Riding elephants to the Amber Fort.
Happy Thanksgiving from India! This is Shannon. Last night was quite the adventure. After a quick stroll around Jaipur, we had dinner at an Indiana Indian restaurant. They even had an American and Indiana state flag. Needless to say, I was amused. On a very Indian note, complementary music and dancing was provided. There were three dancing ladies who were very traditional, and we all joined in and were...less traditional.
And then they put pots of fire on their heads, which is when we made our dancing exit.
We also received proof of just how small the world really is; at this particular small restaurant in Jaipur, India a woman approached us. It was former Riverdale parent, Mrs. Piper, mother of Severin Piper. She has been traveling India with her sister and coincidentally had just arrived in Jaipur the previous night. Small, small world.
Last night we stayed at the Fern Eco Hotel, the first night it was ever open. I feel spoiled.
This morning, after meeting up with our very cool guide, Raz, we treked over to see Old Jaipur and the Palace of the Winds, a cool facade overlooking the street. Then it was on to the Amber Fort for elephant rides! (Do not fear, faithful followers, Amber did take copious amounts of pictures.) The elephant rides were sooo cool. It was like they physically were transporting us into an ancient fairy tale. The sounds of peddlers, music, and elephants completed the dream. We explored the labyrinth-like fort, found some bats, and avoided the hawkers.
Then we saw the Floating Palace; it is literally a palace built on top of a lake.
Next stop was the actual Royal Palace. It wasn't as impressive as some of the other things because we only got to see a small portion due to the fact that the royal family actually lives there. But just outside of it was the observatory that blew my mind! Dang were those ancient Indians smart. It is home to the largest sundial that is correct within two seconds! Mind boggling, truly.
One of the highlights is the rickshaw ride we took. We wove treacherously, but expertly, through the streets. All of the people waved, I even got a high five, which is only topped by Ellie, who got flowers. We are total rockstars here.
We are now gathered for Thanksgiving dinner at India's very own Pizzahut. I am thankful, warm, and well fed.
Good luck topping this next year, mom and dad.
Shannon
And then they put pots of fire on their heads, which is when we made our dancing exit.
We also received proof of just how small the world really is; at this particular small restaurant in Jaipur, India a woman approached us. It was former Riverdale parent, Mrs. Piper, mother of Severin Piper. She has been traveling India with her sister and coincidentally had just arrived in Jaipur the previous night. Small, small world.
Last night we stayed at the Fern Eco Hotel, the first night it was ever open. I feel spoiled.
This morning, after meeting up with our very cool guide, Raz, we treked over to see Old Jaipur and the Palace of the Winds, a cool facade overlooking the street. Then it was on to the Amber Fort for elephant rides! (Do not fear, faithful followers, Amber did take copious amounts of pictures.) The elephant rides were sooo cool. It was like they physically were transporting us into an ancient fairy tale. The sounds of peddlers, music, and elephants completed the dream. We explored the labyrinth-like fort, found some bats, and avoided the hawkers.
Then we saw the Floating Palace; it is literally a palace built on top of a lake.
Next stop was the actual Royal Palace. It wasn't as impressive as some of the other things because we only got to see a small portion due to the fact that the royal family actually lives there. But just outside of it was the observatory that blew my mind! Dang were those ancient Indians smart. It is home to the largest sundial that is correct within two seconds! Mind boggling, truly.
One of the highlights is the rickshaw ride we took. We wove treacherously, but expertly, through the streets. All of the people waved, I even got a high five, which is only topped by Ellie, who got flowers. We are total rockstars here.
We are now gathered for Thanksgiving dinner at India's very own Pizzahut. I am thankful, warm, and well fed.
Good luck topping this next year, mom and dad.
Shannon
Hello India Travelers,
ReplyDeleteSome of us are still trying to figure out if we can actually respond on the blog. This is a test to see if you receive anything. We have all enjoyed reading your daily logs and anxiously await to hear of your adventures. Hope everyone has been healthy throughout the trip. Sending you all warm thoughts and wishes for a safe journey. Love, Alison Henderson
Thanksgiving in America is just as cool. Even thought we didn't have PizzaHut we still had awesome food.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and I hope y'all are having fun!!!
<3 Jessica