Experiences in Jaipur

We spent a thoroughly exhausting two-days in Jaipur, the Western corner of India's 'Golden Triangle' and overdosed on sights sounds (and smells..). The Amber Fort was a truly impressive sight. Amber was the capital of Kuchwaha for almost 700 years until 1728. It looks more like a film set from a distance, and the view keeps impressing as you get nearer. We originally planned to ride elephants from the village up the hill to the Fort; but the tourist queue first thing in the morning made the 2 hour wait (without guarantee of a ride) rather off putting - so we drove up and walked the rest of the way. The scenery and 17th Century architecture on arriving was worth the visit (see previous blog with photo's).
Later we found a local 'elephant house' (as you do, down a back street) and arranged a slightly longer elephant ride through the village streets. From below Callum thought the elephants were 'scary', to be honest, so did Dad ... but he wasn't letting on to the kids!! In fairness the elephant ride was a little bumper than other local transport, but considering the traffic congestion was perhaps faster! (would you argue with an elephant?).
The evening of our 2nd day in Jaipur we had a tuc-tuc ride to remember for a life time. Remember the scene with James Bond in a tuc-tuc going full pelt through back streets?? True we didn't have anyone shooting at us, but we hurtled through streets no four-wheeled transport would dare to attempt. Five of us crammed in the back (Wendy was having a lie down). We saw parts of Jaipur that Tourists wouldn't usually venture into .. visited a manufacturer of silverware (ask Ruth to show you the results) .. and a distributor of wood calved ornaments ... and past what seemed an Indian version of the stock market, 7:30pm crammed into the backstreets with hundreds of men (with scooters/motorbikes) all trading precious stones.
Definitely glad to have visited this incredible city, but two-days is enough, ready to move on to Ranthambore now.