Thr Grounds from the Hotel in Jaipur!

Our hotel used to be a Mughal palace. These are a couple of pictures from the grounds. It was a resort really. There was lots to do in the gardens and its where we swam for the first time. We also took a yoga class on the lawns! Total relaxation!

Because you were curious...

My friend Lauren asked me about the hotels we have been staying at. All have been nice, but there have been (and will be a few) that really stand out. This is our hotel in Jaipur. The room is decorated in traditional Rajasthani decor. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan.

In a traditional greeting we were given flowers and an Indian red ink dot on our foreheads!

This room had a little garden area outside as well!

And of course, the bathroom, as if you were interested!

City Life

We were hesitant on videoing through the cities and villages in India. This is a drive-by image of one of the villages we drove through. We thought it would be interesting to remember what so many of the streets of India looked like on our trip. Some of you were asking what life was like in the villages, so perhaps this is a way for you to see a bit of what so many of their lives are like.

More India!

This is a video of the gardens surrounding Humayun's Tomb. If you notice I am in the shade, recovering. This is to become a bit of theme!

As you can tell I am on videos tonight! You'll see more from Singapore tomorrow, but in the meantime, I thought you would like to see pictures of the Amber Fort -- after the elephant ride! And thinking back to the theme, see me sitting off in the shade???

A Little More from India

Here is the video Jason took inside the mosque on our first day in India. Enjoy!!

The Money Shot AKA the Taj Mahal

Okay, so seeing the sunrise over the Taj Mahal didn't quite work out. At 6:00 this morning, I was up, showered, dressed and ready to go. Neither Jason nor I, bothered to look out the window, so much to our surprise when we exited the lobby of the hotel -- there was rain. Monsoon rain. Flooded streets, water higher than the staff's wellies. It was a mess. Brave enough, only here for one day and determined to see this Wonder of World, we braved the water and headed out.

It was so worth it. So the sun isn't beaming on the marble in many colours -- its still the Taj and its always stunning.

I like a little monsoon in the morning. Shiny (aka wet) is good look on me! Bonus? Its not hot today!!

More wetness. I am standing in front of the mosque on the side of the Taj. Jason or I could tell you so many interesting things about the Taj, but none are as interesting as a couple on their honeymoon visiting the greatest site of love on earth.

More on that inlaid marble. Its a skill. Absolutely stunning in every way.

Side shot. Still beautiful.

A Digression.

Though not intended to be our official "honeymoon", Jason and I are into free stuff., and accordingly, insisted on telling all the hotels it was indeed our honeymoon. Well, in Agra, it paid off. We returned from the lobby bar to find a nice gentleman standing outside our door with a cake. We ignored him, having no idea that the cake was for us!!! So -- our first hotel honeymoon present!! How cool is that???

A brief stop before Agra!

This is Fatehpur Sikri. A confession -- we had no idea what this was until our driver told he would stop there so we could walk around. We quickly scanned the book and set off. A motorized rickshaw took us to the top. I was charmed. The driver had his young son with him who was very cute. :)

So back to the complex. From Jason: Built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571. It was built in honor of the famous Sufi saint Salim Chishti. It was also the Mughal capital for fourteen years.

From Meghan: Its a nice complex. Smells a little really. But certainly a great and well preserved example of Mughal power and opulence.
Jason is standing at the entrance to a back area of the complex.

A close up. He's just cute!

Wow. It was so muggy that day. Unbearably so. I should take a moment to mention that although we are here in the off season, we have been surprised by the nice weather. Granted its been ridiculously hot, but overall its been sunny, with few clouds. Until Agra. Well, until the moment of this picture. The skies were darkening and the humidity was over 100%. Okay, not possible, but you get the point!

