Being Tourists

Over the weekend, we all went to Amber Fort, Jaipur (the Pink City), and the Taj Mahal. It was so exhausting (mostly because of the heat) and was really fun =) The trip is called the "Golden Triangle" and is often taken by tourists to hit the major points in this region.


This is a picture of Amber Fort, built in the late 1500s. It was a really interesting fort and the palace within it was amazing!











The mirrored hall. One of the favorites parts of the palace. If I had John's sweet photo skills I would have been able to capture the ladies with the red sarees better.












Our next stop was in the city of Jaipur. It is known as the pink city because of the colors of the buildings. Originally, the color was used to disguise the poor quality of the building material. The city has a very old Indian feel. I liked it so much more than Smelly Delhi.









We had lunch at a posh hotel. Pictured here is the pool. Next time I go to Jaipur, I'm definitely staying there! I think at one time it was the family home of some kind of noble.











The city of Jaipur is also famous for City Palace, home to the local Maharaja (who still has the title and all the money that comes with it). Part of the complex has been converted into a museum/tourist attraction. Many Bollywood films are filmed on this location.








That evening, we went to this Indian version of Colonial Williamsburg. The setting was like that of a traditional Rajasthani village. All the people there wore traditional clothes and performed traditional dances, music, and various types of entertainment. We at traditional village food (not very tasty...so spicy that I was crying) on the hot stone floor and then we all rode an elephant! It was super scary (and super fun!)


Last but not least, we got to the Taj Mahal. When we were there, it was world hertiage site day and we got in for freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! But the scorching heat (120F) and the crazy crowd quickly made it much less fun. When entering the Taj, one must remove one's shoes but after baking in the sun all day, the ground and stone floor are very, very hot. It made me very, very cranky.

The structure itself is quite beautiful but I didn't have the awe-inspiring experience everyone else seems to have had when they got there. I did, however, pose for a "Where has your Glamour been?" photo. I hope to be published in the magazine. We'll see. Don't let the picture fool you. I had to towel off all my sweat before we took it.