Sunday, October 30, 2011
You tube link to our Varanasi driver!!
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=IN#/watch?v=1Yw1azIAXWs
Jaipur--next day
Pictures are of the Amber Fort which contained several palaces and the City Palace. 20 min. Elephant ride up ramp to fort. They are decorated for Divali. A bit bumpy, but fun!
Have seen lots of forts, each one shining in some aspect. One pic shows one wall of a series of rooms sparkling with silver and mirrors.
These 17th c onwards Hindu maharajas knew how to live--Hampton Court would have been fit for their camels only!!
Buddy makes a geat Maharaja, doesn't he! Several Indians wanted their picture with him.
Our driver, Mr. Singh, brought my camera from the car when I forgot it. Even though I had said I really didn't need it since I had the iPhone, he came anyway. The guides, waiters, shop people all go out of their way to keep you happy.
George and I are standing in front of one of the 12 astrological installations designed to track the zodiac. Scorpio The world's largest sundial--accurate within seconds--is also here. All built by Mah. Saye Vaisingth-- 17th c.
The palace is still in use by the current Mararaja-a 14year old boy.
Fort was opened to public in the 1950's, but with no security. Much was defaced and stolen, including precious
Tiles off doors and parts of the colored walls!
Indian has such a rich heritage, but their protection of it is still wanting. Notice the pigeons on the chandelier.
Resting in our haveli now. The sights, crowds, and noise can take a lot out of you! Need a few quiet hours to recoup.
We are eating just 2 meals a day-- a big breakfast and a big meal around 3. As that seems to be the way it works out. Tandoor chicken is very good-- just about the only non- spicy item we can find. Although George thinks it still has somewhat of a Koch, he does eat it.
The buttered naan is good, but long for some brown rice and bread and fresh vegetables.
Have seen lots of forts, each one shining in some aspect. One pic shows one wall of a series of rooms sparkling with silver and mirrors.
These 17th c onwards Hindu maharajas knew how to live--Hampton Court would have been fit for their camels only!!
Buddy makes a geat Maharaja, doesn't he! Several Indians wanted their picture with him.
Our driver, Mr. Singh, brought my camera from the car when I forgot it. Even though I had said I really didn't need it since I had the iPhone, he came anyway. The guides, waiters, shop people all go out of their way to keep you happy.
George and I are standing in front of one of the 12 astrological installations designed to track the zodiac. Scorpio The world's largest sundial--accurate within seconds--is also here. All built by Mah. Saye Vaisingth-- 17th c.
The palace is still in use by the current Mararaja-a 14year old boy.
Fort was opened to public in the 1950's, but with no security. Much was defaced and stolen, including precious
Tiles off doors and parts of the colored walls!
Indian has such a rich heritage, but their protection of it is still wanting. Notice the pigeons on the chandelier.
Resting in our haveli now. The sights, crowds, and noise can take a lot out of you! Need a few quiet hours to recoup.
We are eating just 2 meals a day-- a big breakfast and a big meal around 3. As that seems to be the way it works out. Tandoor chicken is very good-- just about the only non- spicy item we can find. Although George thinks it still has somewhat of a Koch, he does eat it.
The buttered naan is good, but long for some brown rice and bread and fresh vegetables.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Jaipur
Capital of Rajasthan. 6 million people. Lights for Divali. Front of our haveli, an historic mansion repurposed as a hotel. 
Ranthbone national park
Only 35 tigers here... Past and some present poaching; made a park in the80's. Tiger hunting outlawed in the 60's. Lots of jeeps and even some jams... Definitely not the expansive Serengeti!!
Tiger paw print is closest we came
Notice the beautifully decorated bldg in the park. All hand done.
Some of the trucks. Can you spot the 2 homemade ones? George thinks they have water pump engines. They use them as local transport; have to bribe police to take them on road as they have no tags, insurance, etc. Of course bribery is the norm here-- the one infrastructure that actually works.
Wish we repurposed as Indians do. The bottom of these hand- made chairs at our resort are bicycle tires.
Tiger paw print is closest we came
Notice the beautifully decorated bldg in the park. All hand done.
Some of the trucks. Can you spot the 2 homemade ones? George thinks they have water pump engines. They use them as local transport; have to bribe police to take them on road as they have no tags, insurance, etc. Of course bribery is the norm here-- the one infrastructure that actually works.
