Jaipur, India

Day 4
Khandela Haveli was probably the coolest hotel I have ever stayed in. Decorated like any hotel in India would be in our mind. The narrow french style doors with semi circular stained glass windows led to each room. All the rooms enjoyed direct access to furnished open verandas which looked over the courtyard and fountain.

Breakfast was of the western variety. We were most disappointed. 

After breakfast we headed to Amber Fort. This 16th century fort was built on the spine of a hill outside of Jaipur. It is surrounded by a wall which resembles the Great Wall of China. It was built on a truly beautiful location. We walked to the fort, but there was an option to ride an elephant to the top. We declined. May gifted all of us with marigold leis. She felt that our photos needed more color. This spoke volumes to the color palate of the group's wardrobe. Supposedly, the fort is home to the first non-electric air conditioning unit. They all say that.  

Lunch was excellent as usual. We were serenaded in true Indian fashion. We have truly mastered our restaurant ordering skills. We always start with six fresh lime sodas. It is simply 1/4 parts fresh lime with 3/4 parts soda. We have all become accustomed to drinking this at every meal. We order five main dishes, at least three of which are vegetarian, two bowls of rice and two orders of garlic naan. We have all been enjoying the Indian food immensely.

On the way from lunch Alex and Amy received henna hand tattoos. We also strolled around the old city for a we bit. We fed some birds as it is good karma to feed animals.   

The afternoon was reserved for resting.

In the evening, we all went for massages. This was mine and James first massage. It was a "traditional" oil massage. It was very nice. There was nudity and loin cloth involved in the beginning. Once I allowed myself to relax it was pretty awesome. It was a really nice way to let India soak in. This place is beyond chaos. It is unlike anything or anyplace I have or ever will experience. Having quiet time to allow it to fully digest or soak in is invaluable. The massage was very helpful in this regard. After the full body message, while laying on your back, they stream warm oil on the forehead. The stream goes back and forth across the forehead. It was odd and awesome.

Arriving back at the hotel we were met with a flower display for dinner. It was really beautiful. Marigolds were used as they are ubiquitous in India. While we waited for dinner we were entertained with a puppet show. Words simply cannot describe this show. I will post video of it when I return to America. Dinner was delicious. We are a group of six people that love Indian food, and I don't think that was the case when we began this journey.