India - Through Chris's Eyes

Friday 23rd April

We set off around nine-ish, trying to locate "Super" to take us to what's known as the Pink City in his rickshaw. He was nowhere to be seen, so we got a ride from another guy. Inside the Pink City we got a little lost, but did locate a few sights, which included the City Palace. We purchased a ticket which also included a free audio guide, and we were treated to a tour around which lasted a fair while and was very good.

Afterwards we returned to the hotel to relax and possibly go out a little later for sunset. I decided to have some chai along the road and arranged for "Super" to pick us up at 6:15 and take us to the Monkey Temple. After talking and drinking for another hour or so, it was already gone 6:15. I went and got Serena from the room and we set off.

The roads were manic and quite scary and as we were pushed for time "Super Salim" wasn't hanging about. Eventually we got there but the sun had just disappeared, but as it didn't look too far up we decided to walk to the Temple. After going about 300 yds, Serena got a little nervous as lots of macaque monkeys were appearing from everywhere. An Indian guy had thrown a lot of food down on the floor for some cows, and the monkeys were taking advantage of the feast. We both decided that it was better to walk back than risk having monkeys jumping all over us.

We returned to the hotel for some more nice food and to catch up on a little writing before bed. There was a lot more to see in Jaipur, but the temperature over the last few weeks was beginning to tell and energy levels were dwindling.