Jaipur

After leaving Agra yesterday we drove to Fatehpur Sikiri, an abandoned city not far from Agra. It was built in the early 1600's by Akbhar, the Great [Shah Jehan's grandfather]. Rupee has decided to change his name to Akbhar as this Moghul king is his new hero. The city is another amazing example of engineering and artistry. The people of this time had even figured out how to air condition and heat the palace rooms using water flowing through hollow, but very thick walls and floors. It was only used by the Moghul for 7 years and then abandoned because the water was too salty. We observed monkeys, frog and even bats [Damon didn't like those]. At the shops I purchased beautiful beads with the help of Rupee bartering for me. Our guide left us at this point. He needed to return to Agra. We felt he was displeased with us because we refused to be taken to yet another carpet weaving demonstration. Our driver, Sateesh, gave us an interesting and informative commentary after the guide left. The 4.5 hour journey through Rajasthan State to Jaipur, although not as eventful as the one 2 days earlier, provided us with some interesting sights - many very poor villages populated by hard working, happy people; a funeral procession in one village crossing 4 lanes of highway on foot carrying a stretcher with the soul to be cremated; 2 buses one a wreck and one new competing dangerously for highway space; cow patties drying on the roadside; miles of brick kilns; an impromptu protest with a highway blockade and some angry people [not sure why]; an motorcylce accident with many people gathered attempting to resolve the fault issue [India's version of ICBC]. Before arriving at the hotel our driver took us to a wholesale carpet weaving place and both couples bought beautiful Kashmiri carpets for 1/2 the price at previous carpet demos. Our hotel in Jaipur is elegant and exquisite. Dinner on this night of Diwali was at the Spice Court. We had to drive 45 min. through the streets of Jaipur to get there. That was the best driving experience so far. Jaipur at Diwali rivals Vegas for lights [gambling is illegal in India]. The traffic was so congested but we were surrounded by happy people who waved and smiled at the foreigners. Damon even blew kisses to some cute teenage girls. The dinner was excellent and Rajput entertainment complete with a puppet show, drummers and lady fire dancers. Although Rupee and Damon deny it, they got hammered. It was fun for all. Today has also been an amazing experience. First of all, Happy Birthday to me; I got to see an elephant pee! Not only that but an elephant ride too. A long time dream for me and one thing crossed off my bucket list. What an amazing birthday. Of course, as we are bouncing along on the back of Chumpur my camera card filled up. I had to change the card enroute. Fortunately, nothing went wrong so I will post a picture of Rupee and me on the elephant. We rode these majestic, royal beasts up the steep narrow road to the Amber Fort. It was built in the 1600s by an Hindu Maharaja -more incredible architecture and art. The place is massive and definitely a well fortified fort. Words cannot describe. The posted picture of D&N is in the mirror gallery of the winter part of the palace. Our guide the took us to the old part of Jaipur which is known as the Pink City of India and pink it is. The buildings are very old and very lovely. In the midst of the Raj's property is a 250 year old observatory. It seems almost like a huge children's playground but it completely devoted to the science of astronomy - quite remarkable. We continued then touring the Raj's palace and grounds that are currently used by the royal family. The history in this beautiful city is overwhelming. The Rajput people are lively and colourful. I'm so glad we added this city to our tour. Tonight our driver, Sateesh, is going to join us for dinner. He has been amazing in all ways.

Tomorrow morning we fly back to Delhi and then on to Varanasi, the Hindu Holy City, for a 3 day stay on the banks of the Ganges. All is well with us. Rupee is doing a great job of conversing with the locals. Lucky for me because I have laryngitis and can barely talk. Damon and Nicole are head over heels in love and very excited about their engaged status. Take care good friends. I'll stay in touch.