Fri. 2/2/18 Khas Bagh, Jaipur.
Up and on the road for a four drive to Jaipur this AM. We arrived early afternoon to our favorite property yet. It is absolutely stunning complete with manicured gardens and stables. We met the owner, Rasher who is a recently retired professional polo player and a bit famous in India. There was a picture of him with Oprah in the living room. The property is huge and filled with antiques, and walls that whisper to you. We went into the city late afternoon to walk in the local town markets. It was crazy ! We saw the wedding markets, the bangles market, the utility market and the flower market. We also saw the Palace of the Winds which was a structure built so that the court harem could observe what was going on with out being seen by the public. We got back around 6:00 then had cocktails in the bar/living room, followed by a delicious home cooked meal served family style. We are the only four guests and the staff are very attentive. Jon's trinket was delivered during dinner, and we all sacked out early tonight, big day touring tomorrow !
Up and on the road for a four drive to Jaipur this AM. We arrived early afternoon to our favorite property yet. It is absolutely stunning complete with manicured gardens and stables. We met the owner, Rasher who is a recently retired professional polo player and a bit famous in India. There was a picture of him with Oprah in the living room. The property is huge and filled with antiques, and walls that whisper to you. We went into the city late afternoon to walk in the local town markets. It was crazy ! We saw the wedding markets, the bangles market, the utility market and the flower market. We also saw the Palace of the Winds which was a structure built so that the court harem could observe what was going on with out being seen by the public. We got back around 6:00 then had cocktails in the bar/living room, followed by a delicious home cooked meal served family style. We are the only four guests and the staff are very attentive. Jon's trinket was delivered during dinner, and we all sacked out early tonight, big day touring tomorrow !
Sat. 2/3/18 Khas Bagh
We started at the Amber Fort today where we ambled up the hillside to the fort via an elephant. The Fort was home to the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1137 to 1727. We spent several hours at the fort exploring and learned the fort is the second most popular attraction is India, the Taj Mahal being number one. Next we went to an old observatory, Jantar Mantar which was series of structures built in the mid 1700 to determine time seasons, etc..... Next stop was a coffe shop where we wiled time away talking with our guide about politics and life in India. We headed back with stops for camera cards and beer. It was about 4:30 and we sat outside on our rooftop patio cocktailing until dinner. Unfortunately we consumed our planned two night supply of libations, in one night so we had a lot of laughs and engaged in some silly antics. Dinner again was served family style, and as outstanding as the previous night. All of our meals are about 95 % vegetarian and soooo delish. We felt like the property was our private estate, and that the staff were there to pamper us which they did. This stay will be hard to top, and it rivaled stays anywhere we have ever been !
We started at the Amber Fort today where we ambled up the hillside to the fort via an elephant. The Fort was home to the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1137 to 1727. We spent several hours at the fort exploring and learned the fort is the second most popular attraction is India, the Taj Mahal being number one. Next we went to an old observatory, Jantar Mantar which was series of structures built in the mid 1700 to determine time seasons, etc..... Next stop was a coffe shop where we wiled time away talking with our guide about politics and life in India. We headed back with stops for camera cards and beer. It was about 4:30 and we sat outside on our rooftop patio cocktailing until dinner. Unfortunately we consumed our planned two night supply of libations, in one night so we had a lot of laughs and engaged in some silly antics. Dinner again was served family style, and as outstanding as the previous night. All of our meals are about 95 % vegetarian and soooo delish. We felt like the property was our private estate, and that the staff were there to pamper us which they did. This stay will be hard to top, and it rivaled stays anywhere we have ever been !
Sun 2/4/18 Fort Chandeleo Garh
We were up early and left at 9:00 AM and arrived here at Fort Chandeleo around 3:30. We had one pit stop on route, and Jana and I were able to get some shopping done. This hotel is an old fort located in a tiny village. After we settled in we were taken for a walking tour of the village. A totally different feel than in Jarar. The kids were all begging, a bit bedraggled, and it was not as joy filled Jarar. We did meet lots of kids who all wanted their photos taken. We got back and had cocktails on a large rooftop terrace overlooking the village with sunset. We then ate dinner in an old courtyard. The owner came to meet us and explained the history of the property which has been in his family for generations. His parents had moved to Jaipur and the property was run down when he started renovations in the 90's. Our room is the old tack room, and Mike and Jana are staying in one of the old stable stalls. Not luxurious, but a very unique and worthwhile stay.
Sun 2/4/18 Fort Chandeleo Garh
We were up early and left at 9:00 AM and arrived here at Fort Chandeleo around 3:30. We had one pit stop on route, and Jana and I were able to get some shopping done. This hotel is an old fort located in a tiny village. After we settled in we were taken for a walking tour of the village. A totally different feel than in Jarar. The kids were all begging, a bit bedraggled, and it was not as joy filled Jarar. We did meet lots of kids who all wanted their photos taken. We got back and had cocktails on a large rooftop terrace overlooking the village with sunset. We then ate dinner in an old courtyard. The owner came to meet us and explained the history of the property which has been in his family for generations. His parents had moved to Jaipur and the property was run down when he started renovations in the 90's. Our room is the old tack room, and Mike and Jana are staying in one of the old stable stalls. Not luxurious, but a very unique and worthwhile stay.