This is the Diwan-i-Khas. The historians think this was perhaps a debating chamber. I overheard an "official guide" telling some tourists that the ruler always sat in the middle of this structure and his cabinet sat along the beams. Shortly there after Jason heard an official guide telling his tourists that the haram gathered in the six windows around the building and stare into the courtyard, while the rulers sat in the middle and monitor it all. Who knows. The building was amazing nonetheless.

Our last stop before the pool.

City Palace, Jaipur. From Jason: Occupying the heart of Jai Singh II's city, the City Palace has been home to the rulers of Jaipur since the first half of the 18th century. Part of the Palace is open to the public, but the Chandra Mahal remains the residence of the erstwhile maharaja, and therefore is closed to the public.

This is the entrance to the inner sanctum of the Palace. Known as the Mubarak Mahal, it is the sandstone "welcome palace" and was built to receive guests.

This is the Diwan-i-Khas. I am staring at one of two of the largest silve objects in the world (according to the Guinness Book of World Records). The silver urns were used to ccarry the sacred water of the Ganges for Madho Singh II's vist to London in 1901. Total side note -- I've said it before and I'll say it again. That sandstone is beautiful -- but HOT! Am I not dying in this picture?

So much so, I have to have a break. So I sat off to the side where there was a small breeze and Jason (who clearly wasn't as hot as I) could continue to explore and photograph!

The Chandra Mahal. Well, from the outside at least. Still the current residence of the maharaja, we were only allowed to view it from this angle. But my, what a grand sight it was.

From Jason.

We are still at the Amber Fort. Jason says this is called Ganesh Pol. Its a gateway that leads to the private state apartments built in 1640. Its connected by the screened uppermost level for ladies in purdah.

We like this picture because of the lovely architecture. The Amber Fort has the more remarkable nooks and crannies. Each one is unique and provides you with a different view of the Fort or the surrounding area.

Jason selected this picture because we took it of me in the hall of mirrors (and he thought it was cute). It seemed fitting to take my picture here (as opposed to Jason's) as it was the most feminine and lovely room at the Fort.

And a post script.

Here we are inside in the Amber Fort, having just climbed off the elephant. There is one special thing about this picture -- see that green thing in my right hand? Oh yeah, that's hand sanitizer. The spray kind. Apparently, you kind folks from the wedding neglected to tell me that elephants spit. I am guessing to cool themselves off (or that's what Jason told me), but who cares why -- THEY SPIT! Everywhere. So the germphobe in me was forced to sanitize. This is slowly becoming a theme on this holiday! :)

So, I don't like elephants. In fact, I am completely creeped out by their skin. If you have a fear of paper bags, pret napkins or cardboard paper -- you understand how I feel! Jason has been dying to ride one and thus it went on the honeymoon list -- twice. I couldn't say enough about not wanting to ride the damn things at the wedding... So, on to the money shots. Round One -- Jaipur.

Here is the path the elephants take you up. We are waiting to "board" an elephant. I am sweating and nervous. For the first time in days my sweat has nothing to do with the heat!

This is the couple in front of us. Look how everyone else is enjoying themselves!!

Jason made me smile. He wanted me to fake fun. So I did. Look at him laughing. We are on the elephant now and I am so creeped out.

Here's how I really felt. Thanks so much for the wedding present guys! I just loved it! :))))))

And finally we are done. So long elephants!!

Okay, the Amber Fort.

The Amber Fort in Jaipur. Home of the long awaited elephant ride. But before you see those pictures, you have to hear about the Fort. Just note now, the long path in the front of the Fort leading up the hill -- that's where the elephants (and Jason and I) are about to go.

From Jason: The Citadel was established in 1592 by Man Singh I -- with numerous other buildings added by Jai Singh I throughout the 17th century. It was the Kachhawaha Citadel until 1727, when they moved their capital to Jaipur.

From Meghan: I went to the "Pink City" because it is supposedly home to spectacular markets and bazaars. In fact there are and it was lovely. But more to the point -- my hotel was stunning. With a pool. So we christened the bathing suits for the first time, had a massage and generally felt like royalty for two days.

