DAY 8

January 4, 2025

Another full day is ahead. Breakfast at our beautiful hotel is both quiet and beautiful. I discovery a new omelet – goat cheese and spinach – really delicious! We are off to the walled city and its palace.

Our first stop is Jantar Mantar (the Observatory). Without a doubt one of my very favorite stops in India. Here is the description from UNESCO which has designated the site as a World Heritage location.

The size and the beauty of these observatory instruments is beyond words. I took many photographs and also found a book. By the way we physically checked the time on the giant sundial – it was perfect.

Birgid took Karen and me through a contemporary art exhibition on the grounds of the City Palace – The Jaipur Art Centre. Curated by an acquaintance, Peter Nagy, we again discovered new artists showing some wonderful works. A favorite was an antique chair with a marble globe growing out of the seat. Fun!

After a quick stop at a foundation for women where i purchased an unusual patchwork  quilted jacket (are any of you surprised at that?) Time for a drink/snack/lunch break. They made a terrific Long Island Ice Tea and Todd ordered a pizza which was great! One has to love this Country.

Karen wants to hit the street vendors looking for bangles and tassels for a secret project when home. This relaxed experience gives me opportunity to take photographs of life on the streets. The traffic – the noise – the color – all over the top! We even see a camel hauling construction supplies. This is the real India.

Two last stops are at fancier shops and sure enough I found two more unique shirts. We are having fun now. Todd orders another pizza – also excellent. No dinner for us tonight. A very fun and relaxing day! Until tomorrow.

Robert