Health improving we moved on to the capital of Rajasthan – Jaipur – the Pink city. We learned quickly that ‘pur’ Means city and the first part is the name of the dude who founded the city, in this case Jai Singh. In 1876 the Prince of Wales (later Edward VI) visited and the city was painted pink. Why? I do t know. The Main Street of the old city is still super pink. Did I say ‘health improving’? By lunch M.C. was in a bad way and returned to the hotel. Delhi- belly was taking over with the oldies. The kids had little issues thus far but were not eating that much Indian food ( I am eating much curry).
Hawa Mahal –
India has so much history and so many amazing buildings. This building was built for the maharani (ladies of the maharajah) to look onto the street festivities without being seen. It translates to Palace of Winds…I will pass on the obvious jokes.
Amber Fort
Another truly impressive building set way up on a hill so naturally we rode elephants to get there. If you are an elephant in India this is probably your best lot in life. Despite the size of some of the tourists they have to carry, this is a way better option than lumber camps etc.
Elephant Ride
The Fort
After the fort it was off to see the Jal Mahal ( by now we realised Mahal just means ‘palace’) which translated to Water Palace. Yup it’s an island.
A fun moment was some street kids putting on a magic show in broken English.
City Palace
With MC gone it was up to the sprogs and I to check out the City Palace. The old royal family still lives in part of the Palace and we were hoping for them to invite us in. No such luck. Lots of archways and chances for the kids to ‘vogue’. Also watched an artist draw a lovely picture of an elephant with a brush made from one hair from a chipmunks tail ( although they call them squirrels here).
