it is about twice the size!) We are crouched over with our legs stretched out in front. There is a small plastic panel and curtain for privacy from the other people on the bus who are also in similar cubby holes and there are about thirty more people than should be allowed how are standing the entire length of the aisle. We are the only westerners on board. I feel like we are on display in a pet shop! I think it will be a long five hours!!!!!

21st April 2012 - Jaipur

We arrived in Jaipur last night. We were met by the usual gang of rick shaw drivers outside the station and one particular guy continued to hassle us so we said okay. He sent us to two of his friends who directed us to the most broken up rick shaw I've ever seen. We got in and took off. The made small talk with us and like everyone else, asked the of the relationship between Luke and myself. We have become accustomed to telling people here that we are married as it causes less hassle so we stuck to our story!

We drove around for a long time and wondered what was happening as I read that our guest house wasn't too far from the station. Next thing the rick shaw breaks down. It's in a really dark neighbourhood and we were sure the two of them had made this up as an excuse to rob us. They asked Luke to get out and help push and one of them jumped back in to steer the rickshaw. I was thinking "crap, this is where he starts up the things and take off with me leaving Luke behind!" He must have seen the anxious look on my face because then he announced to Luke, "Don't worry, I'm not going to start up and run away with your wife!" I was terrified!!!! Thankfully we turned a corner and saw a petrol station at the end of the road so their story was obviously true!

We all got in and they stopped a few more times asking for directions before arriving safely at our guest house. They actually turned out to be really nice guys and they even invited us to their brothers birthday party the following day! It was only when I gout out I saw the relief in Luke's face. He too thought they were going to rob us and he also pointed out to me that the rickshaw had been hot wired! It's always horrible arriving in a new city because you are totally at the mercy of the guys who are taking you to wherever you're staying. Thankfully nothing has ever gone wrong but I always feel very anxious and wary of the people.

Today we went to explore the pink city. I felt like we were walking around the streets in Aladdin! The beautiful pink colour washes all the buildings and even though they are quite mundane, it makes them appear extraordinary. First we visited the Jantar Mantar observatory. As we were entering we met yet another rickshaw driver hassling us to take us elsewhere but we politely declined.

Upon entering the observatory a complete calmness descended upon us! Not so many tourists and nobody inside to hassle us for money , goods or service. The clean cut symmetrical lines are unlike anything we have seen since coming to Asia. The orderliness and cleanliness was unlike anything I have seen over the past few months and it was a complete comfort to our brains that are ready to explode!!

                           


We took our time and walked around astounded by the precision of the ancient astronomical instruments. The sun dial reads the time correctly within two seconds! Anyway, I'm not going to preach about the dynamics of these instruments as I don't really understand them, but you can enjoy some seriously symentrical photographs!!

view of Amber Fort overlooking town

We left the observatory and the rickshaw driver was still outside waiting for us. He proposed a good deal to take us to the  Jal Mahal in his 'Indian Helicopter,' so we decided to go along for the adventure!

Turns out 'Steff' is actually a very cool guy and he brought us around the city explaining different areas to us. He told us the story of the floating palace and afterwards took us down some side streets to an elephant sanctuary! We got to spend time playing with three enormous elephants. It was awesome but quite scary, just the night before we watched a zoo keeper on the news being attacked and trampled by an elephant!!

 

Jal Mahal Water Palace

Next he took us to the textiles district. First we went to a building where they make the fabric. Then another building where the fabric is dyed and next we went onto another building where the fabric is block printed, embroidered and tailored. It was so interesting seeing this building, I felt like I was back in college in the textiles department!

After seeing the creative process the factory manager brought us upstairs to their wholesale warehouse and showcased ever hind of colour and pattern fabric that had been handmade in their factory. We saw decorative wall hangings and ornate bed linen. They also had delicately printed cottons which we could have had made into any item of clothing desired in just three hours! For me, it was torture! I could have spent a fortune there! In the end, we decided to purchase the most beautiful embroidered throw for Luke's sister Jess who is celebrating her birthday/first holy communion next month. It is on it's way to you now Jess you lucky thing!!

The day with Steff was very nice and I am starting to come around to India, slowly! Jaipur is still hectic but there is more women on the streets which is nice. Everyone still stares and everyone tries to extort money and that still bugs me...but I'm still optimistic and will continue searching for 'Incredible India!'