We gathered in the lobby at 6 am for our long drive to Jaipur. The air was comfortably cool and unbelievably few people about. A monkey leapt across a rooftop as we left the Florence Hotel.
Delhi looked very scruffy with the rubbish from the previous day and few people. Usual traffic built up with horns sounding until we left Delhi, which can only be described as organised chaos! Good motorway drive, very green, due to global warming. This used to be desert. There were many trees unusual shape. Black long tailed bird probably a black drongo flew over.
Stopped for breakfast as we entered Rajisthan region. Parantha Dahl for breakfast- very filling!
Two and a half more hours to Jaipur. Fast motorway, long stretch of roadside bushes with yellow flowers, but also many dark pink ones
The driver sits on the right. They appear to overtake on both sides. Not sure if there’s a fast and slow lane. We pass through many tolled gates along the way.
Area of big tall chimneys – for firing terracotta bricks
We have left the motorway and entered Jaipur area and seem to be going higher into the mountains now – through a long tunnel through a mountain.
More built up area. Often see a young child holding an even smaller sibling
We finally arrived at our hotel, a beautiful old colonial style building set in calm gardens away from the busy streets and sounding horns.
After being shown our rooms, we met up for some lunch in the restaurant. I had a delicious Greek salad, and we discussed the afternoon’s plans. Then after a relaxing break, we met up at 3pm for an orienteering walk in the city.
Here we experienced the market stalls, selling mainly spices, in a more relaxed way. We were briefly shown two beautiful palaces. In 1759 The king of Rajesthan came to Jaipur to live and the whole town was painted pink to welcome him.
We were then taken in the minibus to see some
Block printing, which was very interesting. ~ check where Indian colours come from. Colours oxidise in the sun. I had a go block printing and created a 4 colour elephant. I would’ve liked some elephant cushion covers but they couldn’t do block printing in the dark blue colour I wanted. But I did buy a nice silk scarf. They offered us Masala Chai.
Fabulous rooftop dinner with view of Amber Fort on the hill. I had lamb masala. Forts were built by kings.
We celebrated Bernie’s birthday with chocolate cake.
