We hopped back onto our bus today after another early morning safari drive. Much of the day was spent on the crazy and interesting roads of India. We got into Jaipur, our destination, in late afternoon. After a short break, we went back out to the bus for a short orientation to the city. Jaipur is a beautiful and gracious city, called the pink city for all its terra cotta colored walls and houses. The old city has huge squares, and is lined with block after block of tiny old shops built right into the walls along the streets. The maharajas here were very wealthy, and there seem to be palaces and forts and mansions everywhere.
In fact, we are staying in an old house that had originally been built for a maharaja. It is a gorgeous example of Islamic design, with rooms ringing several small indoor courtyards. The rooms have marble pillars and arches and giant old wood beds. The walls have carvings and lavishly painted murals. The furniture is massive and hand- carved and very old. It's quite impressive, and everyone seems quite happy to be here.
We had dinner up on the rooftop, and a group of musicians played traditional Indian music while beautiful sari-clad women danced classic folk dances. The night was warm, and there was a delicious slight breeze that helped cool us down. It was all quite lovely.
We get to sleep in until 6:30 am tomorrow, but have a really busy day planned. It's going to be another really hot day, too. I hope we get to do everything we planned for this beautiful city!
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