India - Day 5, Jaipur

This morning we are off to explore the monuments of Jaipur. The Amber fort is a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples. We approach the fort on elephants just like the Maharajahs did.  The women are excited and the ride is incredible.  The elephants are decorated in festive colours and the seats are reasonably comfortable.  The scenery in this area is magnificent, there are mountains and an ancient wall surrounding the fort. The wall resembles the great wall of China.  We are fortunate there is a lake, there was ample rain this year to fill up the lakes in the region.

The Amber fort is quite majestic and magnificently preserved. Our jeep ride down from the fort is almost as exciting as the elephant ride up.  The hawkers follow us to the jeeps and continue trying to sell their wares.  They are climbing into the jeep and many arms are stretched out into the jeep, items are being placed into our laps and hands and the bargaining frenzy continues.  The ladies can't believe what is happening and laughter can be heard from all of the jeeps.  The ride down is fast along the winding narrow streets.  Our tour of the Pink City of Jaipur continues with a brief stop to view the wind palace.  There is no structure behind the pink facade, only balcony's where the princesses would sit to peer through the windows at the people in the streets.  They were not allowed to mix with the commoners.  We stop at the lake side to view the Royal Summer Palace. It issituated on an island in the middle of the lake.  Often this lake is dry so once again we are fortunate to see it surrounded by water. The hawkers are out in full force waiting to sell us their wares.  Pashminas, elephant statues, embroidered boxes, bangles and much more.  It's all very exciting as we maneuver through the outstretched arms filled with trinkets. The negotiating  process is like a ritual and they expect us to bargain for our purchases.
Our guide has arranged a visit to a jewelry studio which carries gems from the region, Indian star rubies, saphires, emeralds and more.  We are treated to a demonstration of how they cut and polish these precious and semi precious stones.  Then the shopping begins. Can you imagine 22 women in a large jewelry show room.  Let's just say there were many purchases here.  Some of the items purchased are rings, pendants and even individual gem stones.  A quick stop for lunch and then our city tour resumes.   Another highlight of our city tour is a visit to a park to view medieval Indian astronomy. This complex was built by Jaipur's founder and houses scientifically designed instruments to tell time and horoscopes.  It's quite amazing how these ancient tools still work to this day. Across the road is the City Palace, a former royal residence built in the centre of the old city in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles.  There is a small museum displaying costumes of the royal family.  The silks and wools are magnificently decorated with embroidery and some embellished with jewels. This has been a full day of touring, now we must get back to our hotel to freshen up and prepare for our dinner with a royal family.