First and last day in Jaipur
Trip Start
Oct 05, 2008
1
5
13
Trip End
Apr 26, 2009
Jaipur,
Rajasthan,
India
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Arrived at the train station to be greeted by the usual array of touts, offering car services etc. Used to it by now thankfully, but arriving late and delayed meant we weren't exactly full of niceties. So the touts got the brunt of it, which frankly is deserved.
Stumbled outside fending them off only to hear Ben go running up to a guy standing, like he was a buddy. Me and Amanda were dead confused and thought he randomly met a friend, but as we closed in we found Amanda's name being help up by the guy. Turns out the hotel had sent a rickshaw to pick us up. Not bad hey, especially as he has to wait no matter how late the train is hehe.
Got talking to the guy, whose is known as Raj, and turns out to be a very well spoken young guy with a lot of appreciation and understanding of foreigners. So I grasped the opportunity and asked if he could be our rickshaw for the days escapades. He heartily agreed and we arranged a time, sweet!
Anyway he took us into the courtyard of the hotel, and even though it was very dark we knew this was going to be a somewhat swanky place to stay in. Which was met with great approval by all, especially Ben lol.
Got lead to my room first and when I walked in I thought they must have mixed up mine with Ben and Amanda's as it was very spacious and the bed was well freaking huge (enough for three of me easily). General decor was also nicely understated and the bathroom very big and almost like what you expect from home.
Well I quickly unpacked and enjoyed a nice warm and just perfect shower and then kicked up my feet to watch some Bollywood (don't ask hehe), before heading of to bed with the AC keeping my cool.
Got up next morning and found that my travel buddies wanted to stay another night lol. We first had breakfast in the hotel, which was pretty good but a bit overpriced in line with most things int he hotel. Now that was unexpected, not! But we had train tickets booked already for 10:30pm tonight, so asked the hotel concierge about if that is possible and he advised that you go the specific window at the station and ask.
So met Raj as agreed and got him to take us there first, only to find that when we got there the train staff tommorow is fully booked and already has a long waiting list. And to add to that they informed us that we have to come back nearer the departure time to confirm todays seats! Suggesting 9pm ish. Raj suggested we get there a bit earlier so agreed to go back 8:30pm.
We wanted to go shopping for some jewelery, especially small enameled ornaments which Amanda knew about. So Raj took us to a place called Rajasthan Gems Development Corp where we spent an hour or more rummaging around and get a semi decent price on them. Should really have bargained more for, as only got about 10% - 15% off. Ben got earrings for his sisters 30th and these they would hand deliver later that day at an arranged time at no extra cost.
Decided to head back and rest for the day especially as Amanda is still not feeling well. Agreed to meet Raj so that he could take us to a good place to eat (called Handi's) and also take me to the local mosque so I could have a communal prayer and meet some locals etc.
All went well except for the power cut for half hour or so which mean no AC and limited fan's. Rushed back to the table, where Amanda and Ben had been patiently waiting for me. Before I could explain much (making apologies for being delayed cough) someone turned up at our table and stood over in a questioning manner. So I asked him for an extra menu, which was met with a blank expression. So I asked him again more slowly and clearly. Still no response. I then looked at his dress sense and suddenly he presents the earrings. Embarrassingly it was the guy from the jewelers we visited earlier lol. He chuckled slightly and asked if we thought he was a waiter. We all were rather embarrassed and apologised. Doh!
With that over with we grabbed Raj and got him to eat with us. The food was good, and more your sort of home cooking style (local), if somewhat spicey. Bill only came to 811 rupees for us four and the food arrived very fast.
Rushed off to the station were we had our places confirmed and then bid Raj a sad farewell, after exchanging details.
Off to the AC seating room for Upper Class travellers and relaxed since we had 1.5 hours to kill at least.
Had a cute little girl come up to Amanda and shyly try and greet her in English. After several attempts she was too shy and so Amanda kindly gave her two chocolate eclair sweets we were saving, to which she perked up. Her parents smiled approvingly of us, and then trusted us so much that during for a few minutes left the child and baggage with us while they whet outside to check something.
About 15 - 20 min before the time we decided to cross over to the platform, only to find, gasp, the train is delayed 20 minutes or so. Which then became 10mins more and then on.
In the mean time we have some fun with Amanada and Ben trying to best one another on which end of the train our carraige is going to be on. Amanada wins by walking off in her chosen direction, as she knows we have to follow for her safety lol. Fair play to her.
Finally about 1 hour later it arrives and we find the carriage is actually in the direction Ben said lol. So in we go and find the passenger we are sharing the four compartment section with. Was a really nice young Telecoms professional whom we chatted with for quite a while. He works for Vodafone and so offered to help Ben get his SIM working for outgoing calls for free. We exchanged details and then hit the beds, as it was gone 12am.
