Jaipur from a bachelor's perspective

Well that isn't really true. So as Stacey already posted, our big sightseeing day of the pink city was altered in that she came down with flu like symptoms and us became I. Probably because of travelling like this:

From Jaipur and Pushkar

She was really nice for letting me go and explore without her and I came back early from my adventure to check in on her. So, since it was my day to see the town, we both thought it fitting that I be the one to post.

I gotta say that this was not my favorite place (nor Stacey's). We keep uttering over and over that for such an ancient civilization, you would think that they would take better care of their national treasures. Everything just has this lack luster air of being run down. This was no more evident than in the pink city. Pink? Well not really, but the wall that surrounds the City Palace (7km long) is pink. Everything inside is not. It's kind of like if everyone in Temecula, CA painted their homes silver to get people to come and see the "silver city". But I digress. I don't want anyone reading this to think that the actual cultural experience is anything less than spectacular because it most certainly is! I think that we are just becoming a little forted and palaced out.

So withour further delay, the pink city.

From Jaipur and Pushkar

My journey began in the morning where I saw the Mahal or City Palace in the center of the city.

From Jaipur and Pushkar

The palace is still active as it houses member of the royal family and for the right fee you can get in to see their digs. I chose to stick to the audio tour and the adventurer's budget. I did find out that the Maharaja that lived the most decadently in the palace had quite the affinity for polo. I saw his riding outfit as well as his pajamas. After walking around the rest of the facility I was ready to move on to something a little more interesting.

An that interest was provided in the rather odd but visually stimulating Jantar Mantar, an eighteenth century astrological site commissioned by Jai Singh.

From Jaipur and Pushkar

Turns out he had a fancy for the stars and built 18 stone structures that could track the evolving skies to the utmost specificity. There is even a 27 meter tall sundial that can tell the time of day to within 2 seconds!






Once I got my fill of the structures, I ventured out of the big city for something really spectacular, Amber Fort.

From Jaipur and Pushkar

I think what struck me the most about this particular fort is that directly above it is another fort that just about dwarfs Amber's size. The larger fort is called Jaigar Fort, but unfortunately it has fallen into a state of disrepair and there are no plans for its rehab.

From Jaipur and Pushkar

I began the steep climb to Amber Fort and as I approached the 10 year old boy in me leaped out from inside. The fort is rtipe with hidden passages, winding stairs and secret rooms. Getting lost within this massive structure was the key to its charm. I must have circled the structure twice before finding my way out!

Of course with every tourist attraction in India, there is no lack of merchandising. I tried to steer clear but couldn't resist a little money for the snake charmers.

From Jaipur and Pushkar

I did turn down the opportunity to sit next to them and preferred a simple photo!

I ended my day by repeatedly turning down my paid rickshaw's request for some commissioned based shopping. No thanks, I prefer some prison time to being raped with those inflated prices.

I did however convince him to take me to a dispensary so I could ease my qwoman's pain. Can anyone say Codine? Why isn't this stuff OTC in America. Stacey and I both drank a hefty sip and slept like logs. O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick.

On to Pushkar!