I have so much to catch you up on!

First, we loved Jaipur! I am surprised to say that -- but truly, it was such a wonderful place. But before we get there, I have to show you the Red Fort. Its only fair because I promised.

The Red Fort. One of Delhi's premier attractions. You cannot drive to it, so we drove as far as we could and then took a bicycle rickshaw the rest of the way. (The bicycle rickshaw's and their drivers are hands down one of the nicest thing in Delhi!) Okay, so you enter the Red Fort, but the eally good stuff is tucked away on the other side of a couple of gardens. The red sandstone is stunning (but hot!), this picture is so pretty, but actually is just a small part of the Fort after the entrance.
From Jason: It was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1639. The Fort took nine years to build and was the seat of Mughal power until 1857, when the last Emperor was dethroned and exiled.

One of the gardens.

And now to the marble. (Which is, by the way, infinitely cooler to wander around on.) Its carved as here in this picture and inlaid with jewels and gold. The craftsmanship is so amazing. and the result is incredibly rich in feel and look.

Jason took this photo as we were leaving. He likes how the picture looks, and also we love the dodgy scaffolding!

Heat and the Lovely Architecture!

How hot does Jason look??? This is at the entrance to Humayun's Tomb in Old Delhi. Humayun is the second Mughal emperor. This is the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. It was built in 1565 by a Persian architect. We are standing just outside the gate to the garden that leads to the tomb.

This is the tomb itself. I like this picture because it is a great picture, but also because at this moment we are so hot that we are calculating how long it will take us to walk across the courtyard to enter the tomb -- and of course, if there is any shade along the way! We are loving the red sandstone, but it is fire hot. It attracts and retains the heat in such a way that when you are standing next to it, on it, whatever, it is like standing next to a small inferno. Its just that hot.

After climbing the steps to the second floor, you can see the full courtyard we walked across to enter the tomb. The gardens were immaculate. The tomb is sandstone and marble, but was gorgeous throughout.

Jason's art shot. The money shot really. Side view. Actually, I have to agree. It looks exactly how Old Delhi/Mughal architecture looks in my mind.

And we are done. Done for the day. I am cooked. Literally. Little did I know there would be one more stop after this! But you'll have to wait for tomorrow to read about it, as we have to get some sleep now! There are elephants to be ridden in the morning!

More from the garden...

Okay, so this is a butt shot. I like it though because you can really see how unique and varied the tombs are. They are just stunning and to me, so totally exotic. Jason is telling me that this tomb is "the tomb of Sikandar Lodi". We have no idea who Lodi is, except that he lived from 1489 to 1517. Oh that and his tomb was really incredible!

The bridge. Athpula bridge to be correct. Dates from the 17th century and literally translates to "eight piers". This is Jason's art shot. Actually, its so good it looks nearly identical to the one in our guide book. And here is a secret for you. Public displays of affection are such no nos in India. In fact, young couples have to work really hard and escaping from their families in order to spend time with one another. Turns out, they do this in parks. Everywhere you look in the park (perhaps this one in particular is so beautiful), there are young couples cuddling in the shade. Its very romantic, and you can only imagine that in such a strict culture, this time alone must be a welcome retreat!

For Gayle.

This is just one example of the size of the magnolia trees in Lodi Gardens. My mom really likes magnolia trees, so I thought she would be interested in seeing their size. I can also report that they smell wonderful! The smell wafts throughout the entire garden!

First days...

Our first day. First tourist stop actually. This is Jami Masjid. It is the largest mosque in India. It can hold up to 20,000 people at peak prayer times! Of course, in order to hold this many people its entirely outdoors. But as its still a mosque, it is treated as such, and therefore you have to take your shoes off to enter.
From Jason: The mosque was built in 1656.
Personal note: Its about 8:30 in the morning. Jason and I were daft enough to think Delhi wasn't actually that bad. We thought "eh, we can totally do this!" More on that stupid thinking later!

