Exploring Palaces of Jaipur

 

The next stop on our tour of Northern  India was Jaipur, Rajasthan. Rajasthan is a truly unique place. Each of the cities in unique. There were times that I had to remind myself that we are in the same country as Mumbai. The buildings look different, the food is different, the people look different. I am glad that we came. 

We spent two days touring the city of Jaipur. They call it the "pink city." Years ago they painted the city pink to welcome Prince Edward when he came to visit. They have kept it pink ever since.  

Our first stop was at a lassi stall that has been run by the same family for years. Lady Hiva loved it. We all tried it, but did not drink more. It was delicious. (She said)

I did find it interesting to learn more about the city and how the caste system is so entrenched. The old city walls have gates. Depending on your class dictates which gate you could enter with. In some ways it was sad to think that it still alive. It didn't help that our tour guide seemed to lavish in his class standing and venerate the caste system. 

We did a walk by for the Wind Palace. It was designed as a facade for the ladies of the court can watch what was happening at the market without being seen. The little Muggles and I laughed the rest of the trip at the way the guide told us probably 97 times an hour how the women were honored and hidden behind--"they could watch the world without being seen." It was like he was on repeat. 

Our guide was had a doctorate in history and was SO into his "lectures" we were all so over it. Just tell us the highlights already! No need for every single detail. HAHA. You can see the lecture here in this photo. Koala Bear and I walked away to keep them walking. Lucky Dragon was pulling his mum along. She was trying to be kind and listen...but she too got annoyed. 

I told her that this photo should be titled "tell me to stop talking and walk away without saying it." 

Some parts of the palaces were in complete ruins. It was a bit sad to see the way it has not been cared for. 

We toured around the City Palace and saw some of the Iconic Indian architecture. 

These two large basins were made of silver to carry water from the Ganges River to England when the Maharaj went for Edward's coronation. 

WE stayed at the Leela in Jaiur. It was beautiful. Maybe one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. 

It was fun to see all the elephants going down the road. A bit sad though because you can tell that each of them had been beaten. 

We saw the step well tat holds water during the dry Rajasthani months. It was cool to see another icon of India. 

The next day we went to the Amber Fort. It was again amazing to see the beauty and history wrapped into one. 

Lady Hiva got to see her viper charmer. One of her India bucket list items ticked off. 

We stopped by to see the floating palace. It is not used any more, but still beautiful to see. 

We went to watch the material printing process. it was fun to see. We ended up not buying anything because they were not being open about the prices and kept raising them. Grr...

We bought plenty of textiles and then went to get some tiles. All of them were fun to shop. Both Muggles made room signs for their bedrooms out of tiles. It was a fun way to pass the time.