We have been very busy these last few days seeing a Hindu Temple, visiting the City Palace and today visiting Amber Fort. (Am-er)
The fort was built in the 1100's I belive and belonged to the Maharaj. It was hugh with multiple levels, gardens, harem quarters and an amazing view of the valley below. Surrounding the fort was a wall that encompassed a vast area delineating the boundaries of Jaipur. When we first approached the fort we thought we were looking at the great Wall of China. That should give you an idea of the style and size of this wall.
We were driven to the entrance by jeep. Others, not our group, arrived by elephant. The pictures will tell the story. Eventually the city was moved to its current location
Later in the day we went to a local bazaar to satisfy the shopping craze of some of our fellow travelers. I think they are done for now
The day before I had gotten up at 4:30 am to take a balloon ride over Jaipur to see the sun rise. Sadly though the winds were to strong for us to fly. We were back at the hotel by 8 and I got to have breakfast with Barry
This evening we had a home hosted dinner. The couple whose home we visited were lovely. They had two teenage daughters, one who is in college studying business. We exchanged lots of cultural and parental information. The wife had been a kindergarten teacher. The role of women and the family dynamics are changing swiftly in India. Some say not swift enough while others say it is to fast. They prepared a great meal for us and we all cleaned our plates. Many of us took seconds. They were quite helpful in giving us insight into the color festival we will be experiencing tomorrow. The history of this Hindu celebration is to complicated to explain but tonite people held bonfires in the streets and tomorrow they throw color chalk at each other. It is a very fine vibrant powder. In preparation for the festivities we each purchased a holiday suit. White tunic and pants. Our hosts had some pointers on how to coat out bodies so we will easily wash the chalk off. Otherwise it could be a week until we get it all scrubbed off. This should be fun.
One more thing. On our way back to our hotel this afternoon we stopped to take a picture of a water palace. There it was a massive palace sitting in the middle of a lake.
We are off tomorrow to the color festival and then on to the National Park in the hopes of seeing a tiger.. We will also be visiting a school supported by the travel company's foundation while we are in the area.
The fort was built in the 1100's I belive and belonged to the Maharaj. It was hugh with multiple levels, gardens, harem quarters and an amazing view of the valley below. Surrounding the fort was a wall that encompassed a vast area delineating the boundaries of Jaipur. When we first approached the fort we thought we were looking at the great Wall of China. That should give you an idea of the style and size of this wall.
We were driven to the entrance by jeep. Others, not our group, arrived by elephant. The pictures will tell the story. Eventually the city was moved to its current location
Later in the day we went to a local bazaar to satisfy the shopping craze of some of our fellow travelers. I think they are done for now
The day before I had gotten up at 4:30 am to take a balloon ride over Jaipur to see the sun rise. Sadly though the winds were to strong for us to fly. We were back at the hotel by 8 and I got to have breakfast with Barry
This evening we had a home hosted dinner. The couple whose home we visited were lovely. They had two teenage daughters, one who is in college studying business. We exchanged lots of cultural and parental information. The wife had been a kindergarten teacher. The role of women and the family dynamics are changing swiftly in India. Some say not swift enough while others say it is to fast. They prepared a great meal for us and we all cleaned our plates. Many of us took seconds. They were quite helpful in giving us insight into the color festival we will be experiencing tomorrow. The history of this Hindu celebration is to complicated to explain but tonite people held bonfires in the streets and tomorrow they throw color chalk at each other. It is a very fine vibrant powder. In preparation for the festivities we each purchased a holiday suit. White tunic and pants. Our hosts had some pointers on how to coat out bodies so we will easily wash the chalk off. Otherwise it could be a week until we get it all scrubbed off. This should be fun.
One more thing. On our way back to our hotel this afternoon we stopped to take a picture of a water palace. There it was a massive palace sitting in the middle of a lake.
We are off tomorrow to the color festival and then on to the National Park in the hopes of seeing a tiger.. We will also be visiting a school supported by the travel company's foundation while we are in the area.
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