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Snake Charmers, Elephant Rides, and Royal Palaces
India Day 3 Jaipur
video of Jaipur markets from motorcoach:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIer1ShvnBE
Letter #4
Hello Friends and Family!
Life is exhilarating!
Tuesday we drove from Delhi to Jaipur, the Pink City, located in Rajistan which is 2/3 dessert. That is why they have camels galore here! Most beautiful are the dazzling, colorful saris worn by the women in an array of jeweled colors.
Yesterday, we began the day driving thru the lively bazaars, ascending a hill via decorated elephant to tour the Amber Fort, and then visiting the Maharaja’s Palace. The Amber Fort, situated atop a hill overlooking the city, was built in 1592 and is influenced by both the Muslim and Hindu style of architecture. At the maharaja’s palace, we saw private art collections; observed royal artists painting with a single hair of squirrels tail, and saw regal uniformed guards protecting the palaces. One of the highlights of the day was seeing a snake charmer. I even took a photograph with him.
The vendors at the Agra Fort were the most aggressive and persistent I have EVER encountered. They swooped down on us, surrounded us, and chased us throughout the day even. Before I climbed the hill (on elephant) a vendor tried to sell me a hat for 500 rupees ($10). I declined and he proceeded to follow me up the hill, repeatedly throwing the hat up onto my platform seat. I would throw it back down; he would throw it back lowering the price to 400Rup, 300 Rup, 200 Rup, then finally 100 rupees. I still declined though it was very funny.
We met a young Sikh couple (with baby girl) in the lobby and had an informative and open discussion with them about our respective cultures. We even looked through marriage personals ad section to see how marriage candidates advertise for brides and grooms. Arranged marriages are still practiced by 75% of the population—100% in remote rural areas.
So far, no rain, no mosquitoes, no stomach problems (for me.)
Yesterday, we drove from Jaipur, to Agra, home of the Taj Majal.
Cows are pets here and were made sacred in order to preserve the species. Muslims rulers use slaughters so many cows that they were becoming extinct.
Driving thru the towns and villages provides a documentary on contrasts in living. Most live in abject poverty, working as farmers or roadside workers. Yet, the people wave and smile their beautiful smiles at our tour bus.
Lots of beggars approach when we stop. We had many near misses in traffic.
There are more than 100 different turbans worn in Rajistan alone. The colors are dazzling! They protect the head from the sun and dessert sand.
Corey lost his wallet and passport on day 1 and is heading to the American Embassy in Delhi to secure a temporary document today. We must be careful!
Today, WE WILL SEE THE TAJ MAHAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Namaste!
Karla in India
snake charmer video I found onyou tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P29j7WC9do8&feature=related
