February 2 - Elephant Riding and Horse Trading

Our trip to the Amber Fort in Jaipur starts with an elephant ride up to entrance. It's a powerful sway on that big beast, making it impossible to focus the camera as we are jostled from side to side on its back. The mahoot likes to keep his animal close to the fort wall and this necessitates Joan and I keeping our legs outstretched to avoid having our shoes scraped off. We arrive in the fort in fine style and make the most of our stay, admiring the beautiful tile work and architecture of this palace. It is here that my camera starts to misbehave. I surround it with white light although I realize it is soulless. There is a small reprieve when I discover a way to limp along with it. I so hope I shall not be cameraless in Kathmandu. If I failed to mention it, Rajisthan is in Western India. The city of Jaipur is known for its vibrant colors - the Pink City - so called because its prominent buildings are washed in this color. The Amber Fort, with its beautiful chamber of mirrors and truly fabulous three-storied gateway, is Joan's favorite. She appreciates the symmetry of the design and art work, but I have the Taj in my heart as the most beautiful - spoken like an Indian, I think. We go then to a gem shop because Jaipur is known as a huge gem and diamond cutting center and the work of the artisans here is something to behold. They continue to maintain the Taj using the skills they've learned from their ancestors who created the Taj in the first place. We see a demonstration about gems and miniature painting and then... shop! We move on to the City Palace Museum for lunch and a tour. This is where the current royal family of Jaipur still lives. We see impressive textiles, weaponry, enormous chandeliers and a collection of royal costumes. We shed layers of clothing as the day heats up. On to Jantar Mantar- Jaipur's huge observatory. It's all outdoors and reminds me of a similar place in Beijing, the concept not the look. I know it's impressive, but I'm starting to wear down and feel a little grumpy when we depart for the textile and carpet shop for a fabulous rug weaving and block print demonstration, chai tea and..... more shopping. Oh that Joan can be quite a bad influence, can she not? We have discovered that when we buy together we get better discounts so there is that. We congratulate ourselves on our cleverness. We return to the hotel, exhausted but triumphant.