hhThis morning we had a later start – 09:00 am.
Breakfast was in the courtyard, but I stuck to toast and fresh fruit – papaya and banana as I had a tummy-scare earlier the morning. Luckily I took some medicine and the rest of the day was fine. *touch wood*
We went to visit the observatory – built a few centuries ago. This place is amazing and that king was brilliant in his way of solving issues, building models before tackling the ‘real deal’ and cross-checking the accuracy between the different items. The biggest sundial in the world is measures up to 2 seconds and doubles up as a star-tracking system by night. Water was placed in the pool around the sundial and the reflections were used to track the stars – that way the astronomers could look down at the stars, instead of looking up – very ergonomic. I’d hate to think what that man doodled when he was bored in state sessions 🙂
After the observatory we visited the city palace – home of the various generations of royalty in Jaipur. It is really beautiful, but pictures are only allowed in the courtyards/open spaces. Jenny Moss – this palace was used to film around 80% of Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2, that is due for release later this year – we have a date, ne! It is a popular setting for both Holly- and Bollywood films.
We looked at some of the clothing (gold and silver stitching) worn by the royalty – hand wash only – do NOT tumble-dry 😉 before looking at some local handicrafts that have the royal approval to sell their works in the palace. Jewelry, detailed paintings and notebooks were purchased. I purchased a marble statuette of Ganesha – it’s very kitsch, but the little guy just had so much cheek and character.
Then we moved to another courtyard where two gigantic silver jars on display. They were each made out of a single piece of silver – no welding marks and was used to transport the king’s “holy Ganges water” with him when he visited Britain. Apparently storing water in silver helps to purify the water.
We also saw the smaller courtyard with the four gates – one for each season. The most beautiful and popular is the famous peacock gate (winter gate). I liked the green gate posted with the blog. Not sure if it is spring or summer.
We then went on to see paintings of the various kings and the room where meetings were held, in the middle a carpet from the 16th century – older than the city itself.
From here we saw carriages – both horse and older ox-drawn. Very very ornate – I know it is to show wealth and power, but I cannot help thinking that it is a moving bulls-eye for the enemy.
This completed our tour of City Palace and we went by the textile place to collect Adam’s suite.
Then on to lunch at a restaurant with the most uncomfortable tables (steel-tubing, like 70’s garden furniture), but the most positive and attending bathroom attendant we’ve come across. The food was good, but the kiddies shouting tantrums and the sitar player’s multiple renderings of Frere Jacque was unfortunate.
Next we stopped at a store that specializes in spices, teas and incense. After our chai masala we were invited to the family shop (next door) to look at bangles, paintings and woodcarvings. Two shops down Adam found the perfect pair of shoes to compliment his Indian suite.
After this no-one had any inclination for further shopping and we head back to the hotel, wished our guide goodbye and relaxed a little. Sara and Adam went for a swim, Csilla relaxed in the room and I caught up with yesterdays back’blog’ in the courtyard, while trying out the local “taj mahal’ black tea complementary in the the room. It is quite good, actually. Might take some home.
At 19:15 Man Singh picked us up to go for supper at ‘the peacock’. Csilla was feeling under the weather due to a cold and elected to stay in.
As we forgot to get her a notebook today, I asked the front-desk for some white A4 paper for her to make notes on. When we returned from supper they were eagerly awaiting our return and ceremoniously handed me a pack of Ethiad airline crayons. I took me a few seconds to realize that this was to ‘draw’ on the blank papers I got from them earlier – nice one guys! They thought it was hilarious… Got to give them 10/10 on that one… humor is universal – and crosses the language barrier at the most unexpected times. It is shared moments like these that I will remember, much more that the dirt in the roads.
Supper was excellent and the venue was a surprise – a rooftop terrace above a clothing shop. Decked out with fountains and low tables with cement benches around the edges – thatched ‘roofs’ above the tables. Benches were covered with long cushions. It reminded me of turkish establishments. We would definitely eat there again (if we could) and recommend it highly. I had the vegetarian selection of a few small servings – there is a name for it, but I forget – the concept is almost like meze platters. Includes different small bowls with dishes, rice, two small flatbreads, a ‘salad’ and a sweet (pudding).
After supper we returned to the hotel – although the trip was an experience… if you thought driving in India in the day is risky – the night is something else. I ducked behind the seat a few times – definitely aged a bit the last two nights. Our driver is excellent, but the traffic is just so unpredictable – anything can happen as it seems it does. Would not be surprised if it rained frogs next time we’re on the road.
After returning to the hotel we confirmed the departure time again and said our goodnights. I tried to re-arrange “the purple luggage” in preparation for possible re-packing tomorrow night.
The plan is to get a small suitcase-carry-on tomorrow that I can pack some items in, that does not need to accompany me to Varanasi. This can then stay at the Delhi hotel and will enable me to make the internal flight limit of 15 kg’s. I can take wit to South Africa as 2nd piece of luggage as I am allowed 30 kg’s on the Emirates flight.
This separation of luggage will have to take place tomorrow night in Agra as Man Singh will have to drop me at the station before he drops the USA guys at the hotel. In order to do this we will try to do Agra Fort tomorrow afternoon so we can do Taj Mahal early Saturday morning and then hit the road to Delhi. I dunno, I just trust them to get me to the train on time – that is why I paid a premium for an arranged tour.
Hold thumbs we get the suitcase tomorrow 🙂
Also on the program for tomorrow is a bird sanctuary and temple complex, that and the approximately 5 hour drive… fun times ahead…
Good night all
Linda
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