My time in The Pink City came and went so fast, but boy did I squeeze a lot in during that short amount of time. My hostel arranged me an awesome tuktuk driver to guide me all over the city for the day which was probably the best way I could have done all that I did. I am so grateful I decided to take on this side-trip to Jaipur because it gave me a really cool taste of what Rajasthan is like and the deep history of the area. Plus I got to see camels and elephants (and monkeys and pigs and cows and goats, etc.) and made some friends!
Reflecting on my day, I realized I am not such a fan of the historical touristy destinations, especially alone and on a budget. Some of the places I went to didn't really have an impact on me because there was no context (didn't want to pay for any guides/tours) and lacked in depth because I didn't have anyone to really share the experience with. But I did take some cool pictures, and hopefully those will speak a thousand words.
The City Palace
Peacock Gate!
Lotus Gate
- beautiful ancients tombs of past kings and royal family
Camels!
Amber Fort
40 rupee dosa! 🙌
- ancient astronomical site
The only McD's I have seen in India! The longest I've ever gone without seeing a McDonald's haha.. And I definitely did NOT eat there, saving that for America.
On the walk up to the Monkey Temple
That view!
That beautiful, jaw-dropping sunset that cannot be captured
I made friends with a sister and brother who lived there! We played and sang and fed monkeys and laughed for hours
I left them a note and little Aditi drew a smiley face on it :)
Fruit market 😍
Which I got for "take away" and enjoyed on the balcony of my hostel
Afterwards I enjoyed some sweets that this lovely German traveler bought to share with everyone! They were strange and delicious. But I woke up at 5am to her running to the bathroom to vomit so I tried not to panic at the thought that they made her sick and therefore it would hit me too. Somehow I dogged the bullet, wished her well, and went and caught my train to Delhi. Spent the majority of it reading and sippin' chai from my top bunk
And now somehow my day in Delhi has come and gone as well! It's been bittersweet thinking of leaving this country that has been home for the last two months... I am just grateful I've been able to make the best of every second of it.
Enjoyed one last mouthwatering Indian food meal! From a sunny rooftop
Lotus Temple!
India Gate
And a little shopping and henna to cap it all off :)
I have more to say on my overall feels towards India but for now my energy has to go towards my travel day tomorrow... BANGKOK, THAILAND! It's happening!!! Let's see if I sleep tonight!
