So, we get up bright and early as our driver is meeting us at 5am to drive us 240 km to Jaipur, one of 3 cities that make up the Golden Triangle (Agra, Jaipur, Delhi). Of course, the driver was 30 minutes late. By that time, I was already at the front desk, throwing a tantrum. Anyways, off we go. Now, I thought last night was dangerous? This was a very seriously dangerous form of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. There was no less the 2 times I thought we were going to get into a very serious car accident and many other just minor accidents. Apparently, honking is the key!
On the way were random cows, and dogs, and camels. I did love the camels. We stopped halfway called "Midway" for breakfast. So, I am under the impression that my driver was a drug dealer because he stopped several times and told us he needed to "pay taxes". He would take something wrapped in a plastic bag to a shack and then a few minutes later, come back with said package and put it back into the glove box. He did this about 3 times during the trip....trafficking drugs? I think so!
We finally arrive in Jaipur to see the elephants coming down from the Amber Fort after their duties!
Apparently, no one should use this tour company because they suck. We were supposed to take elephant rides up to Amber Fort, but those were over by 10am, even though the guided tour doesn't start until 11. Oh well, at least I get to see the elephants. So, we drive up to Amber fort instead. And it's a gorgeous view. The fort is "meh", but the views were awesome. And you could see the 3rd largest wall running all along the mountainside.
So, we wandered around and up and through. This housed the Maharajas and all their many wives. On the upper floor of the above photo, is where the wives would stand and listen to the king do this work without being seen.
This is the Hall of Victory, inlaid with mirrors from Belgium. It was pretty, but kind of gaudy for me. =)
This view was impressive, of the gardens! We finally finished wandering and then headed to the next site.
We didn't go into this palace, but it's called the Water Palace. There are a few floors below the water and the water is fed in through the mountains.
Then we drove past the Palace of the Winds. As I said, crappy tour. We didn't get to stop and see it. It was built so the Maharajah's wives could see what was happening through the city.
Then we headed to the City Palace. They pretty much don't let you take pictures inside, so nothing I can show you. This was us walking in. There were a lot of galleries there - armory and pictures of all the Maharajas and such.
Camels, awaiting work.....they look so patient!
The lunch at the Holiday Inn! This lunch was a set menu. And once again, my mouth and tummy were on fire! But the food was yummy yummy yummy in my tummy. I'm going to die on this trip...We were forced to do some shopping trips, but that's all I'm going to say about that. Then we headed back to Delhi.
After a quick freshen up, we walked back out in search of dinner. We found this place called G. It seemed to be an upscale place, but when we got in, the decor was unusual, the live Indian music that was playing was incredibly loud, but the food was decent and that's what counts.
BTW, this is my friend's food. I couldn't eat anymore and this was spicy. This might be the trip of..."food that I didn't eat, but others did".
End of Day 2...goodnight!
thanks for post
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