Mon 2/5/18 - Samsara Desert Camp
We ate breakfast this morning with the owner of Fort Chandeleo, then headed to Jodpur at 9:00 am. We met our guide, Baveen, and our first stop was the creamatoruim for the royal family - Jaswant Thada. There was a beautiful marble temple, known as the little Taj Mahal. Jaipur was the pink city, and Jodpur in the blue city, and many of the buildings a beautiful shade of blue. After the memorial we went to the palace, Mehrangarh, which had an amazing view of the city. They had a cool collection of miniature paintings as well as howdahs which were the seatings used on elephants. Next we walked from the palace into the shopping area and watch clock. As all markets, it was total chaos. We swore we would or buy anything else. This changed when we were bought to a textiles whole seller who ships to Hermes, Anthropology, HRods. We bought an amazing yak hair blanket, a cashmere blanket/wrap and scarf for me, and some gifts. The quality was outstanding and the workmanship exquisite. Next we ate some street food, samosa and Lassis that our guide promised would not kill us. Jon is having a bit of a Delhi belly, so he is taking it easy today. We finally left Jodphur around 3:00, and arrived at the Samsara around 4:30. We checked into the resort at the hotel section, then were driven by jeep about 8 km to the luxury desert camp. We were upgraded to two of the three honeymoon tents, and they are truly spectacular. After we settled in, we then set out on a camel safari. This was not easy, and the trek was through the sand dunes. Considering Jon had a spinal fusion just six months ago, he has done amazingly well between the long plane ride, the train, the van, the rickshaws, the tiger jeep safaris, an elephant ride, and then today the camel. The camel ride was really something, hard to believe we are the Thar desert in India riding camels !! After the camel ride we had drinks on our front patio overlooking the desert, then headed down to the nightly entertainment. We sat on a semi circle of large cushions on the ground, with candle lit tables. A variety of starters were served to us while we were being entertained by dancers, musicians and singers. We then had a delicious dinner, and were escorted back to our tents following paths subtly lit by lanterns. Our bathroom is huge, and we have a comfy king size bed and soft big down pillows and comforter that we sank into. This is so wild......
We did learn some interesting things. First we passed about a six mile long army section that we learned is the largest in India, and here because of the proximity to Packistan. We also learned about the caste system which is highest with healers, then warriors, then merchants, then the untouchables, the garbage collectors. We still are just amazed by our experience here in India. Everyday something new and interesting........
We ate breakfast this morning with the owner of Fort Chandeleo, then headed to Jodpur at 9:00 am. We met our guide, Baveen, and our first stop was the creamatoruim for the royal family - Jaswant Thada. There was a beautiful marble temple, known as the little Taj Mahal. Jaipur was the pink city, and Jodpur in the blue city, and many of the buildings a beautiful shade of blue. After the memorial we went to the palace, Mehrangarh, which had an amazing view of the city. They had a cool collection of miniature paintings as well as howdahs which were the seatings used on elephants. Next we walked from the palace into the shopping area and watch clock. As all markets, it was total chaos. We swore we would or buy anything else. This changed when we were bought to a textiles whole seller who ships to Hermes, Anthropology, HRods. We bought an amazing yak hair blanket, a cashmere blanket/wrap and scarf for me, and some gifts. The quality was outstanding and the workmanship exquisite. Next we ate some street food, samosa and Lassis that our guide promised would not kill us. Jon is having a bit of a Delhi belly, so he is taking it easy today. We finally left Jodphur around 3:00, and arrived at the Samsara around 4:30. We checked into the resort at the hotel section, then were driven by jeep about 8 km to the luxury desert camp. We were upgraded to two of the three honeymoon tents, and they are truly spectacular. After we settled in, we then set out on a camel safari. This was not easy, and the trek was through the sand dunes. Considering Jon had a spinal fusion just six months ago, he has done amazingly well between the long plane ride, the train, the van, the rickshaws, the tiger jeep safaris, an elephant ride, and then today the camel. The camel ride was really something, hard to believe we are the Thar desert in India riding camels !! After the camel ride we had drinks on our front patio overlooking the desert, then headed down to the nightly entertainment. We sat on a semi circle of large cushions on the ground, with candle lit tables. A variety of starters were served to us while we were being entertained by dancers, musicians and singers. We then had a delicious dinner, and were escorted back to our tents following paths subtly lit by lanterns. Our bathroom is huge, and we have a comfy king size bed and soft big down pillows and comforter that we sank into. This is so wild......
We did learn some interesting things. First we passed about a six mile long army section that we learned is the largest in India, and here because of the proximity to Packistan. We also learned about the caste system which is highest with healers, then warriors, then merchants, then the untouchables, the garbage collectors. We still are just amazed by our experience here in India. Everyday something new and interesting........