This is Raj Ghat. This is the site of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation. The words on the front of the memorial are Gandhi's last words -- "Oh God!" It was a lovely memorial. Throughout the courtyard there the most wonderful magnolia trees. The courtyard is in a larger garden that is fairly sacred so it is incredibly well cared for and consequently stunning.

The arrival of the heat. If you look closely Jason looks as though he is on fire. In fact we may be at this point. Stifled by the heat, we are now thinking we were morons at 8:30 am for thinking Delhi would be in any way bearable. In fact in this picture its only about 11:00 am. The heat and humidity are like a wall. You can't escape it. The real downside has been that Jason and I measure distance and the amount of shade prior to walking to any monument, sight, etc. Its depressing as most things are quite close, but when you factor in the sweat and the heat -- they might as well be miles away!!

Okay, back to India Gate. It was built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who dies in World War I. On the sandstone, if you get really close (which I was because it was shady), you can see the names of all the soldiers who died. There was a little ceremony happening when we visited, so it was nice to see the soldiers at their memorial.

After an afternoon siesta and lunch (both at the hotel in air conditioning), we headed out for round two. This is Lodi Gardens. It is by far the nicest, loveliest garden in all of Delhi. Jason even thinks it might be the nicest garden ever! I am standing in front of one of the many tombs in the garden. So basically you walk around and look at all the trees, flowers, and ponds -- and then you see these tombs. Their architecture is like nothing I had ever seen. The tombs are empty inside and you are free to walk around wherever you please.
This particular tomb is called Bara Gumbad. There is a mosque attached to it that was built in 1494. The tombs are in remarkable condition, considering their age. One interesting note -- this particular tomb is so old, that no one knows who is buried inside!!

And hello from India.

Hi! We are here, safe and sound. Delhi is absolutely insane. Its nearly impossible to describe! This morning we woke early and headed to Jami Masjid (the largest mosque in India) and Raj Ghat (memorial for Mahatma Gandhi - and where he was cremated). We also took pictures of India Gate (war memorial), the President's Palace, and toured Old Delhi. We then rode on a rickshaw (bicycle version) around the Red Fort (we are going to go in the Fort tomorrow). The rickshaw ride was fantastic! Definitely a highlight! We just finished lunch, and I just woke up from a mid-afternoon "I am avoiding the heat nap"!

We are heading out to see more sights this afternoon-evening and then after dinner I will add photos of our day!

Okay! Until tonight. Rest assured we are safe, up to our eye balls in yummy curries and are having a really good time!

Good Morning!

These blog entries (from time to time) may vary a bit from my usual photo heavy posts. So for now, as we are in the airport lounge, let me say goodbye. We are happy. Everything is on time and for (probably) this one moment, everything is working out perfectly. My next post -- Delhi. Tomorrow. We can't wait!

And so it begins...

Recently, I was having lunch with my friend Lisa, and was explaining to her the plight of our new "computer".  I'm using the term computer loosely here, given that the device is really a way for us to access the internet from the road.  Its so small, its nearly impossible to type on -- it has no memory, so things like photo storage are a bit of an issue -- and finally, its Linux based.

After hearing my stories, Lisa suggested I photograph the computer for comparison sake.  So, for Lisa and everyone else -- Here is the "computer" next to my Mac.  I am smiling to myself right now, because in all fairness, the photo doesn't really show you just how tiny it is.

I thought there might be a few of you out there still thinking, "Its not that small!"  So, here it is with my garden variety dvd remote sitting on top of it.   

How small is that????  So, dear reader, you might have to bear with us -- there will likely be typos, some odd misplaced photographs, and given that the screen is so small, it will likely take us ages to read and write email.  On the bright side -- you will be able to join us on our entire trip.  From smelly elephants to strange food to the excitement of the Olympics -- you will be there.  And I couldn't be happier about that!