OBEROI JAIPUR
Meticulously manicured property.
Such lush and beautiful grounds....
Bubba says so long to the outstanding staff to head out for some more touring....
And right out side of our gate is this.....
How can this be?
Elephant madness adding to the mix of the wandering cows, goats, camels and don't forget those huge hogs roaming around.
EXPLORING AMBER-THE OLD CAPITAL
Crowning the crest of a hill, Amber Fort offers a panoramic view of Maota Lake and the historic old town at the base of the hill.
And yes there are those tourists riding the elephant around the old Fort. No thanks, been there done that. No elephant deserves the Buddha Bubs and Bocahita up top.
Our guide gives us the over view explaining this was the early seat of the Amber kings before they made the fort their capital. Several havelis, step wells and temples can be seen below the fort pointing to the existence of a self-sufficient township where the Mughal emperor Akbar used to stop on his annual pilgrimage to Ajmer. Who knew.
Ganesh Pod- this shimmering three-storied gateway, built in 1640, is connected to the the private apartments by the screened uppermost level meant for ladies in purdah....so they can see and not be seen. Bocahita loves that idea. Hanging around the casa in a schemata but still being able to check out what is going on down below.
Lots of renovation is going on to show off the former splendor of this "fort"...and until a few years ago the royal descendants lived here and then gave the property to the government...after they stripped it of it's jewel lined walls and most of the artwork of course.
Oh joy, more steps.
The tour guide gives the gang the over view on who's who and what's what around the old Fort...we have had delightful weather and very good guides on the Tauk Tour. Our group has really gelled and having a ball with each other.
More renovation...yes this used to have gems/jewels encrusted in the ceiling and walls. Ah it is good to be the Empress. Taking stone setting to a new level. I mention to Bubbs to keep an eye out as they may have missed one!
A lovely garden...
And again Bubs points out lack of OSHA requirements...can you believe that little fence/wall can hold back us big tourists? Not. Don't trip or you'll land below on the 1t floor- splat.
And another Fort garden out on the water...
Those Mughals must have been short Bubbs.
Getting back in the jeeps for the ride down the mountain and the hawkers took it to another level. Hey Mister, please buy my paintings, my family makes them of course. Hey I thought you said I am poor college student Or...hawkers. Hawkers- vendors of merchandise that can easily be transported and shoved in your face. They conduct banter with the customer to attract attention and increase sales. And this one was Oscar worthy! Hey, who monitors these folks? We heard they were unionized in Bengal.
My fellow touree from New York got a big laugh out of our personal hawker who grabbed on to the back of the jeep while it was moving down the hill- bump bump screech- as the driver yelled at him to get off. The death defying entertainment factor was such a wow we HAD to buy those priceless family painted works of art.
Next stop The Raj Hotel- one of 6 palaces owned by the local royal family. Remember they kept one and converted 5 to hotels-this being one of them. The tour mantra...it's good to be the Maharaj!
Ok bring on the Puppet Show. Isn't it funny the stuff you will do and see when you are a tourist....
Who's the hot Babe in the Daisy Dukes!?
Annie becomes part of the show-
Annie you may have a future in Puppeteering.
We were served a scrumptuous Indian lunch in the royal dining room....it does feel odd to be sitting there in gym shoes.
Loved the individual plates and presentation and of course I told Bubbs start looking for these trays and cups for our We're Back Come on Over For Some Indian Chow Dinner Party.
Same deal for our desert. Bocahita so getting in to that Royal mode.
Turban Tieing and Who's Sari Now demonstration back at the Oberoi....what was I saying about doing stuff on holiday that you wouldn't do ANYWHERE!
Mr. Keith I think you have perfect head for Turban. I can make you 10 to take home of course.
So not the Christmas photo but fun anyway. On the other hand Bocahita has heard about the Jewels Jaipur. How about some of those fabulous rubies and emeralds sported by former mahrajas and their queens. Yes an integral part of the Rajasthani culture. Even camels, horses and elephants had specially designed anklets and necklaces. lots of meenakari (enamel work) and kundankari (inlaid work with gems) are the two traditional techniques for which this area is most famous. Hint Hint Bubbs.
Group photo....and cocktail hour didn't even start!!
DINNER FOR THE 3 AMIGOS PLEASE
No detail left out to have you feel like a mini Marj...
another pavilion on the property...
but hey let's eat under the stars.
In the past few years Bocahita has been wearing her dinner on her blouse so Annie suggested using some of the beautiful scarves as a Boca Bib. Excellent idea Annie! Doing just the trick....is it cheaper to clean a silk scarf rather than the blouse?
The food not only was delicious but presently so beautifully.
And Boca now let's Bubba know that he will also need to find these square glass plates too.
And now you know why I am behind on the bloggeroo. Way too much stuff going on...will catch up as fast as I can!
Bubba says so long to the outstanding staff to head out for some more touring....
And right out side of our gate is this.....
How can this be?
Elephant madness adding to the mix of the wandering cows, goats, camels and don't forget those huge hogs roaming around.EXPLORING AMBER-THE OLD CAPITAL
Crowning the crest of a hill, Amber Fort offers a panoramic view of Maota Lake and the historic old town at the base of the hill.And yes there are those tourists riding the elephant around the old Fort. No thanks, been there done that. No elephant deserves the Buddha Bubs and Bocahita up top.
Lots of renovation is going on to show off the former splendor of this "fort"...and until a few years ago the royal descendants lived here and then gave the property to the government...after they stripped it of it's jewel lined walls and most of the artwork of course.
Oh joy, more steps.
Those Mughals must have been short Bubbs.
Next stop The Raj Hotel- one of 6 palaces owned by the local royal family. Remember they kept one and converted 5 to hotels-this being one of them. The tour mantra...it's good to be the Maharaj!
Annie becomes part of the show-
Annie you may have a future in Puppeteering.
Same deal for our desert. Bocahita so getting in to that Royal mode.
Turban Tieing and Who's Sari Now demonstration back at the Oberoi....what was I saying about doing stuff on holiday that you wouldn't do ANYWHERE!
DINNER FOR THE 3 AMIGOS PLEASE
but hey let's eat under the stars.
In the past few years Bocahita has been wearing her dinner on her blouse so Annie suggested using some of the beautiful scarves as a Boca Bib. Excellent idea Annie! Doing just the trick....is it cheaper to clean a silk scarf rather than the blouse?
And Boca now let's Bubba know that he will also need to find these square glass plates too.
And now you know why I am behind on the bloggeroo. Way too much stuff going on...will catch up as fast as I can!
