Our second day in Jaipur was jam-packed with incredible sight-seeing and experiences. We began the day with a scenic bus trip to Amber Fort, where we rode elephants up a steep mountain to reach the palace. After skilfully navigating hoards of street merchants (with assistance from our surrogate parents Ms and Mr Mohan, who end all begging for money with their protective blockading and yelling in Hindi), we were taken aback by the impressive size of buildings and detail in their architecture. A room with mirror-covered walls and ceilings was particularly enchanting, and views of the 'Great Wall of India' embedded into the mountainside were breathtaking. We then enjoyed a thrill-ride in Jeeps down the mountain.
Our ride back to Jaipur involved a stop at a palace that stands idle in the middle of a lake. We then went to a handicraft centre, where we were intrigued to see how the fabrics we have enjoyed purchasing are made. We then spent hours shopping for handmade materials, in the forms of bedspreads, ties, pillows, scarves and, most importantly, saris. Much to the dismay of shopping-adverse Riddhima, numerous purchases were made. (Although, much to our shock, Riddhima later succumbed to the temptation of a bread basket.)
We then went to local bazaars for more shopping, and were impressed by the purchases of our resident shopaholics - Ms Mohan and Lauren T. It's an understatement to say that we appreciate the Mohan's haggling skills during these trips - Ms Mohan, for example, got 11 pairs of 500-Rupee-each earrings (which should have cost 5500-Rupee all up) for an incredible 1800.
Exhausted after a long day, we retired to the hotel for a rest and dinner.
Exhausted after a long day, we retired to the hotel for a rest and dinner.