Wish we repurposed as Indians do. The bottom of these hand- made chairs at our resort are bicycle tires.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Mr. Singh, s family
Stopped by our driver ' s in- laws on way to national park. His family was there for Diwali. The pictures speak for themselves
First time we drove at night: same as day, except no light on the camel- drawn wooden cart, the bicycles or pedestrians. Only front lights on many of the trucks. One weak, wobbly light on the autorickshaws. No reflective tape wrapped around the necks of the black as night water buffalo which rule the streets with the cows and bulls No street lights. This is all on the " major" road to the park.
First time we drove at night: same as day, except no light on the camel- drawn wooden cart, the bicycles or pedestrians. Only front lights on many of the trucks. One weak, wobbly light on the autorickshaws. No reflective tape wrapped around the necks of the black as night water buffalo which rule the streets with the cows and bulls No street lights. This is all on the " major" road to the park.
Agra Fort
Forgot to mention from last post: we are so fortunate to enjoy the lights and hospitality of Divali, the Indian festival of lights! Our driver took us out to dinner to celebrate. Fireworks, lights, decorations everywhere.
Translucent marble on Agra fort. The great Mughal emperor built it for his 3 wives-- Christian , muslim, hindu and has 3 palaces-- one for each. He also had 365 concubines and used them as live Parchesi pieces on the marble game board.
We are mounting a bring Akbar back movement. As he was extremely tolerat of all religions-- sikkh, Christian, Hindi, Jain, Islam, of course.
Translucent marble on Agra fort. The great Mughal emperor built it for his 3 wives-- Christian , muslim, hindu and has 3 palaces-- one for each. He also had 365 concubines and used them as live Parchesi pieces on the marble game board.
We are mounting a bring Akbar back movement. As he was extremely tolerat of all religions-- sikkh, Christian, Hindi, Jain, Islam, of course.
The taj Mahal. Agra
15th c. Mughal palace
Ancient Hindu god in temple hidden and overgrown with vegetation.
The Beauty of TM is unearthly- how can this marble Temple to love seem to float in air? The jewels that adorned its exterior may be gone, but no one seems to care. The perfect symmetry , unity, and grace of the white stone, the inlaid lapis lazuli, coral, and other precious colored minerals, the Persian lettering of the Koran suffices.
Ancient Hindu god in temple hidden and overgrown with vegetation.
The Beauty of TM is unearthly- how can this marble Temple to love seem to float in air? The jewels that adorned its exterior may be gone, but no one seems to care. The perfect symmetry , unity, and grace of the white stone, the inlaid lapis lazuli, coral, and other precious colored minerals, the Persian lettering of the Koran suffices.
Khahuraho
The Kama sutra!! Number of sexual positions attributed to this city alone (65) exceeds most countries. Indians have always relished color and pleasures. These carvings and temples showcase both the technical and sensual natures of their creators.
Scenes of everyday life: mirror gazing, combing hair, purse carrying, and, mostly, smiles of ecstasy...
Honeymooners come here...
Scenes of everyday life: mirror gazing, combing hair, purse carrying, and, mostly, smiles of ecstasy...
Honeymooners come here...
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Varanasi
The WHS Saranth ruins where Buddha first began "messaging"-- not too instantly as it was just to 5 disciples! A prophet is never beloved in his own country-- as Not many followers in Buddah's own birthplace India. Statues of him here do not show the jolly belly image as in China. Indian devotees revere his spiritual quality, the Chinese, his lucky charms.
George and I split a kingfisher-- one huge beer, but of low alcoholic content
Took tons of movies and pics with other camera of our Ganges morning boat rides. Can't post movies here . If I get time, will post on you tube.
Bathing, fishing, creamation 24-7), All occur on Mother Ganga.
I keep forgetting to take pics with this camera as I am mostly using my other one. Will have to wait to show you the guard lying flat on his back on the floor of the temple he was " guarding". His pillow? His rifle...
All's well- on plane today. Love to all
George and I split a kingfisher-- one huge beer, but of low alcoholic content
Took tons of movies and pics with other camera of our Ganges morning boat rides. Can't post movies here . If I get time, will post on you tube.
Bathing, fishing, creamation 24-7), All occur on Mother Ganga.
I keep forgetting to take pics with this camera as I am mostly using my other one. Will have to wait to show you the guard lying flat on his back on the floor of the temple he was " guarding". His pillow? His rifle...
All's well- on plane today. Love to all
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