Carol's Travels

After breakfast we went to Jantar Mantar, an astronomical and astrological site that was built in the 18th century. The giant sundials here are accurate to 2-tenths of a second. The largest sundial in the world is also here. Next we went to the City Palace Museum where we saw textiles, robes, weapons, carpets, and furniture. Pictures were displayed of the maharajahs with descriptions of their accomplishments. We ate lunch in the palace cafe where we were served soup, sandwiches, fries, veggies, and dessert. The soup spoons, made in India looked like small soup ladles. 

After lunch most of our group went back to the hotel. Four of us, however, were taken by taxi to the Silver and Art Palace. We were met by a man who showed us fairly large chunks of gemstones. Another man demonstrated the polishing of some of the higher quality small gemstones. Then we went into the showroom. After much browsing, all of us bought something. I bought a beautiful silver ring set with red stones. Since I wear lots of red, this should provide years of pleasure.

At 6:15 this evening we were put into groups of five to go to dinner at a local family’s house. Five of us went to the home of Mrs. Navita Mehrishi. She, her husband, and two children live in her father-in-law’s home. Her father-in-law is a retired policeman who is now a defense lawyer. Her husband was in the military, but now he works for FEMA. There is a renter upstairs who runs a youth hostel on that floor. Two exchange students live on the third floor. She is an artist, and she took us on a house tour. She loves to cook, and she served some very tasty dishes. I had never had most of them before this. Conversation came easily, so we were surprised when her husband said that our driver had arrived. Everyone was in a jovial mood when we left.

When we got back to the hotel, I decided to go into the hotel shop. I found quite a few beautiful things there. I found lovely gifts for my granddaughter, sister, the neighbors, and even myself! It has been a lovely day.

We got up early this morning so we could leave by 7:30 for the airport. Unfortunately it was foggy so all flights were delayed. By 11:30 we lined up at the gate, got on buses, and boarded the plane. When everyone was aboard, the captain informed us that we were 26th in line to take off. We sat on the plane at least 90 minutes. The ground crew brought snack boxes for everyone, and the flight attendants served limited beverages. By the time everyone had eaten, it was finally time to take off. It only took about 45 minutes for the entire flight to Jaipur.

The bus that had been taking us around Delhi left last night and drove to Jaipur while we slept. We were picked up at the Jaipur Airport by that driver and bus. He drove us to a barbecue restaurant where I had mainly grilled prawns. I tried very small dishes of four desserts too. The rest of the food was too spicy for me. Actually, they had a salad bar, but I don’t usually eat raw lettuce, tomatoes, and other fresh raw ingredients when doing foreign travel.

After a late lunch the bus continued on to a place where we met our city guide who has lived in Jaipur all of his life, including college. Jaipur is the first planned city in India. In 1876 Prince Albert of Wales came to visit. The maharajah welcomed him by having all of the buildings painted pink. They have been that way ever since.

We passed the Lake Palace. In winter it is a great spot for migrating birds.

A little farther down the road, we got off the bus and then rode jeeps along narrow streets up a mountain to Amber City. The city has always been a fortress. There is a natural lake inside the city, and it is surrounded by mountains where in ancient times guards were posted on top. The road we traveled is the only road to the city.

The king lived here with his wife, children, and concubines. The building and grounds are quite beautiful. Our city guide pointed out the room with many mirrors on the ceiling to look like stars. It was also interesting to see what is being done to the king’s and twelve concubines’ quarters during the renovation of the palace. Color is now showing on the facade as the black is being removed. Each concubine had a stairway that climbed upstairs to the king’s quarters.

After the tour we checked in to our hotel.        
            

Gardens

This morning on our first stop in New Delhi we visited Qurab Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a spectacular example of Indo-Islamic architecture topped by a 234 foot high tower. This is the symbol of New Delhi. Many school children wearing uniforms were also visiting.

Next we walked barefooted through a SIkh Temple. We all had to wear head coverings. We also got to see the soup kitchen where volunteers prepare food for anyone to eat free. They can feed up to 25,000 people a day from 12:30-4:30.

We ended the tour at a silk store that sells various items made of silk from clothing to rugs.