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Thursday, July 26, 2007
Rajasthan - the relatively unknown cousin of Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore is actually one of the main tourist areas in India, and definitely the most colorful. Jaipur, a city surrounded by fortresses, is its capital and dubbed the Pink CIty because all the buildings are painted well, pink.





Its name means State of the Rulers, and rightfully so since many of the Maharajahs used to call this place home. In modern day India where the world's largest democracy lies, the monarchy has ended since 1945 and thus left behind many old palaces. This means a spurt of heritage hotels in Rajasthan, each steeped with their own history, culture and wonderful stories. This is also the main reason for Rajasthan's tourist pull.

The past few days in Jaipur were filled with firsts. Monday saw us riding elephants to get to the Amber Palace. Yes, elephants! First time on an elephant, great time too.. until the elephant trainer wouldn't let us off because we didn't tip him enough. Imagine being hijacked on an elephant!! Of course that didn't happen, and we got to enjoy the rest of the palace.








Sprawling atop Kalikhol Hill, one can see the homes of commers below. Our guide took us to one of the many pavilions wtihin the palace and told us that the Indians believe in feng shui too. He told us to imagine the place decorated with jewel colored drapes, courtiers dancing in the moonlight, and each wife of the twelve wives occupying her seat around the pavilion. In a second, I swear I had images dancing in my head.



Another court in the Palace was engineered with both Hindu and Islamic motifs (flowers and geometric shapes respectively). It was made of fine marble like the entire Palace, and it had little circular pieces of mirror on t he ceilings. We later learnt that the courtiers would dance holding a tray of candles that would reflect on the mirrors above, allowing the guests to bask in the sunshine in the evening. He told us that is also how the Westerns came to the idea of dining in candlelight.

On Tuesday, after our 2nd academic session, our guide took us to a textile store since Jaipur is filled with extraordinary artisans and skilled craftsmans. On the first floor, they pulled out all sorts of quilts, in increasing order of quality (and of price, we later learnt). 'For 400 rupees, pure cotton!! for 700 rupees, silk-cotton blend with bloc printing!!... this top of the line, pure silk quilt goes for 5000 rupees!' And then we went on the entire store, being accosted from one side to another... saris, beaded bags, pashminas, scarves, wall coverings...etc etc etc.
The same night, since we are in Jaipur, our Professor took us to his family restaurant - Indiana. His father was the son of a Army General, and had gone to Purdue University in Indiana on a scholarship in his younger days. After he retired, he opened a restaurant to offer jobs to his father's servants. We enjoyed authentic Indian food, had dance performances throughout the night, and ended the evening with sparklers.


The next evening was our last night in India was kept a suspense because they wanted to surprise us. After dinner at Pizza Hut (yes, don't ask)... they had brought us to a makeshift Indian Village, similar to a Kampong Glam with admission fees. And there, we rode on CAMELS!! The ride on the camel was considerably bumpier than the elephant ride, but whatever, its still fun! Again, there were endless dance performances, free hanna painting that I skipped out on, and manurally run ferris wheels.

So we left Jaipur yesterday morning to Deograh, a small village on the hills. Where we had to pack a small overnight bag because Big Blue just wouldn't fit on the narrow streets, and we had to be taken to the hotel in a jeep. And it is in this hotel where I am using the computer... in a little store, crammed at the back amongst the robes and bed covers. Its time for a nap now.

Next up, Deogarh!

Labels: Study Abroad 2007

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