We drove to Jaipur. A 5 hour drive through the Rajasthan country side. And India is only 1/3 the size of the USA. And there 1.2 Billion folks here as compared to our 300 million (or so) no wonder this place wild and wonderful! A few sites from the bus:
Yes a bike is pulling this blown up something. In spite of risking your life riding a bus it really is the way to see this country.
This is why no polyurethane should be allowed here....they need all things bio-degradable since throwing garbage on the ground is how it works in many places.
Bubbs got into STARING AT GOATS.
Nothing like having those sweet children have their sandbox by that open hole.
Bless her heart sweeping up the best she can. Oddly she would sweep into a pile and just leave it-only to have the pile blow back in the area just swept. Who are they waiting for to pick up the pile?
We stop for a break and Buddha Bubs needs a stretch while GG needs a squat as Lutz wonders what's up with these two?
OBEROI JAIPUR- WELCOME HOME.
This beautiful 32 acre property outside the city limits is nestled in a "slum". Yes Bocahita Mr Oberoi wanted you to experience all that Jaipur has to offer with a wonderful place to rest and feel like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle. Well that's another way to describe this town....
Come on Bocahita, time for a libation!
Bubbs likes the idea of sleeping pods more resort style than hotel rooms in a building.
Bubba, don't get too comfy back on the bus at 3 for a city tour and more sites.
JAIPUR CITY HIGHLIGHTS
A labyrinth of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and historic sighs. Jaipur is often called the "pink city"- hey kinda sounds like Boca.
On its colorful streets, motorbikes jostle for space with camels and turbaned village elders while young boys run around in jeans. This very cool city is one of new and old. God Bless these folks, they smile and plug along each day.
And don't forget the random elephants that roam the streets as well. All colored up for a wedding and tourists.
JAIPURS OLD WALLED AREA HAS THE CITY PALACE
Like all the cities we visit the mob scene, traffic and pollution is incredible. But so are the antiquities.
Tons of camels in these parts. Their beast of burden? Can't wait to taste that camel milk. Oh the hardy camel can do without food and water for up to a month in winter and up to a week in summer. Tanking up on 148 pints of water at one go. Incredible they are still used for work...no tourist attraction baby.
Jai Singh built this capital south of Amber and named it Jaipur- City of Victory. Work began in 1727 and took six years to complete. Surrounded by a crenellated wall pierced by seven gates Jaipur is laid out in a geometric grid of streets and squares is a a neat example of a "planned " city. What happened to those fine planning skills the past 50 years?
JANTAR MANTAR
Yes this is the observatory a collection of astronomical instruments actually looking like a series of futuristic sculptures. Built between 1728 and 1734, the observatory has been describe as the most realist and logical landscape in stone. Some of the instruments are still used to forecast how hot the summer moths will be, the expected day of arrival, duration and intensity of the monsoon...and the possibility of floods and famine. Beats the hell out of the south Florida weather man.
Bubbs enjoyed the jumbo sun dial after hearing that it forecasts the crop prospects for the year. Ok, 5 mins of this was more than enough for Bocahita...besides the people watching is the best fun.
CITY PALACE MUSEUM
The City Palace has been home to the rulers of Jaipur since the first half of the 18th century. The sprawling complex is a blend of Raiput and mughal architecture. Open ad airy style public buildings leading to a private apartment. Today part of the complex is open to the public but the "royal family" still maintains an apartment there. A bit run down but still fascinating to see and learn about the history... Geese Bocahita, how long are we here???
Now this is much better...
Hey, Bubs, what's going on in there? Oh no Boca, it looks like a private event meaning keep out to you.
A wedding? Of Vows and Vowels-Yes a Wedding and you know ol'Bocahita can't miss a change to see some behind the scene prep let alone get herself invited. Over 5000 people are expected to attend. I'll blend! I love reading the "Matramonials" in the paper each day. Looking for Brides and Grooms for instance:
Gaur Brahmin, NM 28/ 5'10 MIB, MBA, BBA Pursuing CFP Deuty Managerr in Bank. 5 LPA Seeks Professionally Qualitfied Gri. 0981621192
Is this kid looking for a job or a wife?
And some mothers place adds for their sons:
Mittal 31/5'7 handsome MDS, only son settled south Dehli, own clinic, residence monthly income 6 digits for very beautiful Rajasthani Bride, doctor NOT compulsory. No Dowry. No Caste. No BAr. Parets reside in Jaipur and interest to find wife for son. 941 4456321.
Consider running one for Nick.
This looks like it is going to be one heck of a party.
These Indians know how to throw a wedding...
And the after party space looks fab...I'll be back!
RAMBAUGH PALACE DINNER
Bocahita, we have been waiting for you. No need to double back to that wedding when we have prepared a very special evening for you here. Per our leader Seth:
ONCE UPON A TIME
From the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja, this ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions. The finest traditions of Rajput hospitality pour out of its every brick and cornice. Its elegant rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with history, and every corner has a story to tell.
Rambagh Palace is a living legend in Jaipur. Built in 1835 on a modest scale for the queen’s favourite handmaiden Kesar Badaran, and later refurbished as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, the mansion was renamed Rambagh, after the then reigning Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II.
His grandson, prince Sawai Man Singh II, was brought here on his accession in 1910. In those years princely living entailed having a school for the prince within the premises, so a private school was set up for a few chosen sons of aristocracy, to escape the confines of the city palace.
Sawai Man Singh II later went to England to finish his studies. While at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich in England, he often dreamt of making Rambagh his official residence. On his return he began actualizing his dream by converting Rambagh into the magnificent palace it is today, drawing inspiration from Mughal and Rajasthani styles of architecture. His majestic expansions transformed the palace into its glory of today. In 1925, Rambagh Palace became the permanent residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The pride of the palace was the sprawling garden that featured in Peter Coat’s ‘Most Beautiful Gardens of the World’.
In 1931, the Imperial Government conferred upon the maharaja his full powers. After two heirless generations, the maharaja’s two wives sent the kingdom into ecstasy when they gave birth to two sons and a daughter between them. After becoming the toast of English high society with his good looks, charm, wealth, polo prowess and beautiful family, the charismatic maharaja returned to India in 1933 and took up residence with his family in Rambagh. The palace was transformed into a beehive of fun, life laughter and vibrant activity. All presided over by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and run smoothly by his right hand men. "The thirties were undoubtedly the glorious, golden years of Rambagh", reminisces Rajmata Gayatri Devi, the Mahara’s ethereal wife, named the most beautiful woman in the world by Vogue magazine in 1940. As the war loomed and many officers were called away on duty, she took over the running of the household. With her gracious hospitality, she entertained Viceroys, Lords, Ladies, polo players, officers and artists.
In 1947, India declared her independence, the princely states were merged with the Union of India and the Maharaja of Jaipur was appointed the Rajpramukh of the state of Rajasthan. Rambagh Palace became the Raj Bhavan or Government House. The next year, the state celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the Maharaja’s reign. The fact that he was no longer the ruler stopped nobody from celebrating with great gusto. The palace was flooded with visiting dignitaries, including the Mountbattens and fourteen maharajas and their families. The last of the India’s princely celebrations was held when the only daughter of the family wedded the heir-apparent of Baria. The two-week extravaganza still stands in the Guinness Book of Records today as the world’s most expensive wedding. But the grand Rambagh Palace still had more celebrating to do. Maharani Gayatri Devi gave birth to Maharajkumar Jagat Singh in 1949 to complete the family. A public holiday was declared and well wishers from all walks of life, as well as more distinguished guests poured into the palace.
Rambagh remained the home of Jaipur’s Royalty until 1957, when it was first converted into an upscale hotel that they continued to manage. In 1972, with its legacy of hospitality, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces was the perfect choice to carry on the royal tradition of the luxurious Rambagh Palace. Over the years Rambagh has played gracious host to several illustrious guests, such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, (who gave his name to a suite), Prince Charles, Jacqueline Kennedy and many other luminaries.
Well if it was good enough for Jackie O it's goo enough for Bocahita. Bubbs got a kick out the Welcome Elephant and
the camels...who took a licking to my Buddha Bubba.
And Bubbs always enjoys the native young ladies...
and on and on...
Annie found the mini bar....
Bocahita could get used to this Maharajah thing...
Ok Bocahita, time to sit down to dinner.
A magical evening on the terrace- perfect weather, scrumptious chow, dancing girls...made that 5 hour bus ride so worth it!
Conceived as a traditional Indian palace, The Oberoi Udaivilas showcases the rich heritage of the Mewar region of Rajasthan with its rambling courtyards, gentle rippling fountains, reflection pools and verdant gardens. Grand architecture inspired by the palaces of Rajasthan present a picture of majesty resplendent with pavilions and domes that lead you to a journey of discovery. Interiors embellished with decorative domes, hand painted frescoes, intricate mirror work and beautifully crafted artefact's create an ambiance of regal splendour.
Ordered some room service and can you believe we ordered Hamburgers- they promised they were "tenderloin"...and we should have known better....why not call that spade a spade- hello Camelburger!
