Jaipur - the pink city

Hi All,

Without a hostel booking or pre-booked transport, we manged to make our way to our next stop. This involved running for a local bus and pilling into a shared taxi for three hours (us both in the front, the driver changing gears between Ross’ legs). We are now starting to feel like backpackers and I'm slowing starting to accept plans don’t have to be perfectly regimented, something that comes much more easily to Ross!

Our time in Jaipur, the pink city, has exceed our expectations. During our first stop for lunch, we were seated at a table with a young Indian couple from Delhi, we got chatting and ended up spending the whole weekend together. While they drove, we took turns to play music and found we shared similar tastes. Together we drove to to a monkey temple where we watched the sunset over the city of Jaipur. Then we headed for drinks at a relaxed rooftop bar; Ross was pleased to finally have a chilled beer!

The next day we visited 3 more forts: Amber, Jaigarh and Nahargarh. The grandeur still continuing to impress us; although we have lost track of all the maharajas! We have learned that the pre-drinking culture is the same across the globe and enjoyed a beer together in the car before entering Chalki Dhani, a traditional Rajasthani folk evening. Sat on the floor with a low table we were served a thali feast on leaf plates. I got a henna tattoo while Ross joined in with some Indian fairground games. We both got roped into traditional dancing which, much to our new friends amusement, neither of us were very good at! The aggressive Indian back massage we received was much more in our comfort zone. After our journey home, we exchanged numbers with plans to meet again in Delhi.

When exploring the Hawa Mahal the following morning by complete chance we bumped into our friends again! Together we explored the honeycomb structured building that once allowed royal women to watch the hustle and bustle of the streets below without passers by seeing in. We continued to Jantar Mantar an observatory centre. It included a 5 story high sun dial that could accurately tell the time to 2 seconds. Our final stop of the day was the city palace. Once we had seen the elaborate internal designs and the impressive pink exterior, it was clear to see how Jaipur got it’s name as the pink city.

The food is still a highlight of everyday! We are continually trying new things, most of which we can never remember the name for. Ross has developed an obsession with jalabi (a thin, crispy, bright orange sweet) which he insists on buying one of every time we pass a seller! We have also learned that curries are normally served with chapatis or rotti and rarely with rice (unlike at home). We have not once spotted mango chutney yet lime pickle is served with most meals! Each evening we have to remind ourselves that we aren’t on a two week holiday so should not order half the menu; which is very difficult when we walk miles each day and love food so much! A typical day starting with a street food brunch, followed by another street food snack (and of course Ross’ jalabi), then a restaurant for dinner never amounts to more than £10 between us!

We have loved hearing from many of you at home, continue to keep us updated too! Remember to subscribe (if you haven't already) to get blog updates.

Love R and D xxx