Saturday, December 18, 2010

Jodhpur - the Blue City

We started our Jodhpur visit at the enormous Meherangarh Fort and the usual intensely decorated palaces within.



We then took the short drive to Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial where cremations of Jodhpur's rulers were sometimes performed.



Then a quick thali lunch with Shingara where I'm sure we ate food that got some of us sick.



That left plenty of time for some heavy shopping in the Jodhpur market.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Nagaur Fort, travel to Jodhpur

We stayed over in Nagaur. Although Diane and Sharon weren't feeling great, we went to the Ahhichatragarh Fort (fort of the cobra's hood) (12th-18th century) in Nagaur, which seems to be rarely visited. The four palaces within contain intricately carved walls and many well-preserved frescos.


We then drove to Jodhpur where we stopped at Maha Mandir gardens for a light lunch and stroll. Amazing Hindu temples and lots of Macaque monkeys (descendants of Hanuman?).



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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Painted Havelis of Navalgarh

Nawalgarh is in the Shekawati region outside of Jaipur.  We learned about the history and architecture of the Havelis, beautifully painted mansions (primarily 19th century) of the merchant class.




Our guide then took us through the Navalgarh market where we ate incredible samosas, broken up and served in a delicious sauce. We bought some of the local tie-died scarves and some cool, handmade lacquer bangles.


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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Jaipur sights

We took an elephant ride up to the Amber Fort and toured through the extensive buildings.


On the way back to town, we stopped for lunch with Shingara and had some wonderful chapatis, complete with cooking demonstrations.


The Jantar Mantar is a wacked-out astronomical/astrological "observatory" constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century.



At the City Palace, we saw a great exhibit of old textiles.


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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Fatehpur Sikri and Keoladeo National Park

On route from Agra to Jaipur, we first stopped at Fatehpur Sikri (Mughal, 16th century), Emperor Akbar's beautiful, abandoned capitol city.



We next drove to Bharatpur and took a nice horse-drawn buggy ride in Keoladeo National Park to see some great wildlife.

Kingfisher

Jackals howling at sunset

We then headed to Jaipur, where we stayed at the RTDC's Gangaur guest house.

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Sunrise at the Taj Mahal

We got up at the crack of dawn to be there just as the Taj was opening.

 It is truly one of the greatest architectural achievements of all time.


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Monday, December 13, 2010

Travel to Agra

We begin our road trip adventures with a quick jaunt to Agra. We arrive just in time to see the Baby Taj at sunset.



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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Shaumyika and Ben's Wedding

The main event.

Saturday night began with the Mehndi and Sangeet celebration. There was music and dancing and the women had their hands beautifully decorated with henna.




Sunday began with dressing in our new fancy Indian clothes. Ben's family and friends walked to Manjula's garden for photos and turban tying. Manjula was kind enough to lend the women fabulous pearl necklaces and then applied bindis. We then paraded back to the Manor where we were greeted by Shaumyika's family who gave us marigold necklaces and threw rose petals welcoming us to the ceremony. Anjula smeared some red substance on our foreheads.




The ceremony took place under a decorated canopy in the Manor's courtyard. Ben, Sharad, a Hindu priest, an assistant, and a translator began.


Then Shaumyika joined them and Sharon "tied the knot" by binding their scarves together.


Under an avalanche of rose petals, Ben's parents and then Shaumyika's parents blessed the couple.


And ends with the couple sharing sweets.


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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Delhi: Jama Majid and Old Delhi Spice Market

Emily and Sharon decided to go shopping with Aunt Hope for clothes and jewelry, so Eddie was on his own for being a tourist, as Diane's back was still bothering her.

Since the mosque was closed for prayers, Eddie took a short walk around the sprawling market areas before going into the mosque and climbing to the top of one of the minarets.



Lunch at Karim's -- incredible sheesh kabobs.



Then wandering through Old Delhi's narrow alleyways to the spice market.



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Friday, December 10, 2010

Delhi: Qtub Minar complex

Sharon and Eddie went to the Qtub Minar (13th century), the highest tower in India and the tallest brick "minaret" in the world.

Diane and Emily stayed at the hotel since they weren't feeling great.


Feeling better, Emily met us for some shopping at Dili Haat, and then we zipped over to South Extension to pick up our wedding garb (and some cool shoes!).

We returned to the Manor for an excellent birthday dinner for Uncle Larry.

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Delhi Mausoleums

Humayun's Tomb (Mughal, mid-16th century)


Pre-wedding lunch in Manjula's garden. The Wedding begins!

Safdarjang's Tomb (late Mughal, mid-18th century)


Eddie and Ben had dinner at the Yellow Submarine cafe.

Sharon visited some work acquaintances.

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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Shopping at South Extension

Went back to South Extension near Friends Colony for a full day of shopping. Diane and Sharon got their sarees fitted, Emily got a langhe, and Diane, Sharon, and Emily got suits. Eddie got wedding "pajamas".

Henna artist
We ended the day with a wonderful dinner at Manjula's house.

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Delhi: Red Fort and Old Delhi

Poori Bhaji for breakfast

South Extension to get prepaid cell phone SIMs (with help from our driver, since we needed local ID).

Red Fort - Lal Qila (17th century, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan)



Old Delhi



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Monday, December 6, 2010

Arrive in India

Arrived at the nice Delhi airport.


Once through customs/immigration, we were met by our turbaned driver who took us right to the Manor Hotel. Ben and Shaumyika waited up for us and after receiving gifts of scarves and sarees, we went right to bed.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Fly to India

Drove to YouTube office where we left the car and took a quick cab to the airport.

Flight AA1512 (4 hours) from SFO to Chicago.

Met Sharon in Chicago. After short stopover (2 hours), took Flight AA292 from Chicago to Delhi India (15 hours).  Thanks to Sharon, we had Premium Economy seats. Most slept well on the flight and we got our first tastes of Indian food, which was surprisingly not bad.