Day 5 - Jaipur tour

We just got back from today's trip. Today was probably the best day in the trip so far. We started the day by traveling a long distance to Samode palace(Inside garden pictured to the left). Samode is an out laying town of Jaipur. On the way we picked up Anju Rose. She holds a post as the head of programs in this area of India. She will be accompanying us through her parts of India. We turn off the main road is start through a small little village. The roads are narrow and commonly you see goats, pigs, Buffalo, or camels walking them. There kid population is very large in this area and as in other areas of india, they are very interesting in waving and say hi to Dj and I. They love it and they start gigling and chattering. This road quickly gains an incline as you begin your ascend toward the old palace. We didn't know much about because it wasn't in any book. On the way up we past through many gates on the windy road. Nearing the top we pulled over and parked. From here we walked and started taking picture as we were just outside the main gate. Was we walked in I realize we were going to like this palace. Gardens were very green and well maintained. The mountains surrounded the palace and provided a great background for photos. However i have to say I looked though the pictures that I have taken today and nothing compares to what i saw with my own eyes.

Once in the palace they served us tea. The government have established nice restaurant inside . Anju and Nag have arranged a guide to take us through the palace. It was a short tour but nice. He brought us to a section of the palace that was not on the tour which was really nice. I believe he only did that because Anju wanted to wee it Once back outside they brought us to the next location. when we walked in we realized that this was a much larger garden than the last. Similar fountains that you would see at the Taj Mahal. As we stepped inside we realized there was more here than what met the eye. This place 4 kilometers down a tiny road had been converted into the nicest resort. Tent lodgesd lines the sides. Nag told us it cost 6000rs a night here. it was beautiful. I would stay here for that. Kendra would love it! 6000rs is about 130 dollars. Along our tour of this place Nag had mentioned to someone about our short Camel ride last night before dinner, he found it hilarious and was mimicking the motion in which a camel stands up from his loading potitions which was on his knees. The resort asked us if we wants to go on a camel safari back to the palace 4 km away! So we road an hour on a camel to the palace. I loved it and couldn't stop laughing at my self. Along the way we got a few interesting looks from the local working their farm land but it was still fun. Two white guys on camels... It will prolly make the news.

Back at the palace again Nag suggest that we get lunch and we agreed. The restaurant in this palace was top notch by American standard and unheard of in Indian standards! Beautiful! The food was amazing. While we were there a group of tourist from spin joined us for lunch.

On our way back we stopped at Anju's office to have tea which we got the grand tour. At this point we are making good friends with Nag. He's teaching us hindi, and making jokes. On the way back to the hotel we share what American money looks like and passports. He wants us to show him around American now! :)