After Jaisalmer we headed to Jodhpur to see the most impressive fort yet.
The fort towers above the city (120 m). It appears to have grown right out of the rock it was built from. It was built in 1459 and has been added to for centuries to create the amazing structure it is today. The design of the fort increases it's security - there are multiple gates to protect the fort - one is even decorated with spikes to prevent elephants from breaking down the gate! We did an audio tour of the fort - it was full of stories of bloodshed and death. Amazingly the fort fell three times in its history - and each time the many wives of the Muslim maharajah threw themselves on the burning pyre to prevent them from being kidnapped by the conquering forces.
The fort also has an eclectic museum - full of palanquins (used to carry the royal family through the city), royal cribs decorated with gods and goddesses, and miniature paintings of the many maharajahs who lived in the fort.
This fort, like the others we had visited, was decorated with intricate carvings and semi-precious stones.
The second floor of the palace is the 'women's quarters' - where the Maharajah's many wives lived. They were not able to mix with the people - but they could peek out of the ornate windows of the 2nd floor onto the inner courtyard where the king would meet with commoners. The windows are carved out of stone - the details are so fine it appears to be made of wood.
Everywhere we go we get lots of attention. Usually each day Kenna and Cole are asked to pose with the locals for photos. Today I was asked to pose with the ladies who were touring the sight. I'm wearing my "Indian outfit" - which follows the local tradition of covering women from head to toe.
We then headed to Jaipur, the largest town in Rajahstan, a great place to go shopping. Chuck bought copper bowls at a local store- the price was based on weight of each bowl. They are used for dahl or curry. We also bought some spices from a 'spice store' - so we will be busy cooking Indian food when we get home.
We also spent some time walking around the city, learning how rugs, bedspreads and sheets are made by hand. Cole is trying out the loom to see if he can make a rug!
Kenna and I decided to get our noses pierced - it really didn't hurt much (honestly) - I think I was just nervous!
While we were in Jaipur there was a Hindu festival happening. Elephants walked down the street, showing off their decorations and we also got to see a parade winding it's way through the busy streets.
Kenna, Cole and I also got our fortunes told in Jaipur. Based on our birthdate, signature and palm we were told many details about our past, future and how to improve our fate. I am to wear a ruby ring on my right ring finger to make my life less complicated and both Kenna and Cole will be successful and rich!
Here is a photo of Kenna, Raj (our driver) and Cole. Raj was amazing - he drove us through Rajahstan for 9 days, made sure we ate well, got us to where we needed to go, drove safely through chaotic situations and even laughed at our bad jokes. He really made our trip an enjoyable experience (after he left.....everything went down hill fast!).
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