We got up early this morning so we could leave by 7:30 for the airport. Unfortunately it was foggy so all flights were delayed. By 11:30 we lined up at the gate, got on buses, and boarded the plane. When everyone was aboard, the captain informed us that we were 26th in line to take off. We sat on the plane at least 90 minutes. The ground crew brought snack boxes for everyone, and the flight attendants served limited beverages. By the time everyone had eaten, it was finally time to take off. It only took about 45 minutes for the entire flight to Jaipur.
The bus that had been taking us around Delhi left last night and drove to Jaipur while we slept. We were picked up at the Jaipur Airport by that driver and bus. He drove us to a barbecue restaurant where I had mainly grilled prawns. I tried very small dishes of four desserts too. The rest of the food was too spicy for me. Actually, they had a salad bar, but I don’t usually eat raw lettuce, tomatoes, and other fresh raw ingredients when doing foreign travel.
After a late lunch the bus continued on to a place where we met our city guide who has lived in Jaipur all of his life, including college. Jaipur is the first planned city in India. In 1876 Prince Albert of Wales came to visit. The maharajah welcomed him by having all of the buildings painted pink. They have been that way ever since.
We passed the Lake Palace. In winter it is a great spot for migrating birds.
A little farther down the road, we got off the bus and then rode jeeps along narrow streets up a mountain to Amber City. The city has always been a fortress. There is a natural lake inside the city, and it is surrounded by mountains where in ancient times guards were posted on top. The road we traveled is the only road to the city.
The king lived here with his wife, children, and concubines. The building and grounds are quite beautiful. Our city guide pointed out the room with many mirrors on the ceiling to look like stars. It was also interesting to see what is being done to the king’s and twelve concubines’ quarters during the renovation of the palace. Color is now showing on the facade as the black is being removed. Each concubine had a stairway that climbed upstairs to the king’s quarters.
After the tour we checked in to our hotel.
Example of mirror decoration
Ramvir, our expert guide