Train stations are intriguing places. One minute you're scrambling because you have not idea which way to go, can't read the signs and dare take the advise of the wrong local. Next, you're kicked back smoking beedies with the security guards who were carrying assault rifles, too fun! They were nice and chatted us up for more than our five-- fifteen minute delays at Agra Fort. Once aboard the train almost 2 hours late, we headed West down the tracks in pursuit of Jaipur or better know as the "pink city."
In 1876 the old city was painted pink, a color associated with hospitality to welcome the Prince of Wales. While that's a grand gesture and I'm sure stunning at the time, the fierce desert sun has taken its toll on this majestic city leaving everything muted under a layer of sand. Todd and I were both disappointed but I'm not sure what exactly we expected. A city washed in Pepto it was not, maybe dusty orange, but none-the-less we were pleasantly surprised with our lovely guesthouse.
During our time in Jaipur we explored Jantar Mantar, an observatory began by Jai Singh in 1728. He measured time by the place the sun's shadow fell on the huge sundials and charted the annual progress through the zodiac. Each sculpture had a specific purpose, such as calculating eclipses. Neat place that really makes you appreciated how far we've come. The Hawa Mahal was on my personal list of sights to see in India. I dreamed about seeing this remarkable, delicately honeycombed, pink sandstone structure ever since I started planning our trip. So, you can imagine the heartbreak when the auto-rick pulled up in front of it and it was utter chaos. This most distinctive landmark was on a most heavily trafficked street and smack dab in the middle of a bazaar. Todd held the rick while I moved through the homeless, the beggars and the thousands of locals shopping to take a few camera shots before being wrangled back for holding up traffic. Tranquil? I think Not! Does it look like the picture-books?...well, yes, if you get in the perfect spot and don't snap the pic while thousands are hustling by.
The rest of our time in Jaipur was spent scouting out last minute gifts and souvenirs. Jaipur is shopping heaven and known for its silver. We spent a few hours perusing a fine silver shop and customizing a couple of silver trinkets for ourselves. For me, I chose a unique set of bangles and for Todd a silver bracelet and chain. Todd and I both bought camel leather shoes for $2 each and a few pieces of Indian attire. We found bundles of bargains at the night bazaar and then enjoyed our last meal in India at a scrumptious local spot just down the road from our guesthouse.
Now, after ten months......back to Western Civilization